"This is the best place you could find?"
Ashida slowly turned around, pacing and surveying the entire study.
"Of course, welcome to Castle Star Lake."
Thales walked to the window, looking out at the moonlit Star Lake, and spread his arms wide in a bold and airy gesture, taking on the air of a sovereign:
"My very own fortress, hidden, peaceful, remote, safe—"
Before Thales could finish, a strange noise came from the ceiling, rustling and creaking, tinkling and thudding from one end to the other.
Ashida glanced at the ceiling, expressionless.
This caused the Duke of Star Lake's face to lose some color.
"—perfectly meets the requirements in your last letter, making it an excellent meeting place," Thales regained his composure and ease, his voice drowning out the odd noises from above, "not only far from Renaissance Palace but also comes with a natural view..."
Before he could finish speaking, there was a rustling noise overhead.
Sha—
