Earl of Zediland, Acheson Lacia and his eldest son sat in the study, still in their plain but durable hunting attire, with the bindings on their legs not yet unwrapped.
"We were hunting outside the city when His Highness's letter arrived, and the journey was too far to return home and change into formal attire for the audience," Earl Acheson coughed, "Such impropriety is truly our fault."
The earl's eldest son nodded slightly.
The Second Prince behind the desk waved his hand.
"The Lacia Family, a branch of the Sunset Temple who believes in Jolance, is known for its simplicity and hard work. How could I be unaware of this and blame you?"
Thales did not look up; he was flipping through the Annals of the Southern Shore Nobility with interest, his page stopping at a family tree depicting a four-winged giant lizard.
