Chapter 241: Meeting With The King
The private study within the Fox King’s palace was a masterpiece of understated elegance, its walls lined with more ancient texts than Grim had ever seen in his life before.
Soft light filtered through crystalline windows that seemed to amplify and purify the illumination, creating an atmosphere that was serene.
Húwáng sat behind a desk covered in fur.
Reviewing documents with the kind of focused attention that marked his centuries of experience in governance. When Grim was announced, the king looked up with an expression that seemed notably more relaxed than during their formal court appearance.
"Lord Ambrose," he said, gesturing to a comfortable chair positioned across from his desk. "Please, sit. I believe we have much to discuss without the court present."
Grim settled into the offered seat, noting immediately that the atmosphere felt dramatically different from their previous encounter.
The overwhelming presence of royal power was still evident, but it was controlled and contained rather than openly displayed.
"Your Majesty," Grim replied. "I appreciate this opportunity for private conversation."
"First," Húwáng said with what might have been apologetic amusement, "I should address the rather theatrical nature of our formal introduction yesterday. I suspect the court proceedings felt somewhat excessive given our previous correspondence."
"The formality was certainly comprehensive," Grim agreed diplomatically.
"Indeed," the king said with obvious regret. "However, I hope you understand that certain protocols must be observed when introducing foreign dignitaries to our court. Even though we had established communication prior to your arrival, the appearance of proper diplomatic procedure serves important political purposes."