Chapter 39: Baron Slovene
"Hum... hum..."
A man was humming quietly, legs propped up on the desk, his head lazily resting on one hand while the other hung off the armrest of the chair. He looked entirely at ease in the quiet of his study.
Knock, knock.
The sound of knuckles rapping against the door interrupted the tune.
The man stopped humming. He lowered his legs from the desk and straightened his back, clearing his throat.
"Ahem. Come in."
"Excuse me, my lord."
The door creaked open to reveal an elderly man in formal attire. His hair was completely white, combed neatly back, and though age lined his face, his posture remained sharp and professional.
"Have they arrived?" The man behind the desk asked with a slight smirk. He leaned forward, resting both arms on the table and cupping his chin in one hand.
"Yes, Baron."
Baron Julian Slovene. His hair was a deep ash-grey, flecked with silver at the temples. Though in his early fifties, his posture was upright, and his eyes carried the calm wisdom of age.