I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy

Ian paused, then the corner of his mouth curved faintly upward. "To come here himself, instead of summoning me."

"Couldn’t bear to wait until the Agent of the Saint’s formal entry, I imagine. Truly, just as the Elder described," Simon breathed, his eyes shining.

He exchanged a look with Thesaya. "The Bastard King clearly still holds the Agent of the Saint in special regard."

"Or he has a good reason to," Ian said, chewing the food.

"A reason, you say?" Simon asked, blinking.

Ian shrugged indifferently. "I wouldn’t know what that is."

"Shall I show him in?" Lucia asked, then glanced at the food-laden table. "Or shall I tell him to wait until you’ve finished your meal?"

Her tone was far too calm for it to be an empty gesture. She clearly believed it was Ian’s right.

"We can’t exactly leave a king standing in the street," Ian said with a dry laugh, swallowed his food, and nodded. "Show him in."

Lucia nodded and turned. Ian set down his fork, clicked his tongue, and stood up. The rest of the party rose one by one. As Thesaya was the last to stand, adjusting her clothes, the door opened.

Screech—

Lucia, who had opened the door, stepped respectfully to the side. A moment later, a man in a hooded cloak stepped inside.