Chapter 69: New Aces
30 minutes earlier...
In the Guildmaster’s room of the Dawnbloom Guild, five people were present.
Prince Reid sat comfortably on a plush sofa, one leg folded over the other as he leaned back with practiced elegance. Standing tall beside him was his Royal Knight, Sir Saul, clad in sleek black armor.
Across from the prince, Mirinda sat upright, composed as always. Beside her stood Ida and Beltimore, the latter quietly adjusting his glasses.
Between them was a low rectangular table set with tea, bread, and crackers.
Prince Reid took a graceful sip of tea and gently set the cup down. Ida’s cheeks flushed slightly, understandable, considering that Prince Reid was one of the most admired men in the city.
"I seem to have arrived at a lively hour," Reid said, glancing toward the window where the sounds of the hall could be faintly heard. "Was I interrupting an event?"
"It’s just an initiation ceremony," Mirinda replied, her tone clipped. "Though someone failed to inform me it was happening today."
Her gaze slid to Beltimore, standing silently to her right. He touched the rim of his glasses, deliberately avoiding eye contact.
"I see," Reid said smoothly. "Then allow me to apologize for the late notice regarding our meeting. Things at the palace have been... rather hectic lately."
"It’s fine, Prince Reid," Mirinda said with a tight smile. "There’s no need to apologize."