```
Although the Sovereignty War had ended twenty-six years ago, many within the Empire still regarded the Senas Alliance as southern rebels. The clandestine meeting of the Vineta Army's powerbroker with the Emperor's favorite was enough to spark endless speculation with a simple sentence.
Yet Antonio wasn't surprised by the identity of the visitor. Without even a cursory word of greeting, he just nodded at the other party and casually pointed to the chair in front of the desk, saying indifferently, "Please sit."
Despite the cold reception, Earl Narzio didn't appear angry. Instead, a fawning smile spread across his face, "His Majesty sends his sincerest regards."
Antonio chuckled dryly, but offered no reply.
However, Earl Narzio took the exquisite wooden box from his servant's hands with diligence, placing it respectfully on Antonio's desk, "This is a gift from His Majesty for you and your esteemed wife."