"Seems like you're busy," said Bowen in a sarcastic tone.
"I deeply apologize for not welcoming you, Sire, when you entered Starfall," Nicholas said calmly. "I had to manage important matters regarding rations and other support concerning the expedition group for the Ethereal Forest."
To an outsider, it might have sounded like Nicholas was intentionally putting his work before his master, Bowen. But Bowen heard something entirely different. In an instant, Bowen's pupils dilated, and he regained his composure. It wasn't anger that he felt, but surprise and shock at how shrewd and clever Nicholas was.
From just those words, Bowen realized that Nicholas had infiltrated the group under the guise of offering assistance and had gathered extensive information about the exploration group, its rations, and even insider military details. Bowen now knew he could use this information to his advantage if Starfall ever threatened him.