The Queen’s Blessing

As Sophia busied herself with coordinating the arrangements, Vicar took the opportunity to provoke Ragnar with his pointed remarks.

"You know, Ragnar, unlike Queen Oda, I am genuinely delighted by Sophia's return. My proposal for an alliance for you and Sophia remains unchanged. If you two agree to align yourselves with Ostrill Kingdom, I am more than prepared to abandon the Cescil kingdom immediately."

He leaned in closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "And if you wish to ensure my silence about Sophia's miraculous recovery, I expect both of you in my chambers tonight. Consider it a... gesture of goodwill."

Ragnar narrowed his eyes, the light of amusement absent from his gaze.

"Vicar, you overstep again," he responded coldly, his tone laced with a barely contained edge.

Sophia, catching the tail end of the conversation as she approached, raised an eyebrow quizzically.