Schemes in the Dark ( 277 )

Marquis Mikele smirked, swirling his wine lazily before glancing at Klimbert with amusement.

"Klimbert," he said, his tone dripping with condescension, "all the high nobles are gathered here. I believe you should prepare… food for us?"

Laughter rippled through the chamber. Some nobles chuckled, others smirked behind their goblets, enjoying the moment.

Klimbert gritted his teeth.

He was furious.

Entire Coalition army was unaccounted for. His messengers had vanished. His scouts were being sent on a mission that should never have been necessary.

And yet—

These bastards were treating it as a joke.

But he couldn't show weakness.

Not here.

Not in front of Duke Ibzles—who could crush his house with a single command.

Klimbert forced a tight-lipped smile and bowed slightly.

"…Of course, Marquis Mikele. I will have my chefs prepare a feast immediately."