Chapter 106: Meeting with Count Delric Vachiel

Arthur sat at the head of the council chamber, eyes cold and voice devoid of warmth as the tall, broad-shouldered noble stepped forward.

"So you finally show yourself… Count Delric Vachiel," Arthur said, his tone flat but laced with disappointment. "You were summoned days ago."

Delric gave a courteous bow, but the tension in the air was unmistakable.

"I offer my sincerest apologies, Your Majesty," he said, his voice smooth, practiced. "The moment I received your summons, I made preparations to depart immediately. However, an urgent matter arose at the mines—one that required my personal attention. It could not be delegated."

Arthur raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

"Convenient," he said. "And yet, somehow you managed to appear today—on the final day of the time window you were given."