Chapter 73: The Plot

A Mereloff butler's day was a study in routine.

He woke, straightened the bedding, and oversaw the servants, confirming their morning duties. While breakfast cooked, he sorted the letters for delivery to the office.

All before the first hint of dawn.

Knock-knock.

"Are you awake, my lord?"

Hearing Count Mereloff's reply, the butler opened the door and entered the bedroom. It was a suite of three rooms, and at the innermost chamber, the Count was already fully dressed, his wife still abed.

"The weather's definitely turning colder."

"I'll have the fireplace cleaned, my lord."

Count Mereloff examined the letters on the tray one by one. Most were merely formal missives for maintaining social connections.

"What's this?" The Count gestured with a letter.

"Ah. My apologies, my lord."

It was a reply from Ian. Of course, the butler thought. Someone had to maintain appearances.