Garius rose slowly, his movements dignified and measured. With effortless grace, he handed the glass back to Alf, who received it with a polished bow.
Turning his gaze across the gathered nobles, Garius's smile lingered.
"Ah… I believe I have spoken at length," he said smoothly, his tone light but with a clear edge of mockery. "Perhaps too much. One might almost think I should charge for such lessons, for wisdom, after all, is far more costly than coin."
The heavy toll of the great bell rolled across the courtyard, deep and resonant, cutting through the murmurs of nobles and servants alike.
Garius turned his head slightly, his expression calm.
"Ah… it seems the council is about to begin," he said, his tone measured yet carrying that subtle sting. "And here we have spent far too much time on… explanations, posturing, and trifles that add nothing to the realm."
