Duke Kimar's smirk curved wider, though the faint strain behind his eyes betrayed the edge of jealousy. His voice, smooth yet laced with polite bite, carried across the table.
"My~ Count Garius… tell me, are you attempting to dazzle us all with displays of wealth? Surely such glitter is better suited for festivals than for council."
Garius inclined his head slightly, his tone steady, calm, and refined, each word polished with courtesy yet edged with quiet steel.
"Ah, pardon my rudeness, Your Grace. It was never my intent to parade riches before you, nor before these honorable members of the council. Wealth alone is nothing but dust without purpose. What I wished to show… is that a region well-governed, where its people live safely, thrive in their labor, and rest without fear, will naturally bear such fruit. This glass, this wine, this wealth… are but reflections of the lives my people enjoy, not ornaments of vanity."
His smirk lingered, subtle and measured.
