"Thank you, Valerius-san," I replied. "That's incredibly gracious of you. It takes a truly secure man of high station to apologize to someone like me." I bowed my head slightly. "It speaks volumes about your character, the kind of exemplary leadership the Hunter world needs."
Several onlookers exchanged meaningful glances, the silent language of the elite speaking volumes. A middle-aged woman with an elaborate silver-threaded updo raised her eyebrows just enough to telegraph her amusement, her crimson lips quirking at the corners in poorly concealed delight at this unexpected social theater. Julian noticed her reaction immediately, his perfectly composed facade cracking just enough for me to spot the muscle in his jaw twitching beneath his golden-boy skin.
