At the back of the conference hall, the high-ranking officials buzzed with excitement.
“I can hardly believe Her Ladyship is joining today’s council meeting!” one official exclaimed. “It’s like a dream come true.”
“She’s here to inspect the progress of the main tower construction, right?” another chimed in eagerly. “The servants say the castle already feels like spring.”
“And how admirable that His Lordship is allowing us officials—and even Her Ladyship, a woman—to attend a meeting with the vassals!” a third added. Despite their considerable status, these officials were nothing compared to those about to arrive.
“Is this your first time attending such a meeting?” a middle-aged official asked the youngest of the group, noticing his barely concealed nervousness.
