In a serene courtyard, adorned with a softly murmuring lake and lush green vines stretching overhead, the coldness Alaric had shown earlier vanished. Warmth filled his eyes as he raised a cup to toast his guests.
"I dedicate this toast to you!"
That courtyard was an isolated sanctuary, surrounded by multiple barriers that cut it off from the outside world. Aside from a few attendants bringing in the food, only the five of them were present in that peaceful space.
Niara couldn't hold back and started eating at high speed, though she did try to restrain herself a bit to keep some decorum.
The City Lord waved his hand. "Please, make yourselves at home. You helped me vent a lot of pent-up anger. I'm truly grateful. No need to be polite, just call me Alaric."
