High within the secluded royal sanctuary of the palace, thick velvet drapes muffled the distant clamor of the capital city, casting the private royal study into deep, contemplative shadow.
King Alden stood before an expansive stained window overlooking the southern horizons, swirling an amber vintage of aged plum wine in a crystal goblet.
Behind the monarch stood Grand Advisor Elias, his silver hair neatly combed back beneath an embroidered scholar's cap as he held a leather portfolio containing confidential territorial reports.
"The summoner has formally claimed his charter and departed through the southern gates, Your Majesty," Elias reported softly, his calm voice echoing through the quiet study.
"He departed without requesting extra royal regiments or petitioning for additional gold subsidies from the Crown treasury," the grand advisor added, unable to hide the faint trace of admiration in his tone.
