More guests filtered into the courtyard from inside the mansion. Judging by their expensive clothing and polished manners, these newcomers were nobles who had likely been preparing inside rather than mingling outdoors.
A few moments later, the double doors opened again.
Jack Merygold stepped onto the landing at the top of the stairs, dressed in an elegant dark suit embroidered with gold thread. He waited patiently until the conversations below faded into silence.
"My honored guests," he began, his voice carrying effortlessly across the courtyard. "On behalf of House Merygold, I thank every one of you for accepting our invitation. Your presence brings great honor to my family."
This again?
He paused briefly before continuing.
