For several moments following King Edmund's invitation, the magnificent banquet hall remained unusually quiet.
Hundreds of guests watched as Sage stepped away from the Adventurer Guild's delegation and approached the central passage leading toward the royal platform.
The attention was hardly surprising. Although distinguished individuals had received recognition throughout the ceremony, few had been personally summoned by the King for a conversation before the assembled nobility.
Lucan accompanied Sage for several steps before stopping near the designated boundary.
"Guildmaster, remember what we discussed," Lucan reminded him quietly. "Answer His Majesty respectfully, but don't feel obligated to make promises simply because everyone is listening."
Sage gave him an amused glance. "Relax, Lucan. I'm not planning to surrender the Guild before dinner."
