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[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/4qHXp4X.png[/img][/center]
[center][url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/944424394804068392/1098811789078171698/httpswww.png]Red Duke Redemption[/url][/center]
[Color=salmon][b]Time:[/b][/color] 6 p.m.
[Color=salmon][b]Location:[/b][/color] Guest House
[Color=salmon][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] [@princess] Hafiz, Raif, Charlotte, [@Lava Alckon] Farim, [@Potter] Layla, [@13org] Mayet, [@Rodiak] Nahir, [@infinite cosmos] Munir, [@Helo] Leo, [@Tpartywithzombi] Ariella, [@JJ Doe] Riona, and [@Inertia] Auguste.
[Color=salmon][b]Mention:[/b][/color][hr] Hafiz's Reputation

Lorenzo had sat comfortably at the head of the table opposite of Sultan Raif who simply stared back at him. Everything seemed to be going swell so far and the gifts hadn't even been presented yet. However, the Alidasht royal, Farim whispered a warning of sitting in Grand Vizier Hafiz's seat. Lorenzo raised a brow, finding something so trivial quite ridiculous. [Color=salmon][I]In my home, it's first come first served. That's why I make sure I hurry to the table before anyone else does. And I thought the book said they were competitive… I think it'll be fine. He might not even come.[/I][/color]

Mayet was the second to address Lorenzo about his seating choice. Unfortunately, her roundabout way of asking, no matter how forceful, was simply taken as a suggestion. It was more about what she said and not how she said it. It wasn't because of some backward thinking either. Lorenzo honestly thought Mayet always sounded aggressive as he had no frame of reference for the contrary. He gave her a quiet nod, not budging from the seat.

When Hafiz burst into the dining room, Lorenzo initially looked at him with a smile out of politeness but found his turban to be… a bit much.  He naturally averted his gaze from the slight strobing effect of the sparkling jewels. The lighting of the room reflected off it like newly polished gold. [Color=salmon][I]Kier would have stolen that shiny cap for sure.[/I][/color] 


As Hafiz bee-lined toward him, Lorenzo kept his gaze on the tablecloth to avoid making an odd squinting face at the vizier. The Alidasht were very sensitive about disrespect. That fact is one Nathaniel had drilled into him while they shopped for gifts. It was thanks to Nathaniel that Lorenzo might have any hope of surviving tonight thanks to a recital of information on the exotic kingdom pulled from a history book and last week's newspaper highlighting their arrival. There was a great piece written with useful information but whether or not Lorenzo remembered… Well, that would determine how this evening turned out for the man.

[Color=salmon]“Good evening. Vizier Hafiz. You almost made me believe dawn was breaking in the evening. You look too incredible for me to look at. Really.”[/color] Lorenzo complimented while he shielded his eyes from the man looming over him now. 

[color=gold]"Duke Vikena. Move from that seat,"[/color] Lorenzo didn't understand why he approached with such animosity toward him about the seat. He might have simply given it up until Hafiz spoke again, this time with venom that wouldn't be detected by the others at the table.

[i][color=gold]"You insolent fool."[/color][/i]

But Duke Lorenzo Vikena was all too familiar with this venom. It reminded him so much of Count Damien, a man he both feared and despised. That single shot of gin Nathaniel gave him was just enough to diminish one of those feelings. The former…

With a hand held up to shield his eyes from the sparkling turban, Lorenzo looked up at Hafiz to the best of his ability. 

[Color=salmon]“Vizier Hafiz Kadir, though you are a sight to behold, your order to have me move and your insult in addressing out of my name disrespects not me, but your family and country. Me? An insolent fool? Is this how the Alidasht treat their honored guests? One who has brought gifts to admonish the mistake he made against your family? In front of foreigners who have welcomed you into our country!”[/color] Lorenzo shook his head in disappointment.


[Color=salmon]“Hospitality, Vizier. Is that not a right to a guest of your people? And are you not praised for your tact and ability to speak eloquently? But I will say again, you call your honored guests a fool! Why shouldn't I just leave? Actually… I don't feel very welcomed here. Charlotte.”[/color] He addressed her as if telling her to be prepared to go.
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