[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3wGoS7n.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/clIHoiY.png[/img][/center]
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[color=a187be]Time:[/color] [b]6pm[/b]
[color=DDB775]Location:[/color] Castle Dining Room
[color=a187be]Interaction:[/color] [@Silverpaw] Wulfric [@Potter] Ezra 
[color=a187be]Mention:[/color][@Helo] Callum 
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[color=DDB775]"Good evening, Wulfric. Ah, the guild. How admirable of you to upkeep your interest in commerce and trade. You'll have to inform more about your visit and tell me if things are running smoothly there."[/color] King Edin's attention was soon drawn away from the conversation, however, as the servants wheeled in the dining cart. The plates were covered with ornate metal cloches. As the cloches were lifted, the enticing aroma of the food wafted through the air, making King Edin's stomach grumble in anticipation. He let out a great sigh of relief as if he had been relieved of all his responsibilities for the rest of his life.

Underneath the cloches, he was pleased to see an array of delectable dishes. There were succulent roasted meats, cooked to perfection and served with rich gravies and savory sides. The first was a bowl of buttery mashed potatoes. Next to the potatoes was a medley of roasted vegetables. Lastly, there was a basket of freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven. 

As King Edin focused most of his attention on filling his plate, he returned back to the topic his son had begun. [color=DDB775]"I have a deep understanding of commerce and finance. The Guild recognizes this and they have shown me their utmost respect and admiration."[/color] King Edin leaned back in his chair, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

He paid no heed to the fact that Wulfric had turned his attention to Anastasia. [color=DDB775]"I don't mean to boast,"[/color] he continued, [color=DDB775]"but it is a fact that I am the smartest and most capable leader this kingdom has ever had. The Merchant Guild knows it too, and they love me for it. They know that I will do whatever it takes to keep our economy strong and thriving...I know these are big shoes for you to fill, Wulfric, but I have faith that someday you will be able to fit into them. Simply follow my example and you will succeed."[/color] 

Meanwhile, Alibeth settled into her seat next to Edin. She appeared visibly uneasy, her hands tightly clasped onto the sides of the chair as if preparing to stand up at any moment. Despite her initial silence, it was evident that something was weighing heavily on her mind. Finally, she spoke up with a question that had been nagging her, [color=a187be] "...Has anyone seen Callum?"[/color]

King Edin immediately replied dismissively, with little concern as he took a joyful bite of potatoes, [i][color=DDB775]"Nobody wants to see Callum."[/color][/i]

[color=a187be] "Edin... Please."[/color] Although her tone was gentle, her expression suggested that she wanted to stab him with a fork. 

Irritated, he rolled his eyes and set his silverware down. [color=DDB775]"Oh, don't let that boy ruin our dinner, dear. We all know where he is."[/color] When his wife didn't respond, he leaned in with a hushed voice that only those at the table could hear. [color=DDB775] "The brothels open for business at this time every night."[/color] 

Before anyone could comment on King Edin's fact of the day, footsteps announced the arrival of newcomers. Alibeth shot up from her seat and glared at the baker, her indignation palpable. She whirled her glare on her husband, who was grinning with anticipation. [color=a187be] "Edin, dear, [i]what is all that?[/i]"[/color]

[color=DDB775]"Ezra! You've come just in time. I've been dreaming about those cakes you made for the ball all day."[/color] King Edin had wasted no time in placing an order as soon as the baker's shop had opened that morning. In fact, he had been obsessing over the delectable confection ever since he had taken his first bite. Turning to his wife with a beaming smile, he announced, [color=DDB775]"I thought it would be a nice surprise for everyone... No need to thank me."[/color] Whether or not the others indulged was actually of little consequence to him.


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