[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/OEh1rTU.png[/img][color=9AF781][h1]Lord Leo Smithwood[/h1]
Time: 6 pm
Location: Guest House; Dining Room
Interactions: none[/color][/center]

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Leo sat back in his chair briefly disappointed that Duke Lorenzo had not just accepted his offer. A couple of people acting as a buffer between The Grand Vizier and the Duke could only be a benefit, but instead, Hafiz graciously let the whole ridiculous chair situation go and ended up sitting between Charlotte and the Duke. Great, now maybe they could all finally eat soon. 

[color=cfa36d]"Well said, Lord Smithwood. You are very intelligent. I am impressed."[/color]

And just like that, a day that had started out not so great reached a peak that could not be tarnished. Praise, from the Sultan himself, left Leo momentarily dumbstruck as he stared at the red tablecloth for a moment. Mayet too, had seemed to approve of his attempt to aid the whole situation. He hoped this would help make it easier for him and Charlotte to speak with the Shehzadi about last night's party later, a bit of good will certainly couldn’t hurt. 

He had smiled at Charlotte after she’d spoken up to defend Lorenzo and mouthed a “well said” her way. The near debacle almost seemed over, until Duke Lorenzo spoke again, now gloating in a thinly veiled manner about how the Grand Vizier was again in second place. Leo knew very little about Hafiz but even he could tell those were dangerous waters. Auguste at least tried to cover the comment up as the Prince told of lessons of good sportsmanship learned in tournaments. The Sultan, truly a wise man, declared it time to eat and hopefully, that would sweep Lorenzo’s comment under the rug. 

The food was brought out, the heavenly smell only intensified as everything was set upon the table. He waited patiently until the royals around the table had been served first. He discreetly studied the way the Alidasht guests ate and copied them, not waiting to move too hastily and stumble upon any sort of cultural faux pas. Seeing as how he was here as the guest of a guest, and mostly surrounded by royalty, Leo stayed quiet and simply waited for someone else to lead the conversation. The variety of new foods was more than enough to hold his attention. [/color]