Gates of Aschenfall
The observers arrived in an official carriage marked with Vestria's neutral seal—a golden circle with twelve stars representing the kingdoms.
Kaito waited for them at the gates with the four queens and the main council.
He had spent the entire morning reminding them of the rules.
Especially Naporia.
"Be polite. Be patient. Don't threaten anyone."
"And if they ask a stupid question?"
"Answer politely anyway."
"And if they insult the kingdom?"
"Smile and correct them diplomatically."
"And if...?"
"Naporia. No threats. Period."
Now they watched as the carriage stopped and its occupants descended.
The first was a woman in her fifties—tall, thin, with a posture that screamed military discipline even though she wore formal civilian clothes.
Gray hair perfectly arranged in a bun. Ice-blue eyes that scanned everything with the expression of someone evaluating and finding faults.
Dame Kristina of Vestria.
