The conversation ended near the grand hall's exit, but Hajin's new title followed him outside like a second coat. It fit just as badly as the expensive formal one from the tailor.
His companions waited behind him while his exhaustion pushed every political consequence farther away than the palace doors.
For now, he wanted a hot bath, a meal, and uninterrupted sleep before another official found a reason to keep him standing beneath a chandelier.
"I will see you next time," Didi said while offering him a polite nod, and the last of her frustration settled into a tired smile.
"The King should need about a week to finish the preparations for your land grant and title transfer," she added.
Hajin felt his shoulders loosen as the delay gave him a little room to breathe.
"So I have a week before the headache becomes officially mine to keep?" Hajin asked the quiet question with a tired half smile.
