Count Pelisir's rooms were lavishly appointed when compared to Queen May's. The lobby was a sitting room with book- and scroll-lined walls that looked absolutely ancient. He indicated that I should seat myself in one of two wingback chairs of silver and lavender damask on either end of a counter level with a settle that matched the chairs.

As I sat, Count Pelisir rang a tiny bell on a side table and a junior valet came scrambling. “Hm, let's see,” the Count said, “It's Timmins, yes?”

The child absolutely beamed, “Yes, My Lord! Just so!”

“Very well Timmins, have one of the others ready us a coffee service. A pot, two cups, sugar, cream, etcetera. I need you to run across the street to the Esti Plád and grab me a sack of penny rolls and herb butter. There's a gold piece in it if you do well, Timmins!”

The boy quite literally looked as if his head would explode from joy as he tried to run in three different directions at once. Then he stopped. “Um, My Lord, I haven't any pennies to buy the rolls.”

He looked horribly downcast until Count Pelisir gave him a small purse swollen with coins. “No worries Timmins. Take this purse, pay for the rolls, keep a royal for yourself and give the rest to the waitress Sidra. You know the one I mean?”

“Yes, My Lord, your nie …” He caught himself quickly, “I mean yes, My Lord, the pretty one!”

Pelisir's face grew grim for a moment. “There's talk about her, isn't there Timmins? Be honest!”

“Y-y-yes, My Lordship!” The lad was starting to cry, “but I didn't start none of it. My Lord, you must believe me, Sir!”

“There, there Timmins! Don't be in such a panic! I know it wasn't you. But you'll help me find the scoundrels spreading these rumors, won't you?”

“Absolutely, My Lord! I overheard Mister Greer and the old Wizard talking about it! I don't think they meant to spread it and I shouldn't have been eavesdropping, I'm sorry, My Lord, but they do speak rather loudly and it's usually juicy stuff!”

“Why those gossiping old hens! I'll fix that. Thank you Timmins, now off with you!”

The boy sprinted out the door like a gazelle, and Count Pelisir took the seat opposite me, crossing his legs and folding his hands.

“Well, I guess that secret’s out. If Greer and that fool Wizard know, then it's common knowledge.”

“I admit to not knowing the entire situation, My Lord, but it's usually the case that secret's like these are best aired out. You obviously care a great deal for the girl; you shouldn't have to hide it.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

He sighed and changed the subject. “Prince Anoresti’s entourage was something to see, hey?”

“It most certainly was, My Lord. And I didn't feel any special powers coming from him, except for being good looking and dashing if any ladies still fall for that tired old routine.”

“Hah! Makes you jealous, does he, Mister Bascombe? Yes, me too. Thank the gods he won't live for long! Oh er, apologies, Sir, I forgot your Humanity for a moment. Here's to hoping you'll live a long life!”

He laughed, “And nothing to toast it with. Where's that coffee?”

Just then two of the junior valets scurried in with the coffee service, asking if we needed anything further.

“Yes,” the Count replied, “one of you bring me the book entitled Tales from the Hard Coast from my personal library. It's in burgundy leather and bound by a clasp.”

“Yes, My Lord,” they chirped in unison.

“Are you going to teach me about the Hard Coast today My Lord? I have my failings, but that is a matter in which I'm well-versed .”

“Just be patient, Mister Bascombe. There are lessons you didn't know you needed, I assure you.” Again chuckling under his breath. This time like the cat who'd cornered the mouse.

Both boys came running back into the room, each with a hand on the book in question. “Thank you boys both. Now leave us. And if I catch anyone eavesdropping around here, it'll be the lash!”

They couldn't have moved any faster. Apparently spying was something of a pastime in Nez Ambríl. The two rascals certainly looked guilty enough.

“Now, Mister Bascombe, I have a gift for you. Please hand me your rapier.”

I unhitched the thing from my belt and handed it over. He pressed the top of the pommel down and turned it slightly, the diamond popped right out.

“Aha!” I proclaimed, “I knew you wouldn't let me keep such a treasure!”

He looked at me dryly, “Don't be simple, Mister Bascombe. This is but a chunk of quartz. Did you think I'd gift you the Star of Innialín? It's a treasure of our people and worth half a million royals if it's worth a copper! Egad, Sir, I'm not that soft in the head!”

As I watched, he opened the clasp of the book and revealed an empty space inside, perfect for secreting away worthless chunks of quartz. I was fairly perturbed about the diamond thing.

I watched as he pulled a replica of the quartz from the hidden compartment and snapped it into place in my rapier’s pommel. Giving it a twist until it gave a satisfying click.

“There now, Mister Bascombe. You're all ready for your next adventure.”

“Is that the true Star of Innialín, then?”

“Of course not, Mister Bascombe, don't be preposterous! For your needs right now, it's better!”

“Are you sure, Count Pelisir? Half a million gold royals would take me far on the Hard Coast. That's more than my father has, I believe.”

As I was musing and spending my non-existent wealth, Timmins came back with the penny rolls and the Count and I set to on them and some good strong coffee.

image [https://i.imgur.com/N4Jkhyy.jpeg]