84 Charley and the Money Factor(ies)

'Next steps... Retrieve Charley. Go to collect the promise from Natalie Sarouneh. And while waiting for the finals of the selection tournament to start, maybe I'll drop by Astrid Estreya's place for that quest...' Lars thought as he walked with even paced behind the servant Duke Leanne had assigned to lead him to where Charley was resting.

Once Lars/ Mikael recovered, he thanked the confused Duke Leanne and acted as if nothing had happened. Then he quickly excused himself, finished off the drinks and swallowed it half-choking when he realised just how much he hated the terribly caustic mead of some sort.

"T-this way, please f-follow this servant, Great Lord..." Mabu, the palace worker assigned by Duke Leanne, led the way to Charley's chambers. He was shaking with every step but trying his best to rein in his fearful reaction.