A Suitable Offering
Nikolai never liked anyone on their first meeting. Today was the exception. The woman in front of him must be in her late twenties or thirties, but he could tell she was wise beyond her years.
Taly is her name, an uncommon name. Nikolai tried to see if she was a beastmen, but there was no indication of that. However, he didn't want to ruin their meeting by making her uncomfortable. At least, not until he gets something useful out of her.
"Their villainy," Nikolai leaned in with a straight back. "Elaborate," he wanted to continue the subject after their brief introduction.
"Of course, nobles would be interested in that," she rolled her eyes, which had dark bags beneath them. Her unnatural violet irises focused on his body and attire. "However, I never expected the Rosian royal family to be one of them."