Negotiation

In the dark, Noel was led across the labyrinth of the castle. The layout was complicated, but at the same time, it was lightly defended as though it had been instructed to avoid a lot of people. 

After walking down the hallway for more than thirty minutes, he finally reached a door at the end of the hallway. 

The admiral who brought him here knocked on the door and said, "Your Majesty. Noel Ardagan is here."

"Come in." 

The admiral opened the door as per order, revealing the familiar king and Fradania. 

The king smiled. "Welcome, Noel Ardagan. It has been a few months since we last met."

"I'm grateful that you are welcoming me to your castle." Noel politely greeted him. 

"Though it appears that you are accompanied by an old man instead of a beautiful wife." The king made a joke to lighten the mood.

"That is indeed true." Noel nodded as both of them laughed. The admiral could only look at them as if he had been betrayed.