Side Story Chapter 29

Ruth looked up from the royal summons, scratching his messy hair. "Should I not accompany you this time?"

"I want you to remain in Anatol to oversee the construction," Riftan replied, adamantly shaking his head. He tossed a piece of meat to Agalde, settled on a nearby perch.

"I am a mage, not your proxy," Ruth grumbled as he flung the message into the brazier. "Is it not about time you found a wife? You could have your pick from any of the lesser nobility. You'd have someone to manage the castle while you're away, not to mention the small dowry she would bring. A good bargain, if I do say so myself."

Riftan shot the mage a glare. "Sounds like something an aristocrat would say."

"You are part of the aristocracy now," Ruth said, shrugging. "A knighted vassal of the king and the Lord of Anatol. Aren't marriages of convenience the bread and butter of the noble class?"