Maxi gazed down at the glittering array of colorful gowns. All were of the finest quality normally worn by royalty.
"W-Where did you get these? From Sir Sejuleu? Please don't tell me you accepted such an extravagant gift simply because he offered."
"Goodness. Such fuss from the mistress of the most prosperous land in the south," Sidina quipped while lifting a silk gown with a deep neckline.
"Sidina!" Maxi exclaimed. "What were you thinking?! Th-This is beyond courtesy! Hundreds of nobles are here right now. If word were to get out… that I accepted such a lavish gift from a foreign nobleman, it would cause a scandal!"
"Not to worry, as these are not from Sir Sejuleu," Sidina replied distractedly, picking up another gown.
Maxi's eyes widened. Who else would go out of their way to show her such kindness? Could they be from Riftan? She looked down at the heap of gowns on the bed, her eyes shining with hope. Sidina's following words caught Maxi by surprise.