Chapter 96

Early the next day, the princess and her royal retinue began preparations for their return to Drachium. Maxi pored over the ledger for hours with Rodrigo to ensure that the delegation had all the necessary supplies for the trip. She also supervised the servants as they packed the baggage.

Although it was customary for Maxi to prepare gifts for the royal family in consultation with Riftan, she had to stop at four tapestries and six ruby-embellished gold goblets. The princess and her party already had a hefty load of wyvern bones and hides to take back.

"H-Have you finished… inspecting the wagons?"

"Yes, my lady. The wheels have been replaced with sturdy new ones, and the horses have been fed well to last the journey. The blacksmith has checked the horseshoes as well."

While she listened to the steward's report, Maxi went over the ledger twice to check that everything was packed and ready.