After the king's envoy left, Rudolf said with genuine regret:
"I'm sorry, but from tomorrow I must pay a courtesy call on the noble who lent the money from the previous ambassador's debt. Lord Robin won't be happy about it, but unfortunately there's no choice. If I don't go, the lender will suspect that the new ambassador has no intention of repaying the debt. That would only cause more trouble."
He spoke with real pity.
"I understand. It's unavoidable. That's part of the new ambassador's duties."
Rudolf's shoulders relaxed. He's not carrying the debt himself, yet he still looks like he's shouldering the whole thing alone… I thought.
"Then before I make those calls, could you arrange an appointment with the Duchess for the very first thing tomorrow morning?"
Rudolf looked puzzled.
"It's fine. The Duchess will definitely see you. She makes time for me first thing in the morning. No one else comes before me."
He still looked uneasy, but he nodded.
