The circle of nobles is small; they might know other nobles and could directly visit each other's homes.
Conversely, Karl's behavior, in their eyes, would be a self-deprecating act.
How ridiculous that a dignified noble had no permanent residence and was forced to stay in an inn.
"Dalton, do you know where the courthouse is?"
"Of course, Lord Karl. You'll come with me. Our current inn is only a ten-minute walk from the palace."
"But I don't advise going on foot; it might make the palace guards think you're a commoner."
Shortly after, Karl and the others arrived outside the palace fortress, towering above the city wall, with many guards patrolling with heavy footsteps.
Two guards were fully armed, dressed in half-plate armor, holding halberds on both sides of the gate, staring intently at the approaching people.
"Halt! Visitors are requested to identify themselves."
"The audience schedule is full. If you wish to see His Majesty the King, please register with the herald in advance."
The halberds of the two guards crossed and blocked their path.
Karl did not dismount, and Dalton was the first to swing his leg over and dismount ahead, explaining to the guards.
"Behind me is Sir Karl. I am his assistant. This is his coat of arms."
"We have not come to seek an audience with His Majesty the King, but to deliver a letter to the royal advisors."
When both guards heard this, they exchanged glances, and one of them took the coat of arms to inspect it.
The other person carefully examined the warhorse Karl was riding and his attire.
Soon, the guards confirmed Karl's identity and met each other's eyes.
"Sir Karl, it is an honor to meet you. Since you are not seeking an audience with the king, you are not required to inform the herald in advance."
"But the royal advisors often accompany His Majesty to give counsel, and they are busy."
"So if you wish to meet with a royal advisor, you still need to wait for my report. If they are willing to receive you, I can wait before allowing you entry."
"But I can help you forward your letter first. What do you think?"
Karl urged his horse forward and swung his leg over to dismount in front of the guard.
He took out the letter, placed an Oren underneath it, and handed it to the guard, smiling easily: "In that case, sorry for the trouble, guardsman."
When the guard took the letter, he felt the Oren underneath it, and his eyes immediately changed slightly, but he quickly restrained himself.
"No problem, Sir Karl. It is an honor to serve you. Which advisor would you like the letter delivered to?"
The guard took the letter and lowered his hand, secretly rubbing the coin in his palm.
Especially after confirming that the coin was engraved with the king's head, his smile became brighter and more enthusiastic.
This was an Oren, almost equal to his income for two months, and just for delivering a letter, he could receive such a generous reward.
He even regretted that he couldn't deliver a couple more letters, so what harm was there in being in a better mood?
"Please forward this to Advisor Keira Metz from me. And if she asks about my identity, just say that I am the son of her old friend Alyssa."
Suddenly hearing Karl's instruction, the guard was startled and for a long time couldn't understand the knight's intentions.
However, since the other party had specifically instructed him to do this, it wasn't overly demanding, and it was still worth it for the face of the Oren.
Therefore, the guard nodded and said in a deep voice: "I understand, Sir Karl. Regardless of the outcome, I will return and report to you as soon as possible."
Then he waved to a patrol group passing behind him, and one of them waved and shouted: "Hey! Brother, cover for me for a while; this gentleman needs assistance."
Then the guard took the letter in his hand and quickly ran inside the palace.
His desperate running speed seemed as if he was afraid Karl would stop him from delivering the letter.
At the same time, the patrol team that heard his shout, one of them looked helpless and slowly walked towards the gate.
At first, the guard ran, but as he gradually entered the courtyard, he walked quickly and did not continue running.
Because running at this time might cause others to misunderstand, thinking there was an emergency.
When he was about to arrive at the palace, the guard was sweating profusely and was out of breath for a moment, adjusting his condition to meet with the advisor.
He never expected that at this time, the people who had met with the king inside were leaving one by one.
Seeing this situation, he realized the audience was over.
Not many people met with the king every day, and sometimes they were members of the royal council.
Among them were merchants, church members, or nobles. In short, there were all kinds of people, but commoners were certainly the fewest.
Since the audience was over, he didn't need to go back into the hall and report under the gaze of His Majesty—he could just wait for the advisor to come out on their own.
A few minutes later, a petite woman with long, light blonde hair and a shawl slowly walked out of the hall.
She was dressed very boldly, in a gown with a deep, wide neckline that opened almost to her abdomen, wearing two strands of amber necklaces or amulets around her neck, and walking barefoot.
"Advisor Keira, please wait a moment. There is a letter for you."
"Oh? Which unknown noble or merchant's son has written me a letter of admiration?" Keira turned, placed her hands on her hips, and asked playfully.
"Um... He is the son of an old friend named Alyssa. You might know her." The guard respectfully bowed, his face unchanged, and extended the letter with both hands.
At court, there were three advisors: one was Advisor Fercart, another was Advisor Triss.
The last was the bold and even slightly promiscuous Advisor Keira.
During her time as an advisor, there had been many scandals with one knight or dignitary or another.
The gifts of flowers she received, or love letters, were simply countless.
In recent years, it seemed she had gradually settled down, tired of playing.
"Hmm? The son of an old friend? The old people I know have practically all gone into the ground and rotted away."
Keira smiled playfully, a little curious, and took the letter from the guard to open it.
As soon as the envelope was opened, it began with "To my good friend Keira Metz."
"Keira, long time no see. I am Alyssa."
"Since you went to the academy, I have missed the days when we played together."
"It's a pity... I am seriously ill and cannot travel long distances to visit you."
Having read only the first few sentences, Keira frowned, her face displeased, and flames appeared in her hands to ignite the letter.
In an instant, the letter turned to ashes and floated from the air to the ground.
"Alyssa? Hmph. Who is that? I have no recollection at all."
"She's just a commoner who sees that I've entered the academy as a sorceress and sometimes serve as a court advisor, and now wants to reconnect!"
"Guardsman, if anyone like this entrusts a letter in the future, you tear it up on the way. Don't bring it before me to spoil my mood!"
Keira frowned, spoke coldly to the guards, and turned to leave.