"The gathering of the Merredith Royal Family?" Colin asked aloud.
"Uh..." Hosone's face flickered with a scarcely detectable embarrassment before he paused and explained:
"It's more accurate to say it's a gathering amongst merchants, hosted by the royal family, primarily inviting major merchants from throughout the nation of Fabados.
However, since it's hosted by a member of the Royal Family… usually it's either a Prince or a Princess."
Colin's attitude was more temperate than he had imagined.
But the calmer he was, the harder it became for Hosone to handle him like those business associates, fluidly and with ease.
Controlling the rhythm of the conversation became a task he couldn't master.
Colin nodded slightly, listening patiently as Hosone spoke, then shook his head, declining politely:
"Sorry, I'm not particularly interested in gatherings."
"Lord Nade, along with every gathering there is also a small auction," Hosone, as if having anticipated this, said promptly:
