"Your Grace, you could have called me to your office," Count Elias began, a fake smile stretching across his lips. "Why trouble yourself by coming all the way to my estate?" He gestured toward a servant, wordlessly instructing her to serve tea to both the Duke and his commander.
"Count Elias, I was already traveling through the district for a meeting with the farmers' union. I thought it only right to stop by," Damian replied smoothly.
"The farmers' union?" Elias's brow furrowed as he raised his cup. "Surely Your Grace isn't planning to lower their taxes? The crop yields have been exceptionally high this year; the treasury should be well-accounted for."
"I agree," Damian said, his smile sharpening. He looked at the steaming cup that had been placed before him but made no move to touch it. "I've already had tea today, so I'll pass."
The rejection was subtle but clear. Damian leaned forward slightly. "I would, however, like to see the ledger for this month's revenue collection."
