Lani was momentarily surprised.
As the First Elder's assistant, she naturally knew more about the affairs of House Silver than most young members of the family. She was well aware of House Vale's current situation and understood how much the family had declined since its exile to the Black Waste.
What she had not expected was for House Vale to suddenly take the initiative and withdraw from the engagement.
She understood that this was not an ordinary matter.
Without asking Stern anything else, she nodded.
"Alright. I'll inform the First Elder immediately."
She turned around and entered through the ornate doors behind the sofa.
It did not take long.
Lani returned with a faint smile.
"Elder Stern, the First Elder asks you to come in."
Stern immediately stood up. He adjusted his clothes before giving Lani a polite nod.
"Thank you, Lani."
He then pushed open the inner doors and entered.
The room beyond them was considerably more imposing than the outer office.
