The late-night discussion had gone exceptionally well, prompting Velin to convene a high-level meeting the very next day.
He hadn't been to the meeting room in a while, and it had undergone some new changes.
The original rough-hewn table, pieced together from swamp hardwood, was gone.
In its place was a long, blackwood table with a surface so smooth it reflected the white clouds drifting outside the window.
Two new tapestries hung on the walls, depicting scenes of a bountiful harvest with vibrant patterns and fine stitching.
Even the candlesticks had been replaced with sterling silver ones featuring intricate, swirling patterns.
Velin's brow twitched slightly.
'More meaningless expenses.'
This money could have bought at least two sets of precision distillation equipment, or covered the lab's consumables for a quarter.
His gaze swept across the long table.
Caroline was calmly sipping her tea.
