Over the next few days, a series of meetings were held within Duval Castle.
During the third formal meeting, held in the castle's main hall, Princess Margaret was seated at the head of the long table. Archbishop John sat to her right, and Murphy sat opposite them.
"Baron Sylvan," Princess Margaret began, her voice gentle and warm, "according to the Royal Family's calculations, the Duval Territory must contribute fifty thousand Gold Coins to the war tax. Considering the territory's unique circumstances, this is the absolute lowest amount we can ask."
Murphy, in his role as Sylvan, put on a troubled expression, but his gaze was involuntarily drawn to the Amethyst Necklace the princess wore.
The necklace rested perfectly between her delicate collarbones, shimmering with a captivating luster in the candlelight.
