what caught the dragon's attention, and seemingly Darius's as well, was a group of richly dressed men arguing fiercely with a short official supported by four burly City Guards. The oldest of the petitioners was shouting and shaking his fist at the clearly irritated official. Considering that the Guards were nervously shaking their spears every now and then, the argument had been going on for quite some time. One of the guards leaned over to the bureaucrat and said something to him. The official immediately perked up and began to look around. A smile lit up his face as soon as his gaze fell on Darius.
-Colonel Bleist!- The official's voice cut through the noise in the corridor.
-Damn it...- Even without seeing his face, Draco knew that the master was not pleased with the situation. - Stay close and don't react to these... gentlemen, - he said, turning to Draco. However, the dragon was sure that the mage had completely different words for those arguing with the official. Certainly, they were also much less censored.
Unable to pretend he hadn't heard, Bleist raised his hand in greeting to the clerk and moved towards him. The dragon, as interested as he was uncertain, followed in his footsteps. Surprisingly quickly, they found themselves next to the official, who stood somewhat dismissively with his back to the angry men.
-Colonel Bleist, how fortunate...
-You have the nerve to show your face here!- The oldest man cut the official off abruptly.- I thought that after yesterday you would hide away in your estate or comfort that elven whore...!
-Count Kerling!- The bureaucrat turned indignantly to the aristocrat. -One more word and I will have to ask the Security to escort you to the exit!
-How dare you! - The man blushed even more. Draco, looking over Darius's shoulder, saw the count's companions trying to restrain him. - Who are you to speak to me like that!
-The Grand Master's Secretary. - The official said through gritted teeth. He was clearly fed up with the argument. - And you, Count Kerling, are trying to
