An hour later, Nathaniel quietly entered a private mansion wearing a disguise.

Inside the living room, Tristan had already prepared tea and refreshments. He looked as if he had been waiting for a long time.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting, Tristan." Nathaniel took off his coat and walked forward with a smile.

"No need to apologize. I'm happy that you made the effort to arrange this. A few extra minutes are nothing, especially since it's rare for us to meet." Tristan gestured for him to sit while he poured two cups of tea and handed one to his brother.

Nathaniel accepted the cup and discreetly set it aside. Whenever he was out, he was always cautious about food and drink—this wariness had become second nature.

"You asked to meet me on short notice. Is this about official matters or something personal?" Tristan took a sip from his cup and got straight to the point.

"Both," Nathaniel replied, still smiling.

"Oh?" Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it, then."

"Given how things