Having finished discussing matters of religion, faith, and the fate of the unfortunate namhani, Ramola and Raymond reached the finest part of Cererum, where the wealthiest residents of Covellia lived—the rich among the rich. Their destination was a vast estate that resembled a true palace in its size. Ramola ran his hands through his hair to fix his hairstyle, and then they stepped inside, passing guards who were armed to the teeth. Then, crossing a massive room that looked more like a throne hall, the two sorcerers walked down a long corridor until they reached a single door at the end of their path.
Passing through this door, they found themselves in a large room where many people were gathered. There were seven of them: Taosians who only vaguely and slightly resembled one another; a busty Assarian; a red-haired sorceress; a lean, bald man; a blue-eyed blond; and a person with long black hair tied into a low ponytail. Those present did not immediately pay attention to the newcomers.
— "So there you have it, imagine this: that sucker paid me as much as 5000 for this." The bald man was clearly very amused by the story he had just finished telling.
— "The city is full of fools, and even more so of stupidity," the red-haired woman stated.
— "Ah, Ramola, hello." The blond extended a hand to the master of cold magic, who returned the handshake warmly. "And who is this with you?"
— "Hanelion Raymond, an old acquaintance of mine. But I think he can introduce himself."