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"This next part of the tale is not widely agreed upon by Atreyan historians," said William. "Many, I am sure, would argue that Charles' role in persuading Ambassador Lobo was minimal or even nonexistent. But I tell you: I do not believe it. Two other members of that welcoming party wrote of their experience, and they both stated that Lobo was incredibly unpleasant from the moment he set foot in the palace. He refused to try any local cuisines and instead demanded that every meal include certain foods, one of which was carambola, a fruit which only grows on the other side of the world in Ardora."

"Geez..."

"He was also reportedly disrespectful toward King Domitrus and even made a pass at the man's wife--along with several other married women."

Hector pressed his lips together flatly as he painfully imagined that.

"However," the King continued, "on the third day of his visit, his attitude suddenly and dramatically changed. He became much more accommodating and amiable. He even apologized for his past behavior."

Hector scratched his cheek, still a bit skeptical. "And you think Charles was behind that?"

"I do."

"But..." Hector was worried he might spoil the King's enthusiasm by saying this, but he needed clarification. "Lobo's own accounting of those events never even mentioned a Charles Belgrant."

"Ah!" Instead than looking upset, the King's expression lit up even more. "You have read it?"

Oh, crap, he'd intended to keep that to himself, hadn't he? "Er, y-yeah..."

"Wonderful!" The man's smile only broadened, but he tilted his head at Hector, too. "Why do you seem so embarrassed?"

"Uh... I... ah..." Aw, shit, what should he say? Maybe just the truth? "I... I don't know."

The man's brow depressed with either confusion or pity--or possibly both. "You are a very strange young man."

Hector just kind of rubbed his neck and averted his gaze.