"Well, Landsberg, what has upset you, and in what way can I assist you?"
"I came to ask your Majesty for leave of absence."
I raised my eyebrows. This was quick work, considering that he had only joined such a short while.
"I feel sure you have good reasons for your demand; are they of such a nature that you can confide in me?"
"Yes, your Majesty, I wish for leave of absence to punish a man who has grossly insulted a lady who cannot retaliate."
"I can have no duels in Rudarlia."
"Your Majesty, the man I would punish is a Bornian, or rather he lives in that country."
"No officer in my Guards must be mixed up in any scandal, Landsberg."
"I assure your Majesty there shall be no scandal, no one will know my name or anything about me, and----"
"There is only one lady whose wrongs you have a right to redress. Is Mademoiselle Sonia the lady in question?"