The invitation arrived on elegant cream paper that carried the subtle scent of medicinal herbs, its informal tone a marked contrast to the formal social correspondence I had grown accustomed to receiving from noble families. Lady Elara Astoria requested the honor of my presence for "an afternoon discussion of botanical applications" at her family's private greenhouse, suggesting that our conversation at the Springshaper garden party had sparked her interest in potential collaboration.
"Interesting development," Rose observed as she reviewed the morning's correspondence alongside me in my private office. "Personal invitations to family properties suggest a level of trust that goes beyond casual social acquaintance."
"Or," I replied with careful neutrality that didn't quite hide my growing anticipation, "she's genuinely interested in the magical therapy applications we discussed. Elara strikes me as someone who pursues knowledge for its own sake rather than social positioning."
