The hall was abuzz with activity after the Duke and his wife had entered. The dancing had faltered but as of yet had not altogether stopped. While he ruled the city and made a showing of himself, this was his home and most here had already become at least tangentially acquainted with he and his family. He was an alright fellow in Markus's book, as his arrival had been a good segue for him to excuse himself, though rather than making a B line toward him as many were, he went to grab a drink or two a dozen paces away. 

A slim woman presented him with a tray of wine glasses, smiling sweetly. She either wanted to bag a rich man or simply didn't want to lose her job, but either way he didn't care. He took a glass and downed it in a swill. 

"Spero che la tua giornata sia stata grandiosa," She remarked, expertly bowing as the tray was held steady in her hands. Markus could only understand about four of the words vaguely, so he smiled and placed a silver schilling on the tray. Her eyes widened as he walked away, deciding to see if the line around the Duke had thinned. Most people seemed to have simply wanted to greet him and try to keep themselves relevant in his memory before slinking off back to their intrigue and business deals. The Captain stood behind three men as they chatted the Duke up, unable to ascertain if they were old friends or lollygaggers. 

The Duke had dark features, with an olive color to his skin and a hardiness to his countenance. In fact he seemed like Tobaro personified. Refined but gruff, with a no-nonsense attitude intermingled with a sense of flair and style. The fellow moved aside the last man and held his hand out to Markus, who did not hesitate to shake it. That seemed to garner some modicum of approval from the Duke. 

"We have no met before. Are you an...Imperial?" He asked, his accent heavy albeit clearly fluent in reikspeil.

"Yes, I am-" 

"Captain Flintbrook!" A voice cried. Both Markus and the Duke turned to see Enrique the heir running to their position, trying his best not to bump into anyone. The Duke regarded Markus and then his son, clearly not used to being out of the loop of something. Markus immediately took note that Emmaline was missing. He sighed, thinking she had gotten into trouble. 

"Enrique? You know this man?" The Duke asked.

"Lady Von Morganstern has collapsed, sir. I don't know why. She's alright but-"  

Markus's throat closed in sudden worry. "Lead the way" he ordered, hurrying away with him, hoping the next few moments the Duke didn't notice he forgot to add an honorific.