"Far west."

You watch with great unrest, as Elizka and her ministers turn towards each other, exchange aome whispered words, then look back at you.

"From the deep inner of the continent, that is?", the minister says. After a short pause, in which you nod, although you don't know if that steers you even further into a trap, he adds "Our knowledge of these lands is indeed sparse. Who knows in what strange ways the noble people of those regions dress. Maybe like you", he grudgingly admits, pointing at your shirt.

"Yes, this style is a local specialty", you hurry to say.

"It is always a delight to get to know other cultures", the duchess remarks. "But, good man, dare I ask, why you speak our language so well, if you hail from afar?"

This question throws you off guard. You have taken it for granted that you understand what people say, even here, but now that you think about it ... If this is a strange parallel world, how come they speak English? Or something that resembles it? But pondering the rules of interdimensional linguistics is not your biggest problem right now. "Well", you stumble. "It seemed to me ... just appropriate, that if I come to your court, I show my respect by learning the local language."

The duchess smiles, though you are not sure if it is an honest sign of flattery. "This hall of mine was your destination all along?"

"Umm ... amongst other places, yes."

"I see, I see. Now, good man, what exactly brings you here?"