Across the table from Impa, helping himself to the loaves of bread and fruit spread before them, sat an old man, wearing a straw hat and simple clothing. He smiled at the Sheikah leader, graciously thanking her for her hospitality, and remarking with delight at the architecture and decoration of the village. By all accounts, he appeared a very agreeable, grandfatherly sort. His gray hair, though obviously blonde in his youth, was tied back and secured with a violet ribbon, the only brightly colored piece upon his entire person.
Link watched the man like a hawk as they exited the small guest house and took their places at the table. He kept careful note of the way the man nodded his head when he spoke, and ripped the bread in half before eating it. He didn't know why exactly, but he was somehow reminded of stalking a camp of bokoblins. He certainly had more manners than those beasts, but the sense of danger was the same. He wouldn't tell anyone that, not without knowing why.
Upon noticing Zelda, the man stood abruptly and bowed to her. "Ah! Good morning, Princess Zelda! I am very honored to finally be able to meet you!" As he bowed, he took off his cap, revealing a sizable bald spot on the top of his head, which he quickly covered again as he righted himself. "My name is Toman, and I have been serving the Hylian people as their governor these past twenty years."
Zelda smiled politely at him. "I thank you for looking after my people in my absence. You will be rewarded when I return to my full authority as sovereign of Hyrule."
Toman's grin faltered. "Ah, yes, well…" He cleared his throat. "With all due respect, Your Highness, I don't believe you are well qualified for the position as queen."
Silence fell over the group at his words, and Link instinctively grasped the hilt of his sword. Not to draw it, he assured himself.
"I'm sorry?" Zelda finally exclaimed, overwhelmed with confusion. "Please explain what exactly you mean by that statement, sir."
Impa noticeable shifted on her cushion, clearly having something to say, but thinking better of it for the time being. As much as Link knew her to speak openly, often when those around her would prefer otherwise, she showed an unusual deference to the two belligerents.
Not fazed in the least by Zelda's question, Toman's smile returned. "The people of Hyrule have been without a monarch for these past hundred years. They might not be so quick to follow you. I mean no disrespect, of course, but you must look at the situation from their perspective. They only know of you from stories, never having met you, or had any sort of understanding of your character. And, pardon me if I'm mistaken, but wasn't your education primarily in theology, not public administration?"
A tinge of red, from anger or embarrassment, Link couldn't tell, began to rise in Zelda's cheeks. "I see." She sat at the table, settling her thoughts for a moment as she took a piece of fruit from the bowl. "I don't wish to discuss this any further this morning." She declared in her best princess-like tone. "It is far too early in the day to speak about such things." She shot an authoritative look at Link, who sat down beside her at once.
Toman, willing to let the matter go for a while, sat down as well, considerably farther away from Zelda than Link had done. "As you wish, Your Highness."
Impa and Link, who had remained silent during the entire exchange, met eyes for a moment, just before the older woman took a sip of tea, and quickly looked away. Oddly enough, Link had the feeling that Impa had far more to say on the subject than either of the rulers combined, and that she had no intention of saying any of in their presence.