‘What a strange young man.’

Marquis Lanford, staring blankly at the empty chair across from him, thought back to Arendt von Eckhart’s appearance, who had sat in that seat not long ago.

Considering his age, it would be acceptable to praise him for being quite adept at controlling his facial expressions. However, it seemed that he still lacked the experience to hide his deep-seated anxiety.

He would gently stroke his teacup, avert his eyes slightly out of habit, and occasionally hesitate while talking.

However, as their conversation continued, he realized that Arendt was not merely a child, because even though he was so agitated, he never lost his composure.

‘He has no shame in his actions.’

Even though he was causing trouble here and there, there was talk that it was also an attempt to exploit gaps in the enemy’s defenses.

It was all in the past, so only he knew the truth, but Marquis Lanford thought the story had some credibility. Arendt, whom he had seen in person, was sensitive and sharp, but he did not seem like a child who moved without a plan.

He recalled a conversation he had had with Arendt.

“I did it because I had to and because I could.”

Looking back, it was such an arrogant thing to say that it made him laugh out loud, but there was no response beyond that.

To be honest, Marquis Lanford could understand why the Crown Prince kept Arendt by his side.

He was such a coveted talent.

Others seemed to think the same.

At first, he heard that those who were reluctant to come even when the Marquis said he would set up a separate seat for them were now rushing to call Arendt.

‘I guess they want him on their side.’

Despite his arrogance and brazenness, Arendt von Eckhart was a surprisingly pleasant conversationalist.

At first, Marquis Lanford called him out to try to persuade him, but when he came to his senses, he found himself telling Arendt his stories more than once.

Moreover, it was during his first conversation with Marquis Lanford that Arendt revealed his true feelings.

I will help you return to the Count’s house, I will mediate so that you will not be too troubled by His Highness the Crown Prince… Arendt only said that he would think about these suggestions, but did not give a definite answer.

Thanks to that, the nobles were starting to feel uneasy.

‘It’s like trying to appease a wild cat that’s hard to tame.’

Marquis Lanford found himself laughing in vain, but the distance was definitely narrowing. Judging from the fact that he had never once refused a request to meet up, Arendt seemed to like it too.

Now more than ever, a wedge was needed.

Marquis Lanford had no doubt that his special guest today would fulfill that role.

Tak.

The Marquis, feeling a little bored, tapped the armrest of the chair with his fingers. Just then, a short knock was heard.

“Come in.”

“Excuse me.”

A calm voice came from outside.

Click.

The door opened and a tall man strode into the living room.

Marquis Lanford rose to greet him.

“Welcome, Count Eckhart.”

“It’s been a while.”

Count Eckhart answered stiffly, his expression not changing at all.

Although they were father and son who had absolutely nothing in common, it seemed safe to say that the son resembled his father with that cold voice.

Marquis Lanford stared blankly at Count Eckhart, who took the seat opposite him.

His sturdy shoulders stood out in stark contrast to Arendt, who was small for a knight.

Every time he saw his face, he felt that the Count was a man with a truly cold impression. His eyes, which were as glacial as a sword sharpened with ice and showed no emotion at all, seemed to be filled with the frigid north wind and snow.

“It must have been hard for you to come all the way to the palace.”

“No. It’s not like it was hard.”

“Is Sir Arcus here?”

“Yes, I brought him here to be my attendant.”

“Even though they are still young, both sons are smart.”

Count Eckhart responded calmly, “That’s an exaggeration.”

“How is the territory these days?”

“There’s nothing special. Just a while ago, someone from Neumann’s upper echelons visited the estate briefly on business.”

“I see. Then you must have heard about your second son. Neumann’s upper echelons are all very friendly to Lord Arendt.”

Count Eckhart’s face hardened at the words that Marquis Lanford spoke so casually.

At that moment, the butler knocked and carefully opened the door, placed tea and snacks in front of the two, and stepped aside.

The Marquis added, taking a sip of his warm tea, “I, too, have had several conversations with the Count’s second son. He is a very interesting young man.”

“…I heard the circumstances in writing. I also read the letter you sent me.”

After a brief pause, Count Eckhart opened his mouth.

“Honestly, I don’t quite understand what’s going on.”

“I guess so. I understand that feeling to some extent.”

Marquis Lanford continued speaking leisurely, leaning back in his chair.

“But it’s already happened. Even His Highness the Crown Prince now trusts Lord Arendt. Lord Neumann would even pretend to die if your son said so.”

It was only natural since Neumann had received help from Arendt twice, but there was no way that Count Eckhart could easily accept what his son had accomplished.

“Honestly, I’m embarrassed to say this, but…”

Count Eckhart, who had been silent for a moment, bit his lip slightly.

“They say he’s talented with a sword, but he can’t do anything else. He’s a pathetic guy who can’t even make eye contact with adults and only acts violently.”

“Perhaps it was so, but that is already in the past. The Lord Arendt I saw was not like that. Of course, he was sensitive and nervous, but he was worthy of the Crown Prince’s attention.”

Marquis Lanford continued speaking in a soothing tone.

“There are still quite a few high-ranking officials who do not completely trust Lord Arendt because of the treason charges. But that will soon disappear as well.”

“…”

However, Count Eckhart still showed no reaction. He simply lowered his eyes slightly and looked down at his teacup.

“Everyone has had a reckless childhood at least once. It looks like Arendt has finally come to the end of his long, long adolescence.”

The Marquis finished speaking like that, took a sip of tea, and gave the Count a moment to relax. Of course, a comfortable silence like this was necessary for conversation.

After a long time, Count Eckhart opened his mouth.

“It is beyond absurd. I can’t believe it takes so many compliments to describe that kid.”

“It seems like he himself doesn’t really care about such praise. He’s a great young man.”

Continuing to drink tea, Marquis Lanford answered.

“That’s what the guy you saw, Marquis, was like. He only showed me his ugly side.”

“…”

“And after he entered the Knight Academy, he never returned to the territory. After he entered the palace, all contact was cut off.”

The Count closed his mouth after saying those words.

In the end, this time again it was Marquis Lanford who brought up the topic first.

“I have no intention of interfering between the relationship of father and son, but I heard through the grapevine that you were the one who contacted Lord Arendt first.”

“Yes, I did, but I never got an answer.”

At that moment, Count Eckhart’s eyebrows furrowed.

“He’s the same arrogant bastard.”

Marquis Lanford couldn’t help but be surprised. The Count, who was not good at expressing his emotions, couldn’t suppress his anger for a moment and let out a small growl.

“As soon as I entered the Imperial palace, I heard whispering. They said he tore the letter on the spot and handed it to the servant. Did the Marquis know?”

“I heard about that too.”

As the Marquis nodded, the Count glared at the teacup with anger in his eyes.

“I thought it was no longer acceptable to leave him alone. It might be better to leave him in a corner of the estate and let him drink his favorite alcohol to his heart’s content.”

Count Eckhart, who was pouring out his words, stopped when he realized his mistake.

“…Excuse me.”

“It’s okay. I didn’t know the emotional rift would be that deep.”

Marquis Lanford, who suddenly came to his senses, let out a short sigh.

After a brief pause to choose his words, a rather honest remark came out.

“I’m sorry, but Lord Arendt cannot return to the estate yet.”

“Why?”

“His Highness the Crown Prince treats Lord Arendt like a guard dog, so I thought I would cut the leash that His Highness is holding so that he can return to you.”

The leash referred to a bracelet that could be used for immediate disposal.

“But now I’ve changed my mind a little. I want to embrace Arendt as my own person.”

“…”

“Count, as you said, he is a troublemaker. He is more difficult to handle than a disobedient calf, and he may even bare his teeth and bite his master’s hand at any moment.”

Marquis Lanford added seriously, looking at Count Eckhart, who was just quietly listening to him.

“But even taking all that into account, Arendt is a covetable talent.”

“What on earth is going on here?”

“Look at the things he has given to His Highness the Crown Prince. His Highness the Crown Prince won’t let him go easily, and don’t forget that his life depends on His Highness the Crown Prince and Sir Laius.”

Count Eckhart, who was about to refute, simply shut his mouth.

“Lord Arendt seems quite tired of this situation. We can just coax him. He has already begun to listen to us, and don’t forget that he is our last hope right now.”

“Ha…”

Count Eckhart sighed, pressing his temples.

He’s our last hope.

It was an extreme expression, but it was not incomprehensible. It was just disappointing that the words were directed at Arendt.

Sooner or later, the Crown Prince will turn his sword on the nobles.

The atmosphere of uneasiness that had been quietly flowing since the incident caused by the deceased Marquis Grieg began to take on a sense of reality with the proclamation that the Crown Prince himself recently issued.

They gradually became anxious at the thought that they might become targets.

Besides, the Crown Prince had recently made a huge profit by pursuing the enemy. That alone was enough of a threat to them, because they were the ones who declared themselves rivals of the Crown Prince for their own benefit and their own political beliefs.

In such a situation, the benefits Arendt could gain if he turned to the side of the aristocrats would be enormous.

First of all, they could establish friendly relations with the Neumann group. And if he does well, they might be able to escape the Crown Prince’s investigation net.

Unfortunately, Count Eckhart was one of those who had to chase after those profits.

“What should I do?”

“We have tried to persuade him, but we have not yet heard a definitive answer from Lord Arendt. That is why we would like you to step forward yourself.”

Count Eckhart lowered his gaze. It was obvious to anyone that he was not pleased.

After a while, he closed his eyes tightly and sighed slowly.

“…Okay. I’ll talk to him.”