Count Euz withdrew, and Duke Altringen simply regarded me with cold eyes. This was the first time we'd met since I'd last seen him in the east. Considering I'd been appointed the duke's guard commander, this meeting was actually a little overdue.
"You were appointed guard commander to protect me, Baron, yet you never once came to see me. Isn't it a bit much to make me wait until the crown prince's wedding just to see your face?"
"I apologize. I've been caught up in so many disputes with my neighbors that I haven't had time to visit."
"I heard about the war with Basel. I suppose that's understandable."
To be honest, the thought of visiting had never even crossed my mind.
Who'd bother with a has-been duke?
Besides, Duke Altringen and I were like oil and water. The downfall of Duke Radensdorf had ultimately come about because of my exploits, and that downfall had given me the chance to rise in the world.
