In order to deceive the Duke of Asteria's sharp and experienced judgment, I had to reveal rather than hide. If I tried to hide everything, what I want to hide might end up getting revealed instead. When dealing with a person like the duke, I had to show my hand and attract his attention with information that did not matter if it was discovered or not.

"Would you mind if I ask a question first?"

At my request, the Duke of Asteria burst into laughter and nodded.

“When it’s just us two, no, in front of the people here, it’s okay to speak comfortably. I wouldn't even mind being called grandpa."

Maybe because the interview was over, the duke turned into yesterday's benevolent figure, taking away the pressuring gaze. The him that I was seeing now was probably a dignified version that could overwhelm the audience.

I smiled and nodded comfortably. "Then I'll act comfortably, Grandpa."

At the nickname, Glont and Rosellis panicked.

"Kuhahaha! Grandpa! It sounds good!" The Duke of Asteria laughed rather loudly and nodded with satisfaction.

Rosellis looked at me as if I didn’t have any...