The conference room was comparable to the courtroom of the Imperial Palace. It was where the Duke discussed matters big and small, and where he held his most important meetings.

Today the Duke held a regular session with his vassals. A long line of the Duke’s most key subjects stood on either side of the luxurious red carpet, waiting for him to speak. The vassalage includes the knights, and the various nobles below the Earl rank who took charge of administration, recruitment, and external affairs.

The man himself was perched on a seat as ornate as the Imperial throne, lost in contemplation. He just stared wordlessly at the door with hazy eyes.

“Next, please. Important issues only, since we all know the day approaches when the Duke will return to the capital. Please take this chance to inform us of the biggest issues on the agenda.” Count Anghel, supposedly the brains behind Duke Agnus, was managing...