"Duke!" The sudden appearance of Duke Agnus left Chiffon flustered.

"I asked you what you think you're doing, Chiffon."

"I—!" Chiffon struggled to swallow as he faced down Duke Agnus's deeply sunken eyes. His master clearly held an interest in Joshua. Moreover, as a subordinate, he actually dared to raise his sword against his master’s child. There was no doubt that it was an inexcusable situation.

While Chiffon was flailing around for options, Vanessa quietly stepped forward.

"I called Lucia and the boy over. I heard you were taking them to the capital, so I figured I'd have a meal with them before they go."

The way Vanessa emphasized the word "capital" made Duke Agnus consider...