Kinder Salmon was a man who wielded enormous influence over the empire's judiciary and had turned many nobles from key border cities into his loyal faction. If one were to list the empire's true power players, Duke Kinder Salmon would always rank among the top three.0

Now, that very duke frowned as a young man growled at him from across the room.0

"Grrrrrr," Caron growled.0

"…Caron. Calm down," Fayle said, trying to smooth things over. "Nothing has been decided yet. At least show some courtesy to our guest—"0

"I can spot it right away. You've got to stir things up early in situations like this. If you set the tone from the start, they won't be able to say a word later," Caron interrupted.0

"…My apologies, Duke," Fayle said. "My son is still young and knows little of the world. He's grown up with nothing but a sword in his hands, and when it comes to noble etiquette… He has a tendency to disregard it."0

"Children never grow the way their parents intend," Duke Salmon said with a chuckle. "Don't worry yourself over it. I'm not offended."0

"Thank you for your understanding," Fayle said.0

The setting was the imperial audience chamber, which was ordinarily used to welcome foreign emissaries, but was now repurposed for a high-stakes negotiation between two of the most powerful houses in the empire.0

Representing the Ducal Family of Leston was Caron's father, Fayle, with Caron seated beside him. Behind them stood several of Halo's grandchildren, including Hugo, silently observing the talks.0

The Duke of Salmon took...0