The words "family honor" were reason enough.
If Duke Thous had died in battle, they could have accepted it. But dying in a muddle while merely observing the battle? That explanation would never hold up.
The outside world did not believe it, and they believed it even less. They were not sure whether the royal family had done it, but since suspicion pointed at Alpha I, the royal family had to give them an explanation.
The Alsad Family's people could not die for nothing!
After seeing off the family elders, the tears at Rudy's eyes vanished instantly. He turned and entered a quiet chamber. After pressing a hidden switch, a secret passage appeared before him.
"Father, I have completed what you instructed me to do.
"However, resentment within the family remains strong. Many people oppose escalating the conflict and advocate compromising with the royal family.
..."
Those few simple words revealed an extraordinary amount of information.
The supposedly dead "Duke Thous" was actually standing here alive and well. If word got out, the outside world would explode!
"Ignore them for now. Once you have consolidated your authority, gradually sideline them.
"If anyone refuses to know their place, find an opportunity to purge them.
"Once you set foot on the path of power, you must never be soft-hearted when it is time to be ruthless!"
Duke Thous spoke earnestly.
His choice to fake his death and retire was born of necessity. After this incident, he could never again appear before the public.
If his identity were exposed, the royal family would certainly kill him. Even the entire Alsad Family might be dragged down and become a key target for the king.
"Father, was paying such a huge price truly worth it?"
Rudy asked doubtfully.
Going from a glorious duke to