Duchess Vera had considered all the trouble that might arise after she exposed her secret.
But she had never expected the first trouble to come from right in front of her.
"Your Grace, please allow me to extend warm greetings on behalf of the esteemed lord of the Frozen Earth Territory, honorary count of the Andara Kingdom, count of the Sera Kingdom, honorary noble of the Corland Kingdom, acting governor of the Empire's Northwind Province, and chairman of the Northern Military Council, Baron Ryan Clayton."
Bennett spoke with a bow, then introduced Borgeld beside him.
"This is Legion Commander Borgeld of the Frozen Earth Territory. She has brought the Armored Bear Legion to drive out the abyss demons and cleanse this land of their evil presence."
Ryan.
For the first time, that name was formally presented to these people. What left everyone struggling to adjust was the long string of titles attached to it.
"I am Duchess Vera. Please convey my greetings to Baron Ryan."
The duchess nodded. Though surprised, she still maintained her aristocratic bearing.
"Then may I ask what brings you here?"
"Ryan—Baron Ryan sent troops into this land to plunder slaves on a massive scale. Is that not a violation of the rules of nobility? Is it not a betrayal of the faith?"
"Absolutely nothing of the sort has happened."
Bennett hurried to deny it. That was no laughing matter; those accusations were far too serious. Violating the rules of nobility meant making an enemy of every noble. Betraying the faith meant ignoring demons for the sake of profit on land invaded by the Abyss. Such accusations could directly undermine their political legitimacy.
Naturally, Bennett dared not admit to anything like that, but he had no idea how to answer Duchess Vera's questions.
He was only a