"Why?"
Count Teton explained his answer to that question in great detail.
"Count Clayton's ambition to become the Empire's fifth grand duke has put him at odds with every noble. As it happens, you are in the same position."
"But the difference now is that Count Clayton needs to win the nobles' support."
"Whereas the nobles are steering clear of you."
Floyd understood, and his fists clenched again. Until he returned to his fief in Carlos Province, he remained Prince Freud, not a marquis. With the emperor there, the nobles naturally could not approach him.
Even Count Teton had been having a difficult time lately, his residence deserted.
"Do we just... leave it at that?"
Floyd looked out the window. His residence was quiet, but the Imperial Capital was not. The emperor was preparing another lavish floral celebration, and the city would be bustling.
He still could not accept it, but by this point in their conversation, both men understood that there was no other path left.
"The dust has settled, Floyd. You aren't as badly off as you imagine."
"Don't forget, you still have a child."
"In the Empire of the future, you will still have many people destined to support you. Your voice won't simply disappear."
"My child?"
"Northwind Province."
"Yes. He is even Grand Duke Mayers's grandson. Once he grows up, the powers Baron Ryan currently holds as acting governor will return to the Marquis of Northwind. If the Northern Baron doesn't want that land plunged into conflict again, he will have to be your ally."
"That way, you will have even more political allies within the Empire."
"9"
Floyd nodded and said, "So you want me to befriend Count Clayton now."
"Exactly. Whether he becomes a grand duke or not, the commander of the Imperial Second