Dispatching a Hostage

By rights, Duke Wiske should have been dissatisfied with the Vela Nobles. His schemes had failed, and he had been unable to stop the Kingdom from building fortifications in the Vela Region.

Yet when Alex spoke with him at the gathering, he showed no problems at all. He was extremely friendly and even took the initiative to apologize to Alex. "Duke Alex, I'm truly sorry. My actions caused you trouble.

"When I sent people to the Grand Duchy of Vera, I did so out of public duty. After all, Wos Province had just been invaded by the Fas Kingdom and needed the Kingdom's support. I had no choice but to find a way to divert the Kingdom Army's attention.

"But I never expected the Vela Nobles to unite and overthrow the rule of that unjust grand duke together. It was truly remarkable!

"I also know of the heroic sacrifice of the former Duke Colt. Please accept my condolences. I believe your father is watching over you from heaven and will bless you as you build up your territory..."

The two of them exchanged pleasantries for a long time. Duke Wiske was so enthusiastic that even Alex found it difficult to handle him. Fortunately, His Majesty interrupted their conversation and continued introducing Alex to the other Kingdom nobles.

Victor, meanwhile, kept scrutinizing Duke Wiske. The duke had acted far too warmly, and combined with the malicious gaze Victor had sensed earlier, that made him one of Victor's suspects!

This time, His Majesty had brought every Kingdom noble of count rank or above to welcome the Vela Nobles. No one present could be neglected, since the Vela Nobles had come to make friends, not enemies.

Fortunately, His Majesty was excellent at controlling the pace. Apart from the time delayed by Duke Wiske,