The topic seemed to have been exhausted there.
Silence fell over the office once more, but this time it was no longer the tension of blade against blade. It was a suffocating weight, heavy with burdens and unfinished business.
Karl knew it was time to take his leave. He needed time to digest all of this, and time to think about how to face Charlotte.
"My lord, if there is nothing else, I will take my leave." Karl bowed slightly, his tone returning to businesslike calm. "My troops will rest outside the city for two days, replenish supplies, and scout the enemy situation. In two days, I will lead them into the city, and then discuss with you our subsequent strategy for advancing on Eagle Nest."
"Mm." The earl nodded noncommittally and sat back down behind his desk, his gaze returning to the documents on the tabletop, as if that soul-shaking conversation just now had never happened.
Karl turned to leave, his fingers just touching the cold brass doorknob.
"Karl."
The earl's voice sounded again, flat, yet carrying a weight that could not be ignored.
Karl paused, then turned. "My lord?"
Earl Rochefort took the pipe from his lips, his fingertips tapping lightly against the smooth surface of the desk.
He did not look at Karl. His gaze seemed to fall into some distant void, and yet also seemed fixed on some point Karl could not see.
His expression remained calm, but deep within those eyes, some extremely complex, extremely profound emotion seemed to be slowly flowing.
He was silent for a few seconds, as if weighing his words, and as if making some kind of decision.
"I also have a secret," he finally said, his voice pressed very low, low enough that only the two of them could hear.