Indeed, Tales had not thought of that name for a very, very long time.
Serena Corleone.
He even had to admit that, much of the time, he had deliberately locked it away in the depths of his memory.
He did not want to remember it, and hated remembering it.
Yet when it rang out once more, he could still feel the discomfort that rose from the depths of his heart.
[Betrayal is the true meaning of an alliance.]
As his memories grew clearer, just as that face was about to reappear in his mind, Tales suddenly raised his head and focused his attention on the scene before him.
"What are you trying to do?"
The Prince looked suspiciously at Jann.
"Why bring her up?"
At the center of the hall, the investiture ceremony was still underway. From time to time, nobles walked up the steps and knelt before the King's seat.
The Duke of Iris smiled faintly and raised his wineglass toward the young man.
"Your Highness, you may as well take this as one of my... banquet gifts."
Tales did not move at all, his gaze cold and clear.
Jann waited for quite a while, but the young man showed no intention of raising his glass in response.
He did not take offense. He merely smiled and lowered his glass.
But then Jann frowned and looked around.
"Is this merely my imagination, or have your guards really become much more tense and vigilant than usual?"
"What, do you suspect I'm going to harm His Highness the Prince?"
Tales's heart tightened, but his expression did not change.
"My Guard Team commander takes his duties seriously and has strict standards."
Tales smiled at Marius and Gollor, repeatedly signaling that their men need not be so tense.
The Duke of Star Lake