Mellon silently listened to Andrew's account.
The vassal spent half a day telling him about family honor, noble dignity, and the like. In short, in his view, having Alda's Government Affairs Council manage Bairdin was beneath the dignity of the Garnard Family.
"Andrew..."
The young earl set down his knife and fork and looked at his vassal. He felt rather gratified. He had never expected to have such a loyal subject. From Baron Andrew's tone, it was clear that his loyalty was not feigned. After being betrayed the previous year, Mellon had learned to distinguish the true meaning behind people's words.
"The Garnard Family is truly fortunate to have someone like you serving it."
"My lord, please don't say that. The Valen Family would never violate the oath sworn by our ancestors!"
"I am glad and grateful for your loyalty, but I do not intend to change the current situation."
Mellon's words did not exceed Andrew's expectations. He had long guessed that this would most likely be the result, but he was still unwilling to accept it.
"Why? Are you really going to just watch them strip you of your authority?"
"Heh heh, strip me of my authority? In truth, I have never personally governed the territory since inheriting the title, have I?"
Hearing his liege speak this way, Andrew's face flushed. Although he knew the earl was referring to the traitors Anqiluo and the others, a wave of guilt still welled up inside him. He had been loyal enough, but he had been too absorbed in military affairs and had paid too little attention to what was happening in Butuya City. He had not even noticed that Anqiluo and the others were quietly stripping their liege of authority.
When someone recommended that he go south to fight, he had