In his eyes, so what if these people really blamed him? He continued responding to change with constancy and simply waited there.
However, that solemn expression did not last long. The mood among the crowd changed drastically. Baron seemed so excited that tears nearly filled his eyes. In a trembling, almost choked voice, he said:
"Thank you, my nephew. You avenged your father, my beloved elder brother. You killed the murderer who took his life!"
Everyone present changed expressions, looking more joyful than sorrowful. Seeing this, he followed along and gave a few forced laughs.
After celebrating and making a great commotion for quite some time, Baron sent the chancellor to prepare the sacrificial offerings. The "uncle and nephew" duo prepared to pay their respects.
Naturally, they could not make such a head-chopping affair too grand. The two of them secretly paid their respects inside the tent, and that was enough.
After the nearby knights and the chancellor had all left, Baron wiped away his tears, and his expression returned to normal.
"I never expected you to kill that fellow either. By the way, your strength has grown far too quickly. I remember when you were a knight squire in my court—you were the most inconspicuous of the lot.
"That fellow was knighted because he killed my elder brother back then. Although his strength has declined somewhat over the years, you shouldn't have been able to defeat him."
Ergons was somewhat surprised that Baron had practically made the matter explicit. He had thought Baron would only raise his doubts at a more appropriate time.
Or perhaps Baron would use insinuation and avoid asking directly, which would have better suited their current delicate relationship.
But since he had asked, Ergons would answer. He had been prepared for this all along.
If