"Ah, it's fine, it's fine. This is perfectly normal. After all, everyone understands art differently, so there's no need to apologize. Absolutely no need."
Watching Siegfried's reaction, Doran's heart immediately sank.
At that moment, he instantly realized that he had been so focused on speaking his mind that he had subconsciously forgotten Siegfried's commoner status.
Originally, he had intended to discuss art with him and, while he was at it, explain his lofty aspirations so the man would understand that he was different from the other foolish Old Guard Party nobles of the Empire.
He was a wise master who could be trusted and would not mistreat his subordinates.
As long as Siegfried was willing to switch sides and join him, he could ensure the man lived well for the rest of his life.
Yet he had gotten carried away, and not only had he failed to win the man over, he had instead made him think he was an idiot obsessed with pleasure and devoid of artistic spirit.
Wasn't this completely fucking ruined?
He had to salvage this. He had to find a way to restore his wise and brilliant image.
Otherwise, this fierce general would probably slip completely out of his reach!
Doran's mind raced, and he quickly came up with a good solution. Suppressing the pain in his heart, he forced a smile onto his face and said:
"Actually, I'm not particularly interested in this wine either. Its aroma can induce illusions and let one frolic with beautiful young women and all that... those things are entirely optional to me. Yes, entirely optional!"
"The reason I brought you here today, Brother Siegfried, was because a fine blade belongs in the hands of a hero. Rather than waste this barrel of wine on someone like me, with such