In the darkness.
Two people were talking.
"How are things going?" one asked.
"He just killed another one. Any subordinate who disobeys him gets killed," the other said.
"All he knows is killing? That won't do. No one will serve him loyally," the first sneered.
"The problem is, he doesn't care about loyalty-I feel like he just wants to get rid of those people-he simply wants to kill."
"A madman? Then he's nothing to fear."
"But he's gained that metal ship's allegiance."
"That ship is troublesome."
"...Let's obey him for now and look for an opportunity later."
"Exactly. Everyone has flaws. Sooner or later, we'll find his weakness."
"Right."
The two settled on their plan.
Just then, someone quietly reported:
"The Duke has arrived."
The two exchanged a glance.
"Come on, let's welcome our lord."
"Right, let's go together!"
They pushed open the door, left the secret chamber together, and followed the long stairway up to ground level, then stopped at the entrance to the Duke's Estate's main hall.
A few minutes later.
The gates of the Duke's Estate opened.
An icy beauty in uniform led the way.
An ordinary young man followed behind her.
Aside from being handsome, he had no other distinguishing features.
-So this was the Duke.
Someone like this could become a duke?
"Your Grace, these two are your steward and your ace fighter."
"If you have any questions, you may ask them."
Brenna spoke respectfully.
"Oh? I'm Baxter-now you know me. By the way, what are your names?" the young man asked.
The two hurriedly bowed and gave their names.
Then they both heard those words:
"Alas, kill them."
The young man spoke in a disheartened tone.
Kill them?
Wait-
Did he mean them?
Why? This was their first meeting. They were both his subordinates