In the carriage.
"Young Master Elliot... oh, I mean, Duke."
Tobias patted his shoulder with a broad smile and pointed toward the mansion ahead. "The expedition must have been exhausting. Rest for a few days. Don't worry about the emperor's affairs. The Nobles' House will handle them."
Elliot swept him with an icy gaze and said nothing.
"The Old Duke left in a hurry, so your succession to the title still requires some formalities. But don't worry. On behalf of the Nobles' House, I guarantee that the Sterling title will be yours."
"Heh. Because I'm only first rank and easy to control, right?" Elliot said, staring at him.
"How can you say that? The Seven Holy Bloodlines are equals, after all, and the Sterling Family is a member of the Nobles' House."
Elliot said nothing. He pulled open the carriage door and jumped down.
"Escort Young Master Elliot home."
Tobias gestured, and two squads of knights clad entirely in armor followed Elliot toward the mansion.
At the mansion's entrance, the Old Butler, Conrad, stood to one side. His throat bobbed when he saw Elliot, as though he wanted to say something, but he merely opened the door for him.
Elliot nodded and walked into the mansion.
The Old Butler did not go inside. He shut the door behind him, his gaze fixed on the knights and the carriage a short distance away.
"Only guests of the Sterling Family may enter here."
The knights did not stop or even dismount. They rode straight up to the door.
Just as they were about to advance farther, a languid command came from the carriage. "As guards, you must of course follow the butler's instructions."
The knights halted in unison, instantly becoming as motionless as stone statues.
The vigilance in Conrad's eyes did not