「Four days later, at Baron Duval's Castle.」
"Uncle Roton."
Sylvan's face was pale. He gave a slight bow. Today, he wore a deep red Knight's formal attire, embroidered with the Duval Clan's crest—a pattern of mountains and rivers.
His voice was gentle. "Now that Kelvin is dead, it's time you fulfilled your oath and returned your loyalty to the Duval Clan, just as you did three years ago, isn't it?"
Roton was leaning against a simple cot, his armor still stained with dried blood. A crude bandage was wrapped around his left shoulder, and his face was as pale as paper.
He struggled to lift his head, his eyes filled with worry. "Sylvan, was it truly wise to bring in outsiders like Viscount Hans? You are harming the Duval Clan's interests."
Sylvan gracefully adjusted his collar, a faint smile playing on his lips. "The Duval Clan is mine. What meaning does a Duval Clan without me have?"
"But you were a member of the Duval Clan before..." Roton's voice was laced with exhaustion.
