"Ruel, you…" Kane said in a low voice clearly looking upset.
Ethan looked at the man curiously.
"I am Vice Captain Ruel, under Sir Kane," the man replied, gritting his teeth as he straightened his back.
"And your reason," Kane continued, his eyes cold and sharp, "for objecting to an imperial decree."
Ruel swallowed.
"Baron Blanks… no, Count-designate Ethan Blanks," he said, correcting himself mid-sentence. "Sir Ethan's strength is yet to be tested. Granting him a Count title so soon sets a dangerous precedent. The other border lords will raise complaints. According to imperial law, a Count must possess sufficient strength to counter a Legendary Knight."
A ripple of tension spread through the hall.
Some of the soldiers who had followed the envoy shifted uncomfortably. A few even nodded inwardly, though none dared to speak out loud.
Ruel continued, his voice gaining confidence as no one interrupted him.
