Carl was taken aback by Adela's sudden, stern tone. His face fell, but he didn't back down. Instead, he jutted out his chin and retorted, "I'm just stating the facts! Are you saying the reports from the Imperial intelligence department are baseless? Besides, a hero is a hero, and strength is strength. And…"
He waved a hand toward the somewhat desolate scenery outside the carriage window. "Look at this place! A mere Baron's Domain. What kind of decent industry or wealth could it possibly have? When it comes down to it, it's just remote and backward. I truly don't understand why His Highness the Prince would personally send a delegation to a place like this to discuss business partnerships."
