"Even if you wish to reward the Duke of Anjou for his contributions, don't you think you're giving him far too much?" Julian continued. "I admit that I made a mistake by remaining a bystander instead of standing at your side when you first needed support. I have no right to criticize others for doing what I failed to do myself. However, as your vassal, I now have a responsibility to protect your legitimate authority."
His expression grew solemn, and his voice carried a note of indignation. "If the Duke of Anjou truly deserves your trust, then he should understand the limits of his position. Yet he has ignored those limits and taken advantage of your confidence in him. Although we bear the titles of dukes, we are still your subjects, and a capable servant should carry out the monarch's orders rather than attempt to place himself above the throne. Just look at what the Duke of Anjou has done. Can you honestly say that he is behaving like a competent minister?"
