"It seems this visit was a bit unnecessary for you," Eric said.
"Of course. I have food and drink, and aside from not being able to leave this place, I can do whatever I wish." Marquis Azo stroked his neat, short beard. "Besides, as I just said, I'm already seventy-eight. Even if there had been no turmoil in Milan, how many more years could I have possibly lived?
My three sons are all grown men. Does it truly matter if I live or die? The rabble controlling Milan now will be easily crushed once the Emperor crosses the Alps.
The young Emperor has a rather good impression of me. Unlike the other lords of the Empire, my record isn't sullied with misdeeds. I have never once shirked the loyalty and duty I owe him.
I never looked down on him for his age, either. I know that the young are always impetuous, while the older lords love to put on airs. In my eyes, their self-righteous behavior is nothing but foolishness. They have grown old in vain, and their experience is shallow.
