Zubalter stared out the window with a stern and serious expression, clearly avoiding eye contact with his son. It was obvious he had no intention of meeting his gaze.

After a small cough, Zubalter opened his mouth again.

"The weather is nice today."

"Yes."

"The weather is really nice."

"Yes, it is."

Ghislain, now tired of the awkward atmosphere, answered in a bored tone.

An uneasy silence started to settle in the room.

Zubalter, who had been staring out the window without blinking, suddenly began to mutter to himself.

"One side of the northern fortress has been in disrepair for …