“Join the Royalist faction… and fight against the Duke’s forces?”

Count Mowbray’s heavy words hung in the air, and Ghislain nodded without hesitation.

“That’s correct. That’s my request.”

“…”

The count fixed Ghislain with a long, searching gaze before letting out a deep sigh.

“Are you here on behalf of the Royalists? Did the Marquis of Branford send you?”

“Something like that. The marquis didn’t send me directly, though.”

“To demand my family and estate in exchange for saving my son is no small thing. I can’t agree to this.”

Count Mowbray had his reasons for remaining neutral, despite being …