At Claude's words, Marquis Perain responded with a bright smile.

“Oh, so you’re from this kingdom? Which noble house do you hail from?”

“I am not a noble,” Claude replied plainly.

“Ah… I see,” Perain muttered, his expression slightly souring.

The nobles around exchanged subtle glances, their discomfort evident. Having their affairs investigated was already an affront, but to have it done by someone who wasn’t even a noble?

However, this man had arrived with a formidable army of 100,000 soldiers and carried the authority of the Steward of Fenris. Even seasoned aristocrats couldn’t outright oppose him.

Little did they …