As we arrived at the fortress, voices arguing could be heard from the barracks.
Wondering what was going on, I entered the barracks to find Erich standing tall and firm, glaring at Kurt.
“The lord must be allowed to rest!” Kurt snapped, his tone sharp and insistent.
Erich, however, remained unmoved, his expression and demeanor unchanged.
“If we consider the Duke’s wishes, it’s better for everyone to work together on the task.”
How on earth did it come to this…?
I waved over a soldier nearby who had been watching the scene unfold.
“What happened here?”
“Your Grace! Well…”
When I asked, the soldier looked a little troubled before beginning his explanation.
Apparently, Kurt had suggested to Erich that since the detachment had returned and considering my condition, I should take some rest.
However, Erich quickly grasped the situation, understanding why I had been handling interviews and paperwork. He opposed Kurt, arguing that to achieve my goals, it would be better for everyone, myself included, to swiftly finish the work together.
“I see…”
Well, it seemed both of them were thinking about me in their own way; the difference was just in their approach.
Even as I listened to the soldier’s explanation, the argument between them grew more heated.
“My loyalty to my lord is unwavering!”
“Well, I’ve been pledging my loyalty to the Duke for far longer.”
Kurt looked frustrated in response to Erich’s composed attitude.
But isn’t Erich relatively new compared to Werner or Herbert…?
“…The length of one’s loyalty shouldn’t matter, should it?”
“Hah. That length simply reflects how well I understand the Duke.”
Erich’s triumphant tone seemed to push Kurt over the edge. Unable to hold back, Kurt threw his glove at Erich.
“My loyalty is genuine! To prove it, I challenge you to a duel.”
“Very well. I accept.”
Thinking that this was getting way out of hand, I prepared to intervene, but someone placed a hand on my shoulder.
Turning around, I saw Herbert gripping my shoulder and shaking his head.
“Leave this to me.”
Bursting out with something like, “Stop fighting over me!” would only make the situation worse. I decided to leave it to Herbert.
As expected, he could be reliable in moments like these.
Herbert confidently stepped between Kurt and Erich.
“Then, as the witness to this duel, I shall take responsibility!”
Wait, what? Weren’t you supposed to stop them!?
