For all I know, that might have been the case, but a the same time, I might be completely wrong with that speculation of mine.
Right now, the Earl of Selmar was waiting for what the Dukes response to his words was going to be.
I-I guess you do have a point there.
Right? So with that being said, I think it would be perfectly reasonable of you to show me that your intentions are sincere and that youre not trying to fool me. Just for a little bit.
And what exactly would you have me do in order to prove my sincerity?
Uhm, Duke? I think the answer to that question is actually quite simple. If you really want to show to the Earl of Selmar that your intentions are sincere, there is no simpler way to do it than to prostrate yourself before him somewhere on the ground here. In Japan, this is a method that usually yields the best results. But then again, I guess a noble like the Duke is not going to prostrate himself and grovel on the ground before just about anyone since his pride will probably not allow him to do it.
But if he cannot show his sincerity in such a way, then how can he do it, exactly? Ugh, why do things always have to be so needlessly difficult whenever the nobles are involved?!
You dont have to prove anything, but it would be I lie if I told you that there is still not a little bit of doubt in my mind. That being said, I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt on this one.
In that case, does that mean?
Yes, exactly.
A satisfied voice of the Earl of Selmar echoed throughout the throne room.
It was most likely thanks to the Dukes attitude, but it looks like the Earl of Selmar is confident that I am an Adventurer.
Most likely, the Earl of Selmar is confident that I am an Adventurer because of the Dukes attitude. The question now is: does he intended to press this matter on for some sort of concession between him and the Duke?
The Duke made me testify that Heinz had the Ring of Determination, and he Earl of Selmar pointed out that I was an Adventurer and I shouldnt have been brought along to the throne room. Are both of them going to pull out and declare a draw, or is there perhaps something that I can do here to improve the Dukes situation?
The Duke and the Earl were apparently having a battle of bluffs with one another in order to see whos going to have a more advantageous position during this meeting, but unfortunately for them, I am not bluffing.
I simply extend my left arm to the Knight in front of me.
Like I said just now: I cannot have the Duke and Cassia bow their heads for me. Now please, go ahead and check it.
Cassia stares at me with the eyes filled with anxiety, and the Duke watches me in silence while maintaining a poker face.
Do it.
Did the Earl of Selmar see through Cassias and the Dukes bluff from the change in their expressions? Did they lose the chance to go on the offensive? Or does that mean that the Earl lost his ability to pull back when he still had the chance?
Whatever the case here might be, the Earl gave the order for his Knight to proceed with the checking of my Intelligence Card while the Duke looked up to the heavens above. If he thought that this little game between him and the Earl was a lost cause, he would have definitely done something more besides that, like holding his head in his hands, but that reaction of his showed me that he still must have some hope for a positive outcome. Whether this little gamble of his is going to be of advantage to him or something thats going to be his undoing, I guess we are about to find out.
The Knight then proceeds to read my Intelligence Card.
Michio Kaga, a Freeman. He is an Explorer.
The Knight announces the result of the check loudly so that everyone gathered here could hear him clearly.
Of course its going to say that Im an Explorer. There is no way it will show me as an Adventurer, because I am not an Adventurer.
The Duke and Cassia have turned around towards me with surprised looks on their faces, and the Earl of Selmar was literally frozen solid.
I will inquire with you further regarding this matter some other day. But for today, allow us to excuse ourselves.
The Duke turns on his heel and goes toward the exit in large, springy steps, and Cassia chases right after him.
The Knight who read my Intelligence Card, hurriedly runs to open the door for them, and then the Dukes two Knights who were waiting outside of the throne room immediately rushed to his and Cassias side to escort them back.