Interlude: Events in Imperial Territory (3)

──After Raizenga sent the margrave packing, in the Empire──

"The negotiations with the Demon Lord's Territory failed!?"

This was the residence of a ducal family in the Imperial capital.

Duke Barga Rigas was shouting in his office.

Across the table from him sat Margrave Garua.

He kept his head lowered and hunched his shoulders, trembling before Duke Rigas's anger.

"What do you mean!? Explain what happened. Margrave Garua!!"

"I-I sincerely apologize. Something completely unexpected happened as well..."

"Save your excuses! Did the negotiations really fail? Is it all over...?"

Intimidated by the duke's fury, Margrave Garua nodded silently...