Shuher glanced at the person entering his office and turned his head back to the documents as if asking what had happened. The other person, unbothered by such behavior, approached him.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you; shouldn’t there at least be some greeting? I’ve come a long way.”

“I don’t recall asking you to come.”

“Aren’t you a bit too cold to an old friend, Shuher?”

At those words, Shuher finally lifted his head to look at Feldin. His eyes, considering they were meeting an old friend after a long time, were filled only with indifference. He also seemed a bit annoyed.

But Feldin, who seemed used to such treatment, casually continued the conversation.

“The royal palace seems to be in disarray lately for various reasons.”

“So you came because of that.”

“I have other business as well.”

The two seemed very comfortable with each other.

That was inevitable since Feldin was the only person who called Shuher by his name. They had interacted frequently since childhood with the Gaer Ducal Family, and as they were of the same age, they naturally grew closer through studying and training together.

Although they were friends, their personalities were entirely opposite, yet ironically, they got along well.

“Don’t worry. My people are guarding the domain well.”

“If they weren’t, I would have kicked them out immediately.”

“How irritable. Ah, right. I happened to meet Lady Evenel before coming here.”

“Lady Evenel?”

Shuher showed immediate interest, a subtle change even he noticed. Whether this reaction was annoyance or genuine interest, it was hard to tell.

“It seemed like she had completely severed ties with Duke Harlan? She was picking an unnecessary fight, unsatisfied with your decision. It was utterly childish.”

To Feldin, it was pitiful to see so many flocking against one woman. Listening to them, he felt ashamed as a fellow noble and had to intervene.

“People say you’ve somehow changed her mind.”

Shuher understood the vague statement immediately. His mood wasn’t great either; how would the person involved feel? But if it were Evenel, she wouldn’t have sat back and listened.

“The lady wouldn’t have just sat back.”

“Exactly. It was no joke. Duke Harlan couldn’t say a word. You should have seen that scene yourself.”

Revisiting the memory, Feldin found it impressive. She showed no sign of fear even when faced with many.
Shuher knew what the situation was without looking. Evenel was usually calm like a lake, but if she was unfairly attacked, she turned into a massive tidal wave, pushing her opponent regardless of who it was.

No, the stronger the opponent, the stronger she became.

“So, what did you think after seeing it firsthand?”

“Uh, we only had a short conversation, but… she seems like a good person.”

Words Evenel had said to Feldin flashed through his mind. They fit her more than they did him. She openly showed her emotions, sincerely expressed her gratitude, and faced anyone with dignity.

Such words and actions were definitely not contrived.

‘She seems more naive than a good person.’

“What are you thinking about? Is something bothering you?”

“You’re too soft. Don’t you trust people too easily?”

Shuher brushed aside his thoughts about Evenel and lightly dodged the question. How could he be so certain when he’d just met her today?

“I have some ability to judge people. I’ve been observing her actions until now. But as I listened, I became more curious about who she really is. She gained Lord Renel’s approval and even transformed that cowardly Hebr.”

Of course, Feldin also had concerns that Evenel might have other motives. However, as time passed, his curiosity grew more than his doubts. And meeting her shattered all his preconceptions and biases.

‘No, the most surprising thing was.’

She immediately noticed that he had stepped in for her. It was the first time he had been seen through so clearly by a stranger.

“Isn’t that why you also decided not to kill her?”

“I weighed the advantages, that’s all.”

“Anyway, she’s pretty much gained your approval.”

In fact, that alone was enough for Feldin to acknowledge Evenel to some extent. The fact that she had moved Shuher in any way proved her worth.

“I told Duke Harlan that I actively support her. I won’t question it anymore.”

“Seems like a pointless thing to do.”

“I’ll take it as a thank you.”

Feldin, who had accepted Shuher’s words without argument, caught sight of his sword lying in a corner of the office. But what had always been there was missing.

“Where’s your gun? You always carry it, even if you don’t use it.”

At that question, the smoothly moving pen suddenly stopped, and Shuher said as he picked up another document,

“I don’t carry it anymore.”

“You never know. You might need it in urgent situations.”
“Leave if you’re done talking. Ah, and when will you be back?”

Feldin continued to pry, which irritated Shuher, prompting him to suggest that it was time to leave.

“So this is why people say you’re cold. To think you’d send an old friend away so indifferently.”

Feldin’s gaze quickly became serious, different from before.