“I have heard of your reputation for many years now. I first looked into the matter when I heard that there was a particularly notable free knight wandering around like a wildflower. What I found was truly amazing. Honestly, I did not believe the stories at first, and I’m ashamed of it. I apologize for that,” Duke Viseche said.

Eugene was slightly surprised. He couldn’t believe that a great noble—monarch of a nation—would recognize their mistake and apologize for it. It was the first time he experienced such a thing after Count Winslon.

“Well, it’s nothing new, so there is nothing to apologize for,” Eugene said.

“Hahaha! You are truly as generous as I’ve heard.” Duke Viseche laughed, then gestured while looking around. His escorting knights and other subordinates quietly left the room. Only he, Eugene, and Prince Localope were left in the spacious room.

“I have roughly heard about the monster uprising from Sir Palo. It’s said that someone went into the evil lands and deliberately evolved the monsters there before releasing them. Is this true?” Duke Viseche asked.

“I am certain,” Eugene answered.

“Hmm.” Duke Viseche sank into thought with a solemn expression. He thought for a moment while tapping the armrest of his chair, then spoke with a cautious expression, “To tell you the truth, I had also looked into the matter on my own when the situation...