"You don't seem very happy to see me, Prince Xar. I was just drawn to this conversation because it sounded very interesting," Prime Minister Henry chuckled, following which the two exchanged an amicable smile.

Erwin couldn't help but be impressed by their ability to rein in their own emotions. They were the most bitter of political rivals, yet the smiles on their faces were so genuine. If Erwin hadn't been aware of the relationship between the two, he could've easily been fooled into thinking that the two were the closest of friends. If possible, he really wanted to get Lola to bring her young actors and actresses here to study this interaction. It was truly a masterful display of acting.

"This here is Erwin, the leader of the City of Freedom, and the one who's forged a resounding reputation for himself in the west," Prince Xar introduced with a smile. "I was just praising him for everything that he's achieved at such a young age."

"Indeed. I'd say the only thing that can match his achievements is his enormous ambition, isn't that right?" Prime Minister Henry took a glance at Erwin, then cast his gaze toward Prince Xar before bursting into laughter, and Prince Xar nodded in agreement.

Erwin was wearing a polite smile this entire time, but deep down, he was wondering exactly what this pair of sly old foxes were trying to do.

Even though the other dukedom rulers nearby couldn't hear the conversation...