The lead Sorcerer didn't give an answer to the Duke. Instead, they just tightened their hold on the Duke's hand before letting it go in an aggressive manner.
Duke Gertrude didn't mind the Sorcerer's reaction. It was in his expectations that they would not take his words well. He didn't have any intentions of infuriating the Obelisk Sorcerers. He merely wanted to let them know that he wasn't planning on backing down.
The Duke wished for Ilya to be his heir. With that as his sole reason, Duke Brahm Gertrude was ready to face anyone who would dare take Ilya away from him, even if it was the Obelisk or the Emperor himself.
Be that as it may, the Duke seemed to be forgetting that there was another reason why he wanted Ilya to return. But that's something that he had to discover on his own.
"Well then, I won't stay any longer. I have a conference to attend. Feel free to make yourselves comfortable within my estate. Vhelian will be guiding you around."
