"Rise, Viscount Auston."
"Yes... Your Grace!"
Viscount Auston struggled to stand, but his legs were utterly numb after kneeling in the snow for three days. Despite numerous attempts, he failed.
It was only with the aid of Earl Evan that he finally managed to straighten his body.
Duke St. Prowse showed no sympathy or pity. He indifferently glanced over both men before entering the castle first.
"Sit."
"Thank you, Your Grace!"
Viscount Auston, trembling from head to toe and unable to stand steadily, quickly sat down as if pardoned. But in front of Duke St. Prowse, he dared not lean against the back of the chair, sitting only half-way.
"You cost me my two hundred thousand-strong army. I initially wanted to kill you."
Viscount Auston's body shuddered upon hearing this, but the Duke's next words allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief.
"However, in consideration of the Auston family's hundreds of years of loyalty, I've decided to spare your life."
