178 Chapter 178

Relieved sighs burst forth all around the room. They were cut short as Riftan promptly added, "But it's a different story if the duke refuses to let go. I will only back down this once. If the duke strikes first, I will retaliate."

"You needn't worry about that," said the princess. "His Majesty will not tolerate anyone disrupting the current order, and that applies to the Duke of Croyso too. The king does not want his vassals sowing further discord. We have made this clear to the duke as well."

For a fleeting moment, a feral smile crossed Riftan's face. "And was he willing to obey?"

Princess Agnes nodded solemnly. "The duke does not wish to sour his relationship with the royal family. If Anatol pulls back, we will intervene if he tries to cause another dispute."