"Alright, I'll do everything as ordered, but for now, can I suggest we take a break after that long journey?" Reiner offered.
Exhausted himself and craving the comfort of a proper bed, Etien nodded in agreement. But before escorting Etien to his room, Reiner chose to take Glen there first.
The difference in treatment didn't go unnoticed. Glen, catching onto it, merely smiled.
"You're pretty close with Duke Etien, huh?"
"Pardon?"
"Etien barely speaks casually to me, yet with you, he actually relaxes, act as himsel not the other like he show infront of me, even cracks a damn expression," Glen pointed out, his lingering smile unwavering.
Reiner rubbed the back of his neck, uncertain how to respond. He knew full well that Etien wouldn't act this way, not in front of Glen Lancaster. After all, Glen was the Emperor. Even if Etien wanted to, the Duke of the South would force himself to restrain any such impulse, diverting his energy toward something far more rational.
