Chapter 34
4. The Girl Born in the Lowest Place
“Your Grace, is that rumor true?”
The three men seated opposite Emmett, donning flamboyant patterned cloaks unusual for the capital, were vassals of the Lartman Ducal family. Though they had just arrived and could have rested longer, upon reaching the Lartman residence in the capital, the first thing they brought up with Emmett was:
“We’ve heard rumors in the capital that Your Grace has fallen in love with some noble young lady.”
“That is...”
Caught off guard that the rumor had already reached his vassals, Emmett was unable to continue speaking. One of the vassals spoke up in a small voice:
“And they say she’s the fake Saintess...”
“Oh!”
Another vassal’s stern voice cut him off.
“What does her status matter? If His Grace likes her, that’s enough.”
“Indeed. It’s better than the Duchy passing to some distant mongrel relative.”
“You make a fair point. I spoke too hastily.”