"We need to find out," Ulrich said.
"We," Kaliantha repeated.
The word lingered between them.
She sat across from him with one leg crossed over the other, her posture flawless despite the private nature of the meeting.
"You have a poor image at court, Lord Rubenhart," she said. "Most people see only the cold Count who avoids their company, speaks little, and appears to care for nothing beyond his own territory."
Ulrich did not dispute it.
"Nobody knows how extensively you have assisted this kingdom," Kaliantha continued. "They do not know how many demon ships have been stopped because of you. How many lives were spared. How many of their own estates may have been protected by information you provided in secret."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"And it seems you have no wish for anyone to know."
"To be respectful, Your Majesty," Ulrich said, a faint coldness entering his voice, "I could not care less for other people's acknowledgment."
Kaliantha watched him.
"What about mine?"
