Erica - When a Friend is Obsessed With Me

Chapter 62

***

Marquis Knobel's office.

Marquis Knobel sighed briefly, fiddling with his quill pen.

The person standing in front of his desk with his back to him

"..."

Count Herais.

A sword master and the commander of the Tenearha Knights for nine years.

He had always consulted Knobel on important decisions and typically followed his counsel.

Disagreements like this were rare.

"Are you protesting?"

"I don't understand why you allowed it."

Marquis Knobel rubbed his throbbing temples.

"Wasn't the matter settled? I discussed it with you."

"I clearly expressed my opposition. Had I known you'd push ahead like this, I wouldn't have relinquished authority over the Tenearha personnel."

Count Herais looked deeply offended.

"Erica was to be assigned to the Crown Prince's court soon."

It was all because of Erica.

More precisely, it was because of Erica's unexpected request—and Marquis Knobel's decision to grant it.

A direct knight of the Sonnet Court?

It would have been impossible without Marquis Knobel intervening and appealing directly to His Majesty.

"The Crown Prince has asked for Erica more than once, but I cannot fulfill his wishes."

Count Herais struggled to contain his frustration. This breach of loyalty grated against his principles.

Marquis Knobel shook his head.

"Erica already declined, tactfully."

"What does it matter—"

"The Tenearha fall solely under the Emperor's authority. Even the Crown Prince cannot compel her."

"But the Sonnet Court is another matter."

"What's the difference? The master of the palace requested it, and the knight agreed; this is customary."

"..."

"I informed the Emperor. He saw no issue, so neither should you."

Without another glance, Marquis Knobel returned to his stack of papers.

He was, after all, quite busy.

Even two bodies wouldn't have been enough for the duties of acting prime minister.

Yet, amid all the demands, he had granted Erica's request.

She had never asked for anything in the past six years.

Marquis Knobel had no intention of reversing her Sonnet Court assignment.

"His Highness the Crown Prince—"

"Tell His Highness there are plenty of excellent knights besides Erica."

The Crown Prince's court already had several Tenearha knights.

It was a wonder that the emperor continued to turn a blind eye to them, taking only the best of the best.

Especially the red-haired Cyrus.

A renowned knight in the First Army and one of the Crown Prince's closest allies, Cyrus's ambition was no secret.

He openly aimed for the position of knight commander when the next emperor took the throne.