**BANG**
The large door leading towards the Emperor's study slammed shut just as Federico walked inside. He looked at the Emperor who was fuming then towards the Duke who was calmly sitting on a chair.
"You did it on purpose!" the Emperor said.
"Your Majesty—"
"I know what you lot do!" the Emperor pointed at the Duke. "You think that everyone else is weaker than you! You think too highly of yourself!"
"Your Majesty, what would your people say if they could see this side of you?" Duke Lucas mocked. "I just saved you and the nobles and yet all you do is shame me. If the Empire no longer needs the help of the North then I would be very glad to tell the King everything."
"You played with everyone! You dare—"
"Your Majesty, I never play with someone," the Duke said. "Everyone saw that the beast arrived and I killed it, saving everyone else in the process. Perhaps you saw something different?"