Conquering His Cold Heart

Chapter 714 Chat with the Duke (2)

Frost stood forcibly opposed to Duke Runak, there was barely a metre between the two of them as they squared off with their auras in full swing.

Frost was like a stubborn rock refusing to crumble in the face of a raging sea.

Despite his weakness he boldly declared that the Duke wouldn't dare to kill him.

'This kid...' Duke Runak struggled to stop a genuine smile forming on his lips. Frost's character and bearing were qualities he greatly admired. He was weaker than himself, but he remained steadfast in his resolve, never backing down. He could tell that this wasn't due to simple arrogance or foolish stubbornness but from a well thought out and logical standpoint.

Frost knew his exact worth, he was strong, talented and never did anything that could truly pit him against the Duke but most of all he knew the weight of the unknown.

Duke Runak being a person so close to the S-rank and one who constantly protected the Empire against the dangerous enemies within the Glacial mountains knew full well that someone with an S-rank protector couldn't be made into an enemy. A faction or even an individual at that level could crush his Duchy without even breaking so much as a sweat. Frost could therefore not be touched.

"....Hiding behind your protector, a bit cowardly don't you think?"

"I could say the same about the man trying to intimidate me with the power of his Empire and the status of an elder."

Duke Runak kept stressing Avira's position as the Princess and future Empress of the Northrend Empire, highlighting the difference between her and Frost. He was pressuring him with the dignity and power of the Northrend Empire, subtly deeming him unworthy of her, declaring him a dog chasing after a swan. A strange comparison given that Frost held the beauty card, but the meaning was clear.

Frost's comment about the Duke taking advantage of his status as an elder was him implying that the Duke was only stronger than himself due to his age. Frost thoroughly believed that he'd easily surpass him given enough time.

"..."

"..."

The two continued to glare at one another in silence before. "Hehehe aggressive, bold and fair... well said Frost hahahaha!" Duke Runak suddenly erupted with booming laughter and in response Frost subtlety smiled and released a restrained breath.

'Guess I made the right call.' After internally sighing Frost laughed alongside the Duke, erasing the tense atmosphere that had developed between them.

Duke Runak had a high opinion of Frost and no longer saw him as a threat to the Princess, he'd let nature take its course and see where it leads. Of course if Frost ever hurt Avira he'd chase him to the ends of the world even if he was protected by someone at the S-rank.

Since further talk about this topic was useless the two men moved onto to lighter issues. Duke Runak asked about Frost's time in Furano, about the development of the Niflheim city-state and also about the Dungeons that had appeared throughout the world. There was no permanent branch of the Federation of Knowledge nearby, so they were kind of lacking in information.

Frost was happy to explain a few things and regale his past to the mighty War God of the Glacial mountains, it was always better to have an extra friend rather than another enemy.

He was rewarded for being so forthright, the Duke in turn explained the development and running of the fortress, a place that completely dwarfed the current Niflheim city-state.

"You need to make sure that you foster talent among your subordinates, trustworthy and hardworking individuals that you can delegate your authority to.

It's impossible for one person to manage an entire territory by themselves no matter how talented or strong they are." Duke Runak stressed that attempts to retain as much direct control as possible would either lead him to becoming a tyrant or someone who restricted and eventually destroyed what he strove so hard to create.

Frost took his words to heart and agreed completely with his view. He'd already started fostering talented subordinates like, Maya, Daki, Findley, Khuno, Yuna and of course the kids Nanna and Loki. He even started to test a few others who held council positions.

After warmly chatting for nearly an hour Duke Runak suddenly donned a serious expression, his lips mumbled as though he was struggling to say something.

'Haaaaa I'll regret if I don't.' Eventually he seemed to muster up the courage.

"Frost do you truly have someone at the S-rank by your side?"

Frost thought for a few seconds before replying with a simple nod. Though Maya was currently restricted she was still technically an S-rank at heart and since there was already a rumour going around why should he hide it. Your next chapter is on empire

The moment Frost nodded his head Duke Runak's whole body trembled and a strange fascination filled his eyes. He then grabbed hold of Frost's hands and stared at him with an almost pleading expression.

Frost fearing that the Duke wanted to request aid from his supposed S-rank quickly denied the possibility. "Don't even think about asking for her help, she has no intention in aiding the Empire in any of its plights." Though he wasn't against offering his own services once he was done with his current task Maya was off limits.

"No no no you misunderstand Frost!" Duke Runak quickly waved his hands and shook his head in denial. He knew that such a request wasn't feasible. What he wanted was something more personal.

"I just want to ask for your opinion on something."

"....My opinion? On what?" He was intrigued.

"You've felt and even endured my aura yet unlike my Generals you aren't at the A-rank and back in the war room you even had a look in your eyes that seemed unmoved by it.....you've felt the aura or rather the domain of an S-rank haven't you?"