Strongest Contenders

General Neal Saraze waited as he wondered what his father's reaction might be.

Ever since he was young, he always had a close relationship with his father, and whatever he did or said, he always had his father's support as the Duke always trusted in him. But this time, he wasn't so confident. However, when a smile appeared on his father's face, the General barely refrained from blinking.

"You can now even state your opinion despite being contradicted to mine, Neal," Duke Esvale said. "You never stop making me proud."

"Father -"

"When did I ever try to force my opinion on you, son?" the Duke said before Neal could say anything. "You are all grown up now and it's only right for you to have your own opinion."

"But you don't believe in me, Father," Neal Saraze stated and the Duke's expression changed a bit. "Am I right?"