Elric stayed quiet for a moment longer, his hands still resting on the edge of the desk as he looked at the Duke.
Finally, He let out a soft sigh and pulled his hands back. "You know," he said almost casual, "I'm not just your subordinate, Your Grace."
The Duke didn't turn to look at him, but Elric kept speaking, his tone softer now. "I'm your childhood friend… your best friend."
There was still no answer, but something in the Duke's shoulders shifted, just the faintest motion, a sign he was listening.
"I don't say this because I want to lecture you," Elric continued. "I say this because I care about you. I know what you've done in the past, and I understand more than anyone why you carry what you do. But if you start again… if you go down that path one more time, it might not end the same way."
He gave the Duke a small smile, even though the man still didn't meet his eyes.