"Father. It has been done."
Raymond called out to his lord and father, Lord Winchester with a bitter yet composed expression.
"... Is that so?"
Lord Winchester didn't say anything else, but Raymond didn't miss the small sigh that left his lips.
The young man silently stared at his father for a long time until Lord Winchester stroke up a conversation.
"Say... Raymond."
His voice was heavy, unlike his usual jolly self.
"Yes... Father?"
"Do you think what I did was wrong? Putting Phillips up there as a scapegoat... Do you think that I should have done it in a different way?"
For the first time, Lord Winchester showed his weakness. He was hesitating, he was regretting his choice. He wanted consolation, he wanted some validation of his choices.
Raymond understood that, which is why he said the following,
"It was the best choice... Otherwise, the empire would have been affected."
"... I see."