The sun had climbed a quarter through the sky when Duke Varen summoned Duke Fenris.

The head butler assisted Duke Fenris, but he didn't really need one. He had always been a good memoriser. Latticed windows to red carpets, he remembered them all.

The head butler announced that Duke Fenris was waiting on the door, to which Varen replied, "Let him in."

Fenris entered, his eyes scanning the chamber with practised calm. 

Duke Varen was sitting on the chaise lounge in an effortlessly regal posture. There was a bottle of wine along with 2 glasses to share the wine. He signalled Fenris to sit in front of him.

Duke Varen: Ah! So Duke Fenris Sunfire has arrived now. Right Fenris?

Duke Fenris: Yes, after all, I couldn't reject the late crown prince's most favoured noble, right?

Fenris started to pour the wine into the glasses.

Duke Varen: Oh! You talk as if you came here because of the crown prince, not me.

Duke Fenris: You are judging me wrongly, sir. I came because you must be a very respectable noble, as you were really trusted by his highness.

Duke Varen: My bad then. You see, I am becoming a really bad judge of character as I grow older.

Duke Fenris: So, may I know why I was honoured to be summoned by you, sir?

Duke Varen: Yeah, as you know, the empire is in chaos. It may look all well when seen from a distance, but it is not truly as it seems to be. It may actually break down into many pieces any second! You will understand these things as well as I because you, too, are a noble.

Duke Fenris: So you want me to find the heir, right?

Duke Varen: You are quite more quick-witted than I heard you are.

Duke Fenris: Thank you for the compliment. However, I might need a few other incentives too to work swiftly.

Duke Varen: (Mumbles) He is just like hee.

Duke Fenris: What?

Duke Varen: I was saying that you will get access to the imperial library, to which only royals are allowed, fake identities and anything you need. Also, you would get a helper. 

Duke Fenris: Helper? 

Duke Varen: Yes. She is also assigned the same mission.

Duke Fenris: Well then, I am going to give my best. I will find that heir as fast as possible, farewell.

Duke Varen: I bid you a good day then.

Duke Fenris went all-in while thinking about how to start this all and who that helper was. Given Duke Varen did say that she was a she, but not her name was enough of a sign for him to understand that Duke Varen did want him to know that he had a company, but wanted him to figure out who it was on his own...