Ross nodded, "Of course, no one will. That’s because I've found a better candidate."
"Who?" Seeing his smile, Fred had a hunch it was something terrible. He said, "Whoever it is, no one is more fitting than you, Your Highness. After all, you're—"
Before he could finish, Ross interrupted, "Fred!"
Puzzled, Fred answered, "Yes?"
"I'm talking about you," Ross said with a chuckle. He got up and slowly paced around the room. "You're my mom's most trusted right-hand man, and she listens to you.
“You also know her the best. You're the best candidate there is. Besides, I'm sure you're worried about her safety, right?"
It was a casual remark, but Fred was stumped. Ross was trying to put him in a dilemma like Fred did to him just now. If Fred said he was worried, he must follow Ross' plan.
"I—"
Ross continued, "It's fitting for me to go, but what if I have an accident or encounter any danger? What will happen if my mom and I can't return?"
"Your Highness, I—"
"You're afraid to say it out loud, right?" Ross gave him no chance to retort. "When that happens, Yudonia will be in chaos because my two younger brothers and other members of the royal families will fight for the throne. It’ll be disastrous.
"Besides, what will happen to the ties between Yudonia and Hyderland if my mom and I have an accident here? What will happen to you?" he asked sternly, then glared at Fred. "You're in charge here. Do you think others will let you off the hook?"
Fred struggled for an answer because he knew Ross was right.
"That's why it's most fitting that you go. Do you know my mom listens to you more than she does to me? Besides, your absence won't affect the embassy much."
Ross made a hushing gesture and continued, "Don't tell me you're needed here. I can handle the work here. If I can't cope, I can always get help.
“Besides, you’ve always been running this place, and it won't stop without you. So you should stay by my mom's side now, not here. Just go, Fred!"
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