It seemed Harold had issued a private decree before his death because although the ministers and nobles knew that Alaric had once been banished, none of them knew the exact reason behind it.
They only knew he had been stripped of his titles and forbidden from returning to Eryndor.
Since Harold had never spoken openly about the matter, people only knew that the crime had been grave enough for the former king to banish his own son and that made them fear Alaric even more.
"You've improved," Alaric said as the two brothers finally stopped sparring.
Drystan smiled widely while lowering his sword. "Father made sure I trained every day while you were away, so it would've been embarrassing if I stayed the same."
Alaric nodded slightly in agreement before unsheathing his sword fully to inspect the blade. "What was it like after I left?" he asked casually, though his eyes remained fixed on the weapon in his hand.
