And now, while Giscard was away from Apulia leading an expedition against the Greek Empire, it was simply inconceivable that he would have Roger handle a rebellion in a core region like Bari.
"Doesn't Roger know you're here? Why make up such a clumsy lie?" Otto asked, frowning.
"He's making up this lie precisely because he knows I'm here," Eric said, shaking his head.
His uncle, Roger, possessed an uncommon shrewdness, one more flexible than Giscard's. His friendly gestures toward Eric were perfectly measured, carefully maintaining a state that was neither distant nor close.
This way, he avoided being drawn into situations where he might be coerced or receive requests he couldn't refuse.
"He's telling me that he's willing to be my friend, but that I must know my limits. And he has absolutely no interest in what I'm doing right now," Eric continued.
"He could have just said so. If he had Aunt Judith..."
