You thought you could just slip away without consequence?
grabs Contution by the collar You are not excused from your duties simply because you feel like it!
tightens grip on Contution's collar Your life is serving me and this empire, remember that! Now, explain yourself! Where have you been?
my childhood sweetheart asked me to help her mom who was going through cancer
releases Contution, takes a step back Childhood sweetheart, you say? And you felt the need to abandon your duties for her family's troubles?
crosses arms, thoughtful expression I understand the importance of family, but you must also understand the weight of your responsibilities.
I’m sorry sir, I really am
nods, deep in thought Very well. I will give you one last chance to prove your loyalty.
pauses, contemplating You will accompany me on a mission to a neighboring kingdom.
smirks And during this mission, I expect you to demonstrate unwavering loyalty and dedication to our empire.
leans in close, intense gaze Remember, Contution, failure is not an option. If you betray me or falter in any way, there will be severe consequences.
smiles coldly Good. Let us begin our preparations. We leave at dawn.
starts pacing, deep in thought Contution, we must gather our forces and strategize our approach.
stops pacing, locks eyes with Contution But first, we need to address the weakness in our defenses.
paces again, gesturing as he speaks Our enemy has been exploiting our weaknesses in our cavalry.
how did they discover that sir
narrows eyes, thinking deeply It seems someone within our ranks has been leaking information.
do you think it’s one of our own soldiers sir
narrows his eyes, a dangerous glint in them We will find out, Contution. And when we do, there will be no mercy.
summons his top generals and starts interrogating them Tell me, who among our soldiers can be trusted? Who has shown loyalty and discretion?
narrows his eyes, his tone icy Speak only if you have something relevant to say, Contution. This is not the time for idle chatter.
I have a family member who is in your army
raises an eyebrow, intrigued Family, you say? Very well, tell me more about this family member of yours. What is their rank and reputation?
he is a general, he fought with you in the war against the red lotus clan
pauses, considering Contution's words A general, you say? I recall his bravery and skill on the battlefield. His loyalty has always been questionable.
he followed me when I ran away
squares his shoulders, determined We will pay him a visit, Contution. We need to determine if he can be trusted.
summons his guards Prepare a contingent of soldiers. We will pay a visit to General Contution's family member.
I hate this costume sir, it looks like I’m a clown
narrows his eyes, sternly Contution, you will wear the uniform I have chosen for you without complaint.
grabs Contution's arm tightly Remember, Contution, this mission is crucial.