In a place where the powerful rule, those below will remain below. What you do to others will quickly return to you, and every decision you make comes with consequences.
But what if the one you pushed downwards ends up delivering judgment upon those...
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King Markeus swept the glasses and plates off the dining table upon hearing disturbing news from Xavier. The young man took a step back, avoiding the plates and glasses heading in his direction. Even as he retreated from his position, a few drops of alcohol splashed onto his shoes. He remained upright, his face calm.
"What kind of nonsense are you talking about?" he retorted. "Are you saying that Knight of Cornelia was defeated in battle against the Fiore faction?" His incredulity was evident.
"At the break of dawn, we immediately went to the scene of the incident. We didn't expect what we saw," Xavier recounted. The scene that greeted their group that morning was still fresh in Xavier's mind. "Bodies were scattered around, some seemed to have been burned by fire. Even the Knights of Cornelia were found lifeless."
"Was the fight evenly matched? Is that what you mean?" Prince asked.
"It's unclear what the outcome of the skirmish was. Whether anyone survived or if everyone perished," he recounted. "But one thing our group noticed was Michael's body."
The king's brows furrowed. "What about his body?"
"It was carved with butterfly wing patterns."
"Butterflies?" The prince uttered in disbelief. "And they even had time to carve things into the corpse?"
"He was the only one distinctly marked with butterfly patterns on his cheeks. Some bodies were missing parts, and others were almost unrecognizable due to burns. I believe there's a message they want to convey."
"Not only did they send soldiers, but they also have sorcerers on their side?" He asked in astonishment.
"I apologize, but we have no information on that matter, Your Majesty," he replied respectfully, bowing slightly. He heard the hands slam on the table and sensed the rise from the seat.
"Why didn't you find out? Isn't it your job, Xavier?"
He took a deep breath and looked back at her interlocutor. "I don't want to preempt your decision because I know you don't want us doing things without your knowledge."
Humans tend to blame others all the time. They never run out of reasons to blame others for their mistakes or shortcomings. Instead of acknowledging their faults and lapses, they point fingers at others. Who would willingly admit to their wrongdoing? As much as possible, they will remain arrogant, as long as they can manipulate others, they will do so. That's how selfish people are.
Those words couldn't help but cross his mind. It was as if they suddenly whispered into his ears, and he recalled the voice of a maiden. And like the words she uttered, they resonated with his situation.
The king's gaze bore down on him sharply. It was as if anger was speaking through his eyes. He could also see some veins bulging on his neck, seemingly ready to burst in frustration.
