"Yes," the Marquis said louder now, his tone irritated. "Who gave those idiots the right to block his path?" I gave strict orders to let the Archduke pass. Offer him protection—though he clearly doesn't need it. And guide him until he reaches the castle safely."
The knight bowed his head even lower.
"They were… just trying to show Easvil the pride of our estate…"
The Marquis rose from his throne, his cloak trailing behind like a shadow. His voice turned icy, echoing through the grand hall.
"Pride?" he repeated. "No. What they showed was ignorance. Brainless, uneducated barbarians who still don't understand how this world truly works."
He stepped down from the stairs, descending toward the kneeling knight.
"These petty, low-born fools think they need to display something to prove our worth?" Hah. They insult this house more by breathing than by dying."
His gaze sharpened.
