"A thorn in my side..."
Usher's expression was complicated. That declaration—that fearsome tone—was supposed to be his line.
Imperial Marshal:
"Who do you think you are, heretic? You dare make demands at a war council?"
Duke of Gold:
"One day, you will pay for this in blood! If not for you, the Empire would've already marched forth in conquest!"
Duke of Purple-Gold:
"You think we'll forget what you did to my daughter Cassandra and Daloré, you damn destroyer?!"
The outbursts came fast and furious. Especially from the two highborn nobles who had lost more than just prestige—their ties to fallen dragon kings meant their political futures were now hanging by a thread. There were plenty of eager nobles ready to claw their way over their corpses for advancement.
Duke of Lightning:
"Hmph. Cowards and weaklings, the lot of you. Sharing the same banner is my greatest shame."
That stung. The other two families turned purple with fury.
