Zavlan pressed his forehead hard. "This is my fault I was so stupid, stupid, STUPID!"
Shufa, seeing this, immediately approached. She placed her palm gently on Zavlan's shoulder. The other Guardian captains remained silent. Xavier adjusted his stance, while Monica stared blankly at the marble table. Their faces all reflected a deep sense of guilt.
Zavlan composed himself. He sat upright and adjusted his attire. He turned toward Shufa and smiled softly. "Thank you, my Shufa."
Zavlan looked forward again. He tapped the surface of the white table with his index finger. The rhythmic tapping echoed through the silent subterranean room. Silence hung for several seconds.
"All right," Zavlan said, breaking the quiet. "Eutas?"
"Eutas is under our protection, Your Majesty, though he briefly refused to eat out of concern for his daughter, Lady Cyhas," Xavier said. He stood stiffly, one hand gripping his sword belt.
Zavlan nodded slowly. "Well... that is only natural."
