"What the hell are doing, young master Damien." She screamed. Her voice reminded him of the eerie noise from the T.V. when the channel goes dead. High pitch and fucking annoying to the ears.
"You're at my duchy and you dare order my COMMANDER like he's one of your lap dogs. The audacity. I granted you this task because I thought you would help me. Cause I thought you were doing it because you wanted to help me but you just slaughtered half of 'em' like their lives don't have any significance."
The office of the head was not crowded or anything it was just her and him in a screaming match. Though it was more like her screaming at him.
After Damien had completed his interrogation they had immediately left the vicinity. Like it's only natural, the bandits walked in unison like cattle on their way to a slaughterhouse.
Sir Allister had explained what had transpired there and Blaire was fuming at him for the way he did it.
"Threatening to kill? Piercing a knife through the hand? What happened to you? Is this how a noble such as yourself act toward someone human? They were the lost and the damned. They can't even wield a sword without hurting their hands. They were just stupid and greedy, Damien, that was it." She heaves heavy breaths and her face was tomato red. Her nostrils were flaring like a steam engine exhaust. "Even if they launched an all attack nothing would've happened to me. They are just pitiful."
"You don't know about that. You could've been killed by them. Just because your army is great doesn't mean there isn't a genius strategist with them. Anything could've happened," he protested. She doesn't know the way things work. Anyone could kill any other, no matter how powerful they are, with just some strategy and wit.
Blaire scoffed, her eyes flashing with anger. "And what would you know about strategy and wit, young lord Damien? You think you're so clever, so superior with your noble upbringing and fancy titles. But let me tell you something, true strength doesn't come from threatening and slaughtering the weak. It comes from understanding and compassion."
"Compassion?" His face scrunched at the word. "You think they deserve compassion? Blaire, they tried to kill you. Are you even listening to yourself?" He approached her, his voice rising.
"Plotted, young master. Plotted. There's a difference in that. And as I said, some bunch of useless ones cannot even wield a sword without injuring themselves. They are too weak."
·ƈθm "They aren't weak! They are smart, and strong, and-"
"Do you want to know why I gave you this mission?"
He was silent. He cannot understand why she was acting like this. Her own life was at stake and yet she was defending them.
"Because I trusted you. Because I trusted your judgment. You saved me, Damien, from my husband and the others. You saved the people of this duchy but this was nothing but pure ignorance. Killing wouldn't solve anything." She said, her voice raising above and beyond.
He felt anger surging through him. His face reddening and deepening. His breathing was getting quick and raspy.
"You are the second son of a prominent noble from another kingdom who came to this kingdom and slaughtered a bunch of low lives. What will the people think about it when they learn about this? What do you think happens to me who allowed you into this kingdom and welcomed you like a guest?"
Damien's anger was palpable, his hands clenched into fists as he glared at Blaire. "So, it's all about appearances, is it? You care more about your image than your safety? You care more about what people think than the lives of those who wanted to harm you?"
Blaire's eyes widened, taken aback by Damien's outburst. "No, it's not about that, Damien. It's about principles, about valuing every life, no matter how misguided they may be. I don't want to rule with fear and violence. I want to inspire change, to offer a chance at redemption."
"Redemption?" Damien scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "These bandits don't deserve redemption. They deserve punishment for their crimes. If they had succeeded in harming you, what then? Would you still offer them a chance at redemption?"
Blaire's expression softened, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and compassion. "Damien, you have to understand that I've seen the consequences of violence and revenge. I've seen the destruction it brings, not just to the guilty, but to innocent lives caught in the crossfire. I don't want to perpetuate that cycle of violence. I want to find a better way, a way that leads to true peace."
"You know what? You know fucking what? I'm done. I'm done with you. I'm done with your fucking principles and your fucking compassion and your fucking stupidity." He spat on the ground in front of her and made his way to the door.
"Damien," Blaire gasped, taking a step forward. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"You didn't mean to insult me? Then why are you apologizing? You are the one who fucked up! You think you can save every little person out there? You think you can save those who are so lost and misguided? You think you can redeem them? Hah. You're such a fool. You're nothing but a naive little girl who doesn't know a damn thing about the world."
Her face reddened. Her lips were pressed tight. She stood there, her hands clenched into fists by her side. Her eyes trembled due to rage.
He regarded her for a moment. His red eyes peered through hers. She could feel the anger coursing through him.
"And if you want to keep your position as the ruler of this duchy, if you want to continue living, then you should stop acting like a dumb bitch."
He slammed open the door before storming out leaving a dumbfounded Blaire behind.