On a chilly afternoon in the Agnus Duchy, two men sat in the office, on the opposite sides of a wooden table, staring at each other. The older of the two was, of course, Duke Agnus, lord of the duchy and commander of legions. The other was Joshua, a young boy with flushed ears. The thick soundproofing allowed no sounds inside to interrupt their terse silence.

“I received some reports…” The Duke heaved a sigh and drummed his fingers against the table. “...that said you requested a sparring session...no, more of a showcase with the soldiers. And, hahhh, some lives have been lost.” 

The Duke's voice was monotone.

Any ordinary person would have found it mentally taxing to just look at the Duke right now. Behind his mild tone and stoic expression, he could be hiding blistering rage without anyone the wiser. But...