Even with someone giving her help in secret, Netra still felt her heart shake a little. Such an offer, from such a person, it was hard to turn it down without a second thought.
But Netra firmed her resolve and gave a shallow nod. "...I understand what you're saying. But, still, I must apologize for being unable to accept."
The prefecture lords didn't know what to say or how to react. None of them were ready for Netra's constant denial. Treeda already knew what Netra was going to say and it still shocked her to the core witnessing it happen before her eyes.
"... Very well. Then I'll no longer pursue the matter." Kartzal sighed with a light smile that wasn't a smile. "That being the case, I still wish you the very best in your endeavors with the territory, region, and prefecture. May your loyalty prove worth it in the end… Now back in line."
Netra bowed and complied. She returned to the line, startling her fellow top four candidates.
