An apology would be more than fair. He absolutely had to apologize, but only to 2 people and not to the man next to him.
His eyes were fixed at the fur on the floor, his hands clasped behind his back. Romeo looked uninvolved and he was. Since joining the Beavers, there had always been something wrong with his quiet and unconventional demeanour. Disciplinary measures were nothing new to him, but Romeo did not resent the mercenaries. He sympathized even more with them, because they had no idea that there was a higher power behind the expressionlessness of his facial muscles. That's why he never fled the consequences of his actions and accepted every reprimand without batting an eyelid. He then internally regretted his actions, apologizing to those whom he had either dragged in his actions or insulted. Nevertheless, he always had to look unapproachable on the outside. Whether he wanted it or not.
However, this time – and he was well aware of this – he went overboard. Threatening a brother was a threat to the entire Beaver mercenary guild, and Romeo's sword had clung to Jasper's throat with its cold blade. This did not result in an injury, but the attempt alone violated the codex of these men.
"…and that's why the result was a little argument. Don't blame everything on our youngster. He only did, what he thought was right."
The corners of Jasper's mouth were raised slightly, while a faint crease had formed on his pale forehead. He probably wanted to play 'adults', be forgiving and a little helpless in front of Zosan. If he wanted to play that role, Romeo didn't stop him. His hands were tied because the only ones who really trusted him were Cheng, Korey and maybe the little boy. Romeo hoped for his trust, but he couldn't be sure of it yet.
"Hmm, I don't really blame him." Zosan grumbled, turning his attention to the quiet boy, who hadn't said anything till now and just stood there like an embellishment of the tent.
He tried to study Romeo, perhaps filtering out a sign of a reaction from the silence, but that was almost impossible.
"But since our codex doesn't allow an attack on a brother or sister, he has to be punished. And… additionally Romeo doesn't seem to want to take responsibility for his deed."
Romeo's hands tightened briefly before he raised his head and looked Zosan in the face. The gaze was promptly returned and a few seconds passed before Romeo opened his mouth.
"I will take responsibility, after all I can't deny my guilt. I have threatened Jasper and Thea because I believe that they have endangered the life of a child, and doesn't the codex also state that the lives of innocent people are sacred to us?"
The very thought that the little boy could have died made Romeo's heart heavy. He had seen many cruel deaths over the past year, including children of course, and he was terrified of it.
Romeo was still a child himself, but seeing the smallest among them on the edge of their strength, on the edge of their lives, had left marks, deep impressions which the white-haired boy couldn't easily wipe away.
That was why he ran back to the camp immediately after Korey's help signal.
That was why he had broken the codex without having to think twice about it.
If something was sacred to him, it was life.
And… there was also something he had to convince himself of.
"We don't know if he's innocent."
Jasper intervened again, but couldn't get Romeo's attention. In return, Zosan punished him with a sharp sideways glance. The long-haired man swallowed, took a step back and lowered his head.
"That is a problem."
Romeo watched while the leader covered his face with his big hand, letting it slowly slide over the hardened contours. The hand stopped at the stubble on the adult's chin as he seemed to be thinking about the next measure. Romeo couldn't say what exactly he had to expect now, but he knew that Zosan would never condemn him unfairly.
"Since you two are apparently rule breakers, I have no choice but to punish both of you. Although I can understand Jasper's restlessness. You know, Romeo, that it really is impossible for humans to form a golden core at this age. This child would actually have died that way. So, what's different about his body? Maybe he is a threat or not a pure Yangan or there is danger behind him. These are the thoughts that go through the mind of someone like Jasper. In the end, without precaution, you will only be sorry and it is difficult to take responsibility for your own decisions."
It took a little while, but finally Romeo nodded in understanding. After a brief "good", Zosan turned to Jasper, who was now as quiet as Romeo.
"Nonetheless I'm disappointed in you too, Jasper." The muscular man began, "As you just heard, I can understand your way of thinking, but your decision was taken too hasty. Besides, you have to discuss something like this with me first. There's no way around it. On top of that, you made Thea your accomplice and that could cost her her rank advancement, if headquarters found out about it."
"Then don't pass it on to 'Father'." Jasper muttered sheepishly, but immediately winced when he heard his supervisors booming voice.
"You're joking, right? I can't hide any information from him! That would be treachery! Do you really think I'm this tired of life?"
Romeo had only seen the mercenaries so called 'Father' once before. The Father was the leader of the Beavers and mostly stayed in the background. He formed the centre of the mercenaries and was the linchpin of the information network that the guild had built up over the years. So, it wouldn't be surprising if this man already knew what had happened a few hours ago.
"Anyways, I'm going to have to use harder means. You should think about your mistake. It's best to do this while processing our good meat. We have around 30 bodies waiting for your hard-working hands. Help is not allowed and I am extending our stay here by 3 days."
The corners of Zosan's mouth went up. A friendly smile appeared.
"So that our Jasper has enough time."
The addressed one's eyes widened rapidly and all colour escaped from his face. Nevertheless, he answered with a clear "Yes!" and then started to leave the tent. Just before he stepped out, he turned around and looked at Romeo. The white-haired boy could feel the look behind his back. A look that hid the real intentions.
"And Romeo? What will our youngster have to do?"
"You will leave that to me."
"…"
After a short silence, Jasper moved his head and then dropped the fabric behind him.
"Then it's your turn little Romeo. I already know what you will do and I think you will like it."