Mane glared at him, clenching his fist in anger. "The city is at stake; do you care not for it?"
"Enough!" The Earl overruled. "If they're as talented as you say, they should have no trouble rising through the ranks. Besides, if I were to do it any different, they would only earn the resentment of the people. Is that what you want for these that you declare heroes? To be scorned by the people they're meant to protect?"
Mane went silent, clearly still unhappy.
"I am most honoured to receive such a grand position," Pash said modestly, bowing his head respectfully towards the Duke. The princess looked towards him in wonder.
"…Are you not too inexperienced for it?" Lucifan said quietly. "You are the same age as I, and your skill with the sword cannot be superior. To be named a chevalar guard immediately seems too much."
"His mind is his weapon," Mane said simply.
