Sitting on the balcony that came with the office, Youden couldn't help but overlook the city of Mongrave. Despite the several months after the capture of the city and hard work put towards rebuilding, well over forty percent of it was still in some type of ruin or damage. That was a pity, but progress was still being made, even with their advances after all this time. This war was something he did not regret with the ongoing results, and he had only wished they had moved out sooner.
A knock interrupted his thoughts, as he exited his seat and creaked the door open. He could see his sole general responsible for the defense and protection of the homeland, with his cap held between his hands. Something was wrong.
"Sir?" the man straightened up, and shot a quick salute. "My apologies!"
"No matter, come in." Youden directed him inside, as the general got comfortable.
The room itself was bare, as it was the former office of the governor of the region before the whole takeover happened. A sole shelf filled to the brim with books and a few pieces of decor and furniture decorated the room, but obviously couldn't compare to what was back in Yodenia.
"Let us make this quick. What news do you have to bring?" Youden moved to the mini-fridge he had next to the bookshelf, as he started to pour a glass of water.
"We've just received news that the Port-O-Bea airport got attacked. All contact with the occupiers has been lost." the general quickly reported, before looking on the ground.
Neither of the men said a word, as Youden took a sigh just as he filled the glass to the near brim. Settling back down, Youden stared down the general, who didn't even have his face up to look him in the eyes.
"Hey, look at me." Youden announced, causing the man to stare at him as intended. "Can you confirm that you did your job, and ensure me that those attackers did not take it over?"
"Sir," the general took a deep breath and a long pause, "I don't think those reinforcements have even arrived in the region yet, as I was last told they were only a few da-"
"Answer the question."
"Sir, I-, I don-, I don't think so."
The room remained quiet after those words, as Youden calmly finished his glass, although the general could see the veins popping out of his arms. If only those forces were faster, and Jamal didn't cause all of their issues, would they have been just fine.
"Alright, send this one final order under your command. Destroy Port-O-Bea in any way or means necessary. I want it wiped out." Youden placed the glass to the edge, before replying after a few moments of thought.
"Last order, sir?" the general watched Youden get up and grab an old broom in the corner of the room.
"Your time is now up. Your new rule is serving the reconstruction of our new regions alongside the other soldiers, with all your pay and positions being designated as the rest of them."
"But, sir?" the general stuttered, as the broom was placed in his hands, "It's not my fault!"
"Well, you have been prepared for your new role. Now get out of my sight or I'll do it myself. I got to find a replacement for your sorry excuse." Youden pulled out a book with information on statistics and similar information from other higher-ups.
The former general was just as shocked as anyone would be in such a position, as an aide conveniently came from the door to direct him out. Unless Jamal started making moves, Youden had little to fear if there was nothing there in the first place. Only one of the two could exist, and Youden wanted his way to be that option, no matter the position or the cost.