Northwind Castle, Council Hall.
Cassius lay sprawled on the massive iron throne, looking down at Frederick who was kneeling on the ground. His voice was slightly languid.
"Frederick, you are one of the seven great knight commanders of the Lionheart Knights. Why did you choose to betray the Boske Duchy and submit to me?"
"Look at me, Frederick."
"To survive, to gain greater power."
"And also... to choose my own destiny."
After a moment of hesitation, Frederick answered truthfully. He mustered the courage to raise his head and look directly into the red dragon's golden vertical pupils.
Just in that moment of silence, his heart pounded, and his back was already soaked with sweat.
Finally, the red dragon's voice sounded again.
"Very well, you did not lie. Otherwise, I would have burned you to ashes."
"The Ashen Kingdom needs ambitious people. As for loyalty... heh, this is not an issue for me."
Cassius slowly stood up, leaning his head closer and observing him carefully.
