"Even if you laid all the riches of the world at my feet, I wouldn't trade a single moment of those adventures."
"Even if someone you truly fancy comes along your way to whisk you to a peaceful life... You'd still choose this path?"
"Mattheos, I've experienced everything this world has to offer, yet it's the darker, more chaotic aspects that truly captivate me. To me, genuine satisfaction comes from the thrill and danger of combat—facing risks and confronting the unknown."
"A life of peace and monotony simply doesn't appeal to me. That's why I've never regretted joining the Syndicate. It has provided me with the excitement and purpose I crave, and I know I never will. Additionally, if I do, then what would become of my younglings?"
"So you still have a shred of mercy and compassion before you truly fall towards the dark side, got it..."
As they sipped their beverages and enjoyed their breakfast, Matt was the first one to break to silence. His ears flicked and eyes narrowed, indicating that it was time to talk about their plan.
"The guards are no doubt under the Viceroy's command but do you know how powerful they are compared to the locals?" quizzed Matt, softly to not draw unnecessary attention.
"From my experience, the Viceroy's men are definitely more powerful but how sure can we be that all of the guards have been replaced? Take another look, Sin… Are these people truly under command or have the two leaders decided to rule as one?"
Mattheos froze, his tail spiking upon hearing Mavislin mention his call sign of the Syndicate.
"Are you blind? How can you not tell, with the way the villagers looked?"
"Humour me a bit. Think about it this way; the people and their government can have separate behaviors. Like us in the Syndicate, the bosses have their own way of governing us but it's up to us to do the mission."
"They don't give a damn whether we do it by left or right, they care that it has been done."
"And this is a very different situation?!"
"Listen, you long-eared idiot. Two scenarios are happening now. Either the Viceroy's rule has been by a cruel and strict command, holding everyone in this town by the throats so the people would be behaving this tamed."
"Or, it's because the government of Valokia has merged with the Viceroy's command. Think about it."
Mavislin's words weighed heavily on the bunny's ears. Was he truly so biased that he would instantly jump to the conclusion that the Viceroy can't be in charge of a town and not have their people suffer?
"I don't know what other previous rules or commands you had experienced but what I know is that the common folk will never betray their own hearts."
"Even if Zenos was ruling with an iron fist, there were bound to be some disturbances or unpleasant faces from the locals. So far, I have yet to see one expression out of place," explained Mavislin, as the tea lady came over to refill her beverage.