The room was filled with an unspoken tension as they both remained lost in their thoughts.
"I believe you owe me an explanation. Since when did you have a Guardian or an Alter form?" said Mavislin, her gaze piercing as she fixed her eyes on Matt.
Matt hesitated, his irritation bubbling just below the surface. Still, he refused to look at his boss.
"Before I met you... And why is it any of your business?" snapped the rabbit, his voice edged with frustration.
"Because having a Guardian when you're not capable enough—" began the dragoness, her tone firm but concerned.
"Who are you to judge whether I have the aptitude to wield a Guardian or not?!" erupted Mattheos, his anger causing him to lurch upright, eyes blazing as he faced her.
Mavislin was momentarily taken aback by the intensity of his outburst. The sharpness of his anger contrasted starkly with her own calm demeanor.
Despite the torrent of emotion that had suddenly erupted from Matt, the dragoness maintained her composure, her expression remaining stoic as she met his fiery gaze.
The room, once filled with tense silence, now seemed charged with the weight of unspoken grievances and the raw edge of exposed vulnerabilities.
"Because you are considered my youngling. Had I known you've got a Guardian, I would've helped you control it so it wouldn't try to take over you twice. There's a different approach in place for recruits when they have an Alter form or Guardian," explained Mavislin, calmly.
"I can handle the Mad King of Flames without anyone's help, thank you. Besides, how did you know I was fighting for control when you were so busy with Zenos?"
"Are you upset at me for some reason? And yes, I did take notice, especially when you could barely hold yourself together. Your face was contorted in so much agony that I was thinking of knocking you out so you'd be relaxed," replied the dragoness, raising an eyebrow at Matt.
Mattheos clenched his fists, his frustration and confusion boiling over as he averted his gaze from Mavislin. He struggled to understand why his anger was so intense, directed at his boss of all people.
Just as he was about to turn away, he felt a pair of slender arms wrap around his torso from behind. The dragoness gave a gentle squeeze, her touch both unexpected and soothing.
She buried her nose into his back, her presence a calming counterpoint to the storm of emotions roiling within him.
"Mav?" asked Matt, as he tried to turn.
"Stay still and let me hug you. I don't show care for my younglings, preferring them to grow up knowing the world is never kind. But for you... Just listen to me first..."
"Alright."
"It was true that I was worried about Zenos because he took quite a bit of damage and needs immediate attention but it doesn't mean that I didn't take notice of your struggles as well. On the contrary..."
The dragoness loosened her grip, allowing the rabbit to turn and face her.
"I was more worried about you, especially since I know the legend of the Mad King of Flames. The Emperor sought to make a pact with the Seven Sins and subsequently went insane, bringing ruin to his kingdom. He is no easy target to tame."
"Managing a Guardian from behind the Seat of Valour isn't a walk in the park. Sadly, I've watched too many people fall because their minds couldn't handle their Guardians. That's also why Beast has made it a rule that none of our staff can have them," explained Mavislin.
"So you're saying that if found to have a Guardian, Beast will kick them out?" asked Matt, mortified.
"No, he wouldn't do such things nor would he have the time or care to. He was barring the newcomers from getting Guardians when they've already joined the Syndicate. For your case, you got it before you joined so it's fine."
"I honestly just wished that you would've told me earlier so I could aid you in terms of understanding and controlling your Guardian. Makes me feel kind of disrespected, don't you think? That you'd have to hide things from me despite traveling with me for so long..."
Matt was left speechless, his mouth slightly agape as he gazed at the dragoness. She sat with her eyes cast downward, her posture conveying a mix of vulnerability and quiet reflection.
The sight of her downcast eyes and the gentle sadness in her stance spoke volumes, leaving Matt at a loss for words.
"But, never say that I don't treat both of you equally. Sin, well done in defeating Solaris. You've definitely proven yourself worthy to keep your station as my youngling and part of my division," praised the dragoness as she gently patted the rabbit's head.