Arthur placed the Village Protector Insignia on the desk between them, its intricate design catching the light. The air in the room seemed to shift instantly.
Charles froze, his eyes widening as they locked onto the insignia. His breath hitched audibly.
Charles froze mid-sentence, his eyes widening as they locked onto the emblem. For a moment, it was as if he'd forgotten to breathe. Then, his chest rose sharply, a loud gasp escaping him as he stumbled to his feet, the chair scraping against the wooden floor.
"This emblem…" he muttered, his voice trembling with disbelief. His gaze darted between Arthur and the insignia, and his face slowly shifted into an expression of awe. Respect, deep and immediate, radiated from his eyes.
Charles took a hesitant step forward, his hand twitching slightly as though unsure whether he was worthy to touch the insignia.
"May I—may I hold it?"
