Miaomiao, perched atop Marcus's back, was scolding the dragon.
[You fool! Can't you walk more steadily?]
[This is the best I can do, ma'am. Please, have mercy on me.]
[Hmph! Foolish Max! Stupid Max!]
Despite her harsh words, Miaomiao gently patted Marcus's head with a paw, softening the blow.
[Don't cry, or you'll truly be a foolish dragon.]
Watching the two bicker in their own way brought a smile to Michael's face.
Meanwhile, Alfred prodded the groggy Leonardo awake in the annex where he had been bound.
"You have two choices," Alfred said bluntly. "You can spend the rest of your life imprisoned for offering the souls of villagers and knights to the Outsider, or you can be executed and resurrected to serve Michael."
Leonardo's eyes sparkled as though the choice was obvious.
"Execution, of course!" he exclaimed without hesitation.
Alfred turned to Hope with a smug look, as if to say, See? I told you.
