"You, you can't do this."
Thales's distraught voice echoed in the Ballard Chamber.
But the King's indifferent reply met the boy as if this thrilling standoff had already ended:
"Get out."
Thales's breath hitched, his fingernails digging into his palm, bringing pain.
No.
It's not over yet.
It can't be over...
Thales took a deep breath, making a last-ditch effort:
"That orphan girl, said to be a bargaining chip for pressuring the West Desert, is merely an excuse—an albeit shocking one."
He leaned forward on the desk, gritting his teeth:
"And the real chip, as you said, is me."
But the King remained unmoved, his expression indifferent:
"Will you leave with your dignity intact, or wait until the Royal Guards come in and drag you out?"
Thales desperately tried to ignore his words, grasping back at the topic:
"Without me, Falkenhauz won't go with the flow and cooperate with you."
"Without me, the orphan girl from Eimore is worthless in your hands."
