The slap echoed across the front courtyard of the manor.
Lucas's head was knocked slightly to the side.
For a second—
His world went empty.
Blank.
No pain.
No anger.
Just… confusion.
"…Huh?"
That was the only sound that came from his mouth.
The Baroness stood in front of him with her breath trembling.
Her eyes were red, her jaw stiff, her hand still shaking from the slap.
Silvara stepped forward half a step.
"My Lady—"
"SILENCE!"
The Baroness's voice cracked.
She turned sharply toward Silvara.
"Do you even know what he just did?!" She pointed straight at Silvara's face.
"WHY DID YOU ALLOW HIM TO CHALLENGE A REGIONAL KNIGHT?!"
Silvara lowered her head.
Her body tensed.
"My apologies, My Lady," she said quietly.
Lucas opened his mouth.
"Mo—"
"Enough."
The Baroness cut him off immediately.
She clutched the front of her coat as if she were struggling to breathe.
"You're coming with me." She grabbed Lucas's hand.
"We're going to apologize." She walked quickly.
