Odysseus took a deep breath, slowly releasing it before beginning to explain.
"It's because of Ms. Envy. She's a valuable asset to our lord, but her reluctance to cross the line and antagonize the Hightower might someday jeopardize our fight against them. I wanted to avoid that," Odysseus clarified.
"So... that means it's justified for you to pull off this behind our lord's back? Is that what you mean?" Penthesilea asked, a hint of anger in her voice.
"No, it's not," Odysseus responded without hesitation.
"Oh? Then why are you doing this?" Penthesilea inquired, moving her spear a bit deeper, the sharp edge cutting into Odysseus's neck, causing it to bleed.
"I know that regardless of the reason, actions like these behind our lord are not what a loyal subject should do. But it's necessary to pave the way for our lord," Odysseus paused, then turned around slowly without fearing the blade that continued to cut into his neck, causing further bleeding.