Mind Break

A sudden tremor ran through Nicolas, reaching all the way to the soles of his feet. He glanced behind him, his eyes widening as he contemplated the unexplainably large window looming in the background. 

His heart hammered wildly in his chest.

Nicolas swallowed hard. If only he could jump, he might then save himself from the impending torment.

Of all the stories he had heard about the Archduke, the most prevalent one was that he could be ruthlessly practical when the situation demanded it. 

Just like in the war, where he had sacrificed countless soldiers and civilians belonging to both Galiminea and Dalniar alike to secure victory, or where he had subjected veteran Knights to brutal interrogation for vital information.

The man was a maniac, a tyrant! That was the undeniable truth.