Biased Justification

Tobias, his face contorted with a mix of anger and concern, approached the center of the turmoil. His eyes darted between Elias, Kler, and the pendant hanging from Elias's neck, "Elias, why are you stealing jewelry around the school?" he demanded, his voice cold and accusatory.

Elias, his face flushed with a mixture of fear and frustration, responded quickly, "No, Father! I didn't steal this. It's mine!"

Tobias's brows furrowed, and he clenched his fists in anger, "Then where have you found this jewelry?" he pressed.

Elias hesitated for a moment, the weight of the situation bearing down on him. He knew he had to tell the truth, "This necklace was given to me by the King," he replied earnestly.

Tobias's reaction was swift and harsh. Without a word, he raised his hand and slapped Elias across the face. The sound of the slap reverberated through the courtyard, and the stunned silence that followed was broken only by the gasps of the onlookers.

Tobias glared at his son, his voice seething with anger and disappointment. "How dare you use the King under your filthy deeds?!"

Elias held his stinging cheek, tears welling up in his eyes. He had never expected such a reaction from his father, and the pain of the slap was compounded by the betrayal he felt at that moment. The pendant, the symbol of his friendship with the King, now felt like a heavy burden around his neck.

Ezra, witnessing the unjust punishment, stepped forward, her expression impassive but her voice firm, "Uncle Tobias, Elias is telling the truth. The King did give him this pendant. We should verify his claim before jumping to conclusions."

But Tobias seemed unwilling to listen, his anger blinding him to reason. He grabbed Elias by the collar, his grip tight and unforgiving, "You disgrace us with your lies." he spat, his voice seething with venom.

Elias, struggling against his father's grip, looked around desperately, hoping to find support among the crowd of students. Their eyes, however, were filled with judgment and scorn, their whispers echoing the accusations.

In that moment, Elias felt utterly alone, betrayed not only by his father but by the very people he had once considered his peers. The weight of the pendant around his neck seemed to grow heavier.

Tobias's anger still burning hot, he forcefully shoved Elias into a quiet corner of the alley, away from the prying eyes of the crowd. The rough impact made Elias stumble, and he leaned against the stone wall for support, his cheek still throbbing from the earlier slap.

His father's stern face was inches away from his, and his words were delivered with biting intensity, "You have brought shame upon us, Elias. Using the King's name to cover your lies and deceit? I never thought my own son would stoop so low."

Elias, still reeling from the slap and the harsh words, found it difficult to meet his father's accusing gaze. His voice quivered with a mix of anger and desperation, "Father, I'm not lying. The pendant is a gift from the King himself. I would never steal anything."

Tobias scoffed, his eyes narrowing with suspicion, "A gift from the King? Do you think that makes you special, Elias? Do you think it absolves you of your wrongdoing?"

Elias felt a knot forming in his stomach as he realized the depth of his father's anger and disbelief. The bond between them had never been strained like this before, and it was tearing at his heart.

Tobias continued his tirade, each word a painful reminder of the rift that had formed between them, "You will learn a harsh lesson today, Elias. You will face the consequences of your actions, and you will apologize to Principal Marlowe for your disgraceful behavior."

Elias's eyes welled up with tears, his voice breaking as he pleaded with his father, "Father, please, just listen to me. I'm telling the truth. The King gave me this pendant as a gift for my birthday."

But Tobias was unmoved, his anger unrelenting. He turned away from Elias, his gaze filled with disappointment, "You will apologize to the Principal and give back the pendant, whether you like it or not!" 

As Tobias's anger reached its boiling point, he raised his hand once more, intending to strike Elias again. But this time, Elias, driven by a surge of defiance, managed to dodge the incoming slap. He stepped back, his heart pounding, and his eyes wide with fear and anger.

"No! I will not give this to them, this is mine!" Elias's voice shook with desperation as he clutched the pendant tightly. He had never defied his father like this before, but he couldn't bear to part with the precious gift from the King.

Tobias's face turned even darker with rage. His voice thundered, echoing through the narrow alley, "Elias, I gave you everything I could afford, and this is how you'll repay me?!"

Elias's resolve wavered for a moment, and he took a trembling step back, his eyes welling up with tears. He realized that his father would not listen to reason, and that the chasm between them had grown too wide to bridge in this moment.

Unable to bear the overwhelming emotions and his father's unrelenting anger, Elias turned and ran, tears streaming down his face. The pendant clutched in his hand served as a painful reminder of the shattered trust and the rift in their relationship.

As he fled through the alleys of the academy, Elias's heart was heavy with sorrow and confusion. He had never imagined that a day filled with so much promise and hope could turn into a nightmare of accusations and betrayal. The echoes of his father's harsh words haunted him, and he couldn't stop the tears from flowing as he ran, feeling utterly alone and abandoned.

Elias ran through the labyrinthine streets of Handun Broch, tears blurring his vision as he sought refuge from the turmoil that had enveloped his life. With each step, the weight of the pendant around his neck seemed to grow heavier. His felt like it was hard to breath with this necklace around

As he reached the outskirts of the city, the chaotic noise of the academy and the city center faded into the distance. Elias found himself on a quiet, tree-lined road that led towards the outskirts of Handun Broch, where the opulent district of Danschen and Thistledale lay. It was a place of grand estates, inhabited by nobles and royalties, a stark contrast to the commoner's life he had always known.

Elias knew that commoners like him were typically not allowed into Danschen, but desperation and a burning desire to escape the turmoil of his life drove him forward. He spotted a gig carriage waiting by the side of the road, its driver lounging nearby.

Approaching the driver, Elias tried to hide the traces of his tears, his voice as steady as he could make it, "Excuse me, sir. I need to get to Danschen, and I'm willing to pay well for your services."

The driver eyed Elias skeptically, assessing the disheveled young man before him. Danschen was a place where commoners rarely ventured, and the driver knew that such a journey could bring trouble, "What's your business in Danschen?" the driver asked cautiously.

Elias hesitated for a moment, not wanting to reveal the turmoil of his personal life, "I have a message to deliver to a noble family," he replied, hoping it would be enough to satisfy the driver's curiosity.

The driver seemed to ponder for a moment, then finally nodded, "Very well, but it will cost you."

Elias didn't hesitate. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch of pennies, counting out the fare. It was a significant sum, but he had enough to pay for the journey.

With the payment settled, Elias climbed into the gig carriage, his heart heavy with the uncertainty of the path ahead. As the carriage started moving, he looked back one last time at the city of Handun Broch, the place where his life had been turned upside down.

He didn't dare to come back to their house at Handun Broch, he knew it wasn't his home anymore, now that this necklace had caused a great rift between his father's trust to him, so the only place that would welcome him was the palace of Danschen.

The gig carriage rattled along the tree-lined road as Elias left Handun Broch behind, his destination uncertain but his determination unwavering. He watched the familiar cityscape fade into the distance, a mix of sorrow and relief in his heart.

The journey to Danschen was a bumpy one, and Elias couldn't help but reflect on the events that had led him to this point. He thought about the pendant, a gift from the King that had become both a symbol of trust and a source of turmoil. He remembered his father's harsh words and the painful slap that had marked the end of their relationship as he knew it.

As the carriage continued its journey, Elias's thoughts were consumed by the events that had unfolded at the academy, the accusations and the false beliefs of those who had once been his peers. He couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal, both by his father and by the people he had thought he could trust.

Hours passed, and the landscape outside the carriage window changed. Danschen, with its opulent mansions and well-manicured gardens, came into view. Elias had never been to this part of the town, and he couldn't help but feel like an outsider in this world of nobles and royalties.

Finally, the carriage came to a stop in front of a grand estate, but it wasn't the palace Elias had hoped for. Still, he stepped out with determination, his heart heavy with uncertainty but also a glimmer of hope. He knew that he was taking a risk by seeking refuge in Danschen, but it was a risk he had to take to escape the turmoil of his life in Handun Broch.

Elias was quite familiar with the streets of Danschen, having been to the palace many times before. He navigated his way through the affluent neighborhood, each step a reminder of the stark contrast between the life he had known as a commoner and the opulence of the nobility.

As he approached the palace's gates, Elias's heart quickened with anticipation. He badly wanted to see the King, to assure him that everything would be alright, and to seek the King's guidance in clearing his name.

"That's how I was accused falsely," Elias said, his voice filled with a mix of determination and sadness, as he recounted his journey to the King and the members of the Ministry of Education. The throne hall remained silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air, a reminder of the injustice that had brought him to this point.

The room was draped in a heavy silence, every word Elias spoke hanging in the air like a weighty secret. The King, his eyes deep and understanding, regarded Elias with a mixture of empathy and concern. He leaned forward, his gaze unwavering.

"Thank you, Elias, for sharing your story," the King spoke, his voice commanding the attention of everyone present, "Your courage in facing such adversity is commendable."

Elias looked up, meeting the King's eyes. In that gaze, he found a glimmer of hope, a sense of reassurance that he hadn't felt since the accusations had begun.

"In the meantime," the King said, his voice carrying the weight of his authority, "You will stay here in the palace. You'll be under the protection of my guards and scholars. We will ensure your safety while we get to the bottom of this."

Elias felt a rush of relief flood over him. The King's protection meant safety, something he hadn't felt since the accusations had begun to circulate.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Elias said, his voice catching with emotion.

The King's gaze turned icy as he turned towards the members of the Ministry of Education. His voice, usually warm and regal, took on a steely edge, "I am profoundly disappointed," he said, his tone cutting through the silence in the hall, "Our educational institutions are meant to be bastions of knowledge and fairness. To think that false accusations could flourish under your watch is a stain on the very principles our kingdom stands for."

The members of the Ministry lowered their heads, unable to meet the King's piercing gaze. Guilt and shame were etched across their faces as they realized the gravity of their failure.

"You have failed not just Elias, but you have failed me," the King continued, his voice resonating with authority, "You have failed in upholding the values that I, as your ruler, hold dear. Trust, justice, and fairness are the cornerstones of our kingdom. And yet, these ideals seem to have eluded you."

The weight of the King's disappointment hung heavy in the air, each word a rebuke, a reminder of their duty and the trust that had been misplaced. His disappointment had been expressed with cold precision, but he had stopped short of stripping titles and enacting more severe punishments.

"Good thing I am not in the right mood to strip titles," the King remarked, his voice cutting through the tension in the hall. It was a clear warning, a recognition that there was still a chance for redemption, but that their positions were not guaranteed.

Then, with a sharp and decisive shout, he ordered, "Dismissed!"

The members of the Ministry of Education quickly retreated from the throne hall, their heads still bowed in shame. They knew they had narrowly escaped a harsher fate, but the weight of their failure weighed heavily on their shoulders.

As the throne hall emptied, Elias remained, still standing before the King. The room was quiet once more, the echoes of their conversation lingering. 

Elias approached the King's throne and gracefully knelt before him, a deep sense of gratitude in his eyes. His voice was sincere and filled with emotion as he spoke, "Your Majesty, I am forever in debt to you."

The King regarded Elias with a warm and reassuring smile, his hand extending to gently rest on Elias's shoulder, "You owe me no debt, Elias."

The King's warm smile and comforting words were like a balm to Elias's wounded soul, but they also stirred a complex mix of emotions within him. He looked up at the King, tears streaming down his face like a river, his eyes filled with gratitude and pain.

"You're my friend, and friends help each other, right?" the King had said, his voice filled with genuine kindness.

Elias couldn't hold back his emotions any longer. The weight of the false accusations, the betrayal he had experienced, and the loneliness he had felt all came rushing to the surface. His tears fell freely as he buried his face in his hands, unable to hide the anguish that had consumed him.

His mind involuntarily drifted back to the crowd where he had been labeled a thief and a liar. The faces of the people who had accused him, the whispers of judgment, and the feeling of isolation washed over him like a tidal wave. He had been cast aside and abandoned, even by his own father, who had chosen to side with the noble's son.

Through his tears, Elias managed to speak, his voice heavy with the weight of his emotions, "Your Majesty," he began, his words choked with sorrow, "I... I never wanted to be a liar. I never wanted any of this to happen. But at that moment, I had no one by my side, no one to stand up for me."

The King's eyes softened as he listened to Elias's words, his heart aching for the young man who had endured such injustice and betrayal. Without a moment's hesitation, he stood up from his throne and stepped down, closing the distance between them. Gently, he put his arms around Elias, pulling him into a comforting embrace.

Elias, his shoulders trembling with the weight of his emotions, felt the King's strong arms envelop him. He buried his face in the King's shoulder, seeking solace in the embrace he had never expected but desperately needed.

"You're not a liar, Elias," the King said softly, his gloved hand gently stroking Elias's blonde hair, "Sometimes, circumstances force us into roles we never wanted to play. But I believe in your innocence, and I stand by you. You're not alone anymore."

Elias clung to the King, his tears soaking the fabric of the King's robe. In that moment, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and warmth. The King's presence, his words, and the comforting touch of his hand provided a rare sanctuary in the midst of the storm that had consumed Elias's life.

"I've made a lot of friends," Elias choked out between his tears, his voice cracking, "But none of those friends sided with me."

The King tightened his embrace, his voice filled with unwavering support. "You have a friend in me, Elias."

Elias tightened his embrace around the King's waist, his arms naturally shaping themselves to the contours of the King's slim figure. The closeness was both comforting and agonizing for Elias. He had never expected that the King would embrace him again, and in this tender moment, he hoped against hope that it would never have to end.

He had initially planned to give back the necklace, a gesture he believed would set things right. But his plan seemed to have backfired when the King had embraced him instead. His heart raced, emotions in turmoil. He had long carried unrequited feelings for the King, and this embrace meant the world to him.

He couldn't help but rest his head against the King's chest, listening to the steady beat of the royal heart that was so close to his own. The scent of the King's robes filled his senses, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to indulge in the fantasy of a love that could never be.

But the reality of their positions, the difference in their stations, and the complexities of the kingdom weighed heavily on Elias. He knew that this embrace was one of comfort, friendship, and support, not of romantic love. He feared that his heart would remain unfulfilled, that his love for the King would forever remain hidden.

Elias's hand, trembling with a mix of vulnerability and longing, found its way beneath the King's long hair. His fingers traced the soft strands, his touch gentle and tentative as if he were afraid to break the fragile moment they shared.

The King, still holding Elias close, felt the subtle movement of Elias's hand beneath his hair. He couldn't help but be aware of the intimacy of the gesture, the unspoken emotions that lingered in the air.

Their hearts beat in unison, one heart was beating for the sense of longing for the other's love yet afraid to voice out while the other was unaware. Elias's touch was a silent confession of his hidden affection, a tender exploration of the love he had never dared to voice.

But as their embrace continued, neither of them spoke the words that hung in the air. The complexities of their positions, the demands of their roles, and the expectations of the kingdom remained unspoken barriers between them.

Even so, he's still glad that he'll reside with the King for the time being. 

In a private chamber within the palace, the King sat behind a grand desk, his expression stern and unwavering. He had requested a meeting with Tobias, Elias's father, to discuss the recent events that had transpired.

Tobias entered the chamber, his face lined with worry and apprehension. He knew that he had acted rashly and without considering the consequences of his actions, and now he had been summoned by the King himself.

"Your Majesty," Tobias said, his voice filled with respect and a hint of remorse.

The King regarded Tobias with a measured gaze, "Uncle Tobias," he began, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "We need to discuss what transpired at the academy and the way you treated your own son."

Tobias lowered his head, unable to meet the King's eyes, "I... I acted in haste, Your Majesty. I believed the accusations without questioning them, and I harmed Elias unreasonably."

The King's expression remained stern, but there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes, "Elias is a young man of great potential and character. He has been falsely accused, and your actions only added to his suffering."

Tobias nodded, his remorse deepening, "I know, Your Majesty. I regret my actions deeply. I let my emotions cloud my judgment, and I didn't give my own son a chance to defend himself."

The King's tone softened slightly, "Uncle Tobias, Elias is under my protection now, with him here, he could release out of those stress. He was an innocent child, being exposed with so many eyes in the midst of false accusation, of course he had dignity. He's too young to be traumatized."

Tobias looked up, his eyes still full of regret for what he had done. He was too ashamed of himself too, he failed Elias once again, just how many times he would fail and disappoint his own son? Tobias could hardly believe that his bond with his only son, that Elise cared the most, can be salvaged again. Tobias spoke softly, his tone laced with regret, "Your Majesty, I am willing to cooperate in any way I can to make amends for what I have done."

The King nodded, his expression showing a hint of understanding, "It is important that you support Elias during this difficult time. He needs his father now more than ever."

"Especially that his mother was gone," The King added.

Tobias bowed his head in acknowledgement, his heart heavy with the mention of Elias's late mother. The pain of her absence had always been a silent ache within their family, a wound that never fully healed. The King's reminder struck a chord deep within him, emphasizing the significance of his role in Elias's life.

"I understand, Your Majesty," Tobias replied, his voice laced with sorrow, "I have failed Elias once, but I will not fail him again. He needs me now more than ever, especially since his mother is gone."

The King's gaze softened, recognizing the weight of loss that both father and son carried, "Elias has shown remarkable strength in the face of adversity. It is my hope that, with your support, he will emerge from this ordeal even stronger."

Tobias nodded, determination etched in his features, "I will do everything in my power to be there for him, to guide him, and to help him reclaim his honor. He is my son, and I love him deeply."

"Uncle Tobias," the King called, "Did… Elias knew that his mother died?" 

Tobias shook his head, "Elias didn't even ask about his mother, I… I think he didn't care about his mother."

The King's brows furrowed in concern at Tobias's response, "He didn't ask about his mother?" he repeated, a mix of surprise and worry in his voice.

Tobias sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his confession, "Elias didn't even ask about her, Your Majesty," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret, "It's as if he had closed himself off from everything related to her. I think he didn't care about his mother, or perhaps... the pain was too much for him to bear."

"But," Tobias added, "I've seen him wearing Elise's glove, and I let him wear it. Perhaps he found it when he was cleaning in my room." Then he chuckled, "Elise's gloves suit his hands well."

The King listened to Tobias's words, his curiosity piqued by the mention of Elise's glove. He tilted his head slightly, a thoughtful expression on his face, "Elise's glove?" he inquired, intrigued, "I wasn't aware that Elias had any connection to Elise's belongings."

Tobias nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips, "Yes, Your Majesty," he replied, "Elise had a pair of gloves that she cherished dearly. I made them. She usually only wears the other half, while she left the other half in our home for no reason."

Then, a pang of realization washed over the King. The hint of the glove… this could solve Elise's case and find her corpse. The investigation is going through a slow process, and lacks many hints except for Elise's letters. They couldn't discover who orchestrated this murder, nor the traces. Many corpses were also missing, including Elise's.

Elise's disappearance had been a painful mystery, one that had eluded the investigators for far too long. Now, with the mention of the glove, there was a potential lead that could shed light on her case.

The King's curiosity was piqued by Tobias's description of Elise's gloves. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he listened intently, "If you don't mind me asking," he inquired, "What's the color of the gloves that Elise wore?"

Tobias paused, as if lost in thought for a moment, before he replied, "The gloves had an odd design. They were a deep shade of black. The material I used is linen and it is thin. But what made them truly unique was that, when worn, they covered only the two fingers—the pinky and the ring finger—leaving the rest of the hand exposed."

The King absorbed this information, his mind working to piece together the puzzle of Elise's disappearance. The description of the gloves was an important clue, one that could potentially lead them closer to uncovering the truth. The midnight blue color and the unique design were distinctive features that could aid in their investigation.

"Thank you for sharing that detail, Uncle Tobias," the King said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Elise's glove, the King repeated in his mind. It may be a crucial piece of evidence. If we can find the other half, it might lead us closer to solving her case and uncovering the truth about her disappearance.

The thought of Elise's glove weighed heavily on the King's mind as he contemplated the potential significance of the discovery. He couldn't help but wonder about the mysteries that might be hidden within that missing half of the glove. It could be the key to unraveling the truth about her disappearance and what had transpired during those fateful moments.

However, the King also harbored a deep concern. He knew that Tobias was unaware of the full extent of Elise's suffering and the sacrifices she had made. The truth was a heavy burden, one that Tobias may not be ready to bear, especially as he grappled with his own grief and guilt.

As he pondered the situation, the King realized that the delicate balance of revealing the truth while protecting Tobias's emotional well-being was a challenge that needed to be navigated with care. Elise's story was one of pain and sacrifice, and the King was determined to honor her memory and bring justice to her name.

For now, he would focus on the investigation and finding the missing half of Elise's glove.

After a moment, the King dismissed Tobias.

In the grand chamber of the palace, the members of the Ministry of Education were summoned for a stern meeting with the King. The atmosphere was tense as they stood before the King, who had a look of grave displeasure on his face.

The spokesperson for the ministry, a high-ranking official, began to explain their reasons for Elias's false accusations, "Your Majesty, it was reported that the son of the Principal of Handun Broch's academy, Kler Marlowe, misbehaved during a school event. It was believed that Elias, as a commoner and his friend, was involved in the incident, which led to the accusations."

The King's eyes flashed with anger, and he slammed his hand on the armrest of his throne, "Are you kidding me?" he thundered, his voice echoing through the chamber, "You've caused great trauma to Elias, and you're telling me that the principal's son misbehaved? That's your justification for falsely accusing him? Are you truly expecting me to believe that?"

The members of the Ministry of Education stood before the King, their faces paling as they felt the full force of his anger. The throne room seemed to shrink around them, and the tension in the air was palpable.

The Minister of Education stammered in response to the King's furious questioning, "Your Majesty, we... We believed it was a prudent course of action at the time. We didn't want to create unnecessary conflict with the principal."

The King's eyes narrowed, his voice cutting through the chamber like a blade, "Prudent course of action?" he retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "You allowed an innocent young man to suffer, to be falsely accused, and to endure humiliation because you didn't want to upset a nobleman? Is that what you call prudence?"

The King's anger was unrelenting, and his words carried the weight of his disappointment and frustration. He had entrusted Elias's well-being to the Ministry of Education, and they had failed him in the most egregious way.

One of the officials attempted to speak, his voice trembling, "Your Majesty, we... We didn't fully understand the gravity of the situation at the time. We thought it could be resolved quietly."

The King's fury burned brighter at the official's feeble explanation. He leaned forward, his gaze piercing through them, "Quietly?" he seethed. "You underestimated the value of a young man's reputation, his dignity, and his mental well-being. Elias deserved justice, not a quiet resolution that caused him immeasurable harm."

The tension in the throne room was suffocating, and the members of the Ministry of Education could feel the weight of their mistakes bearing down on them. They had underestimated the King's dedication to protecting those under his care, and they were about to face the consequences of their actions.

This argument between the Ministry of Education and the King himself is unbelievable, he couldn't believe that this was their response with all seriousness, he couldn't even figure out if they're being serious, because this event is a serious issue that will be written about in the historical books. They cared more for the noble than the commoner, who was young and innocent.

He spoke, his tone cold while his tone was laced with sarcasm, "You didn't want for the nobleman to be upset, while you let Elias suffer mentally, biased, are we?" 

The King added, "Did you forget that you're leading a school for commoners? How dare you be biased."

A heavy silence settled over the room, the weight of the King's words sinking in. The members of the Ministry of Education exchanged anxious glances, realizing the gravity of their actions. They had failed not only Elias but also the very principles they were supposed to uphold.

The King continued, his tone seething with disdain, "You were meant to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all students, regardless of their background. Instead, you violated the very conduct that is expected of you. Your bias and negligence have tarnished the reputation of this institution and caused immense pain to an innocent young man."

With a wave of his hand, the King's voice grew sharper, "I hereby strip you of your titles and privileges for your blatant violation of conduct and your failure to protect one of your own. Your actions have consequences, and you will face them."

Amidst the heavy silence, one of the former officials found his voice, his tone filled with desperation, "Your Majesty," he stammered, his voice trembling, "I-I worked hard to gain this position! It was a lifetime of dedication to education and service."

The King turned his gaze to the official who had spoken, his expression unyielding, "You were entrusted with a position of authority and responsibility," he responded, his voice unwavering, "Yet, when the moment came to uphold the values of fairness and justice, you failed. Your hard work and dedication should have been in service of those principles."

—

NAPPEN'S EXTRA:

Nappen: Here we go again with my.. less narration old chapters.. [disappointed, looking to the laptop's screen]

Elias: You're worried about the less narration of yours that my place there? That's overwhelming! It's so scary! I already wished I could die in that part!

Kaiser, held Elias in an embrace: My poor Elias..

Nappen: Hey, I just think it's a good part of plot, and while I was proof-reading it, I feel anxious too oh my—

Elias: [still clinging onto Kaiser's embrace] Nappie, I hope you never come up with such a scary part again. It's just too much for my poor heart to handle.

Nappen: Who the fuck are you calling 'Nappie'?! [clearing his throat] I understand where you're coming from, Elias. But as an author, I have to keep things interesting for the readers, and sometimes that means creating scary situations for the characters.

Kaiser: [stroking Elias' hair] Don't worry, Elias, I'm here to protect you no matter what.

Nappen: [smiling at his characters] Get a fucking room, homosexuals.