A Glimpse of Enigmatic Puzzle (65)

His words oozed with condensation. She tilted her head slightly, as if considering his question. Starfania wondered how bold he was for not realizing who she was. Could he really be this stupid? Or does he ever stop talking? He'd been yammering on for what felt like hours, oblivious to everything around him. It was time to shut him down–permanently. Straightening her posture, she stepped forward, making her movement appear deliberate and commanding. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to her. She could feel their anticipation, their curiosity. As she locked eyes with him, letting a sharp, confident smile cut through the room like a blade.

" Let me give you some advice, " she said, her voice calm but firm, each word like a calculated strike. " It's best not to insult someone you may never know who someone might be. "

The smug look on his face faltered, replaced by confusion and something that looked like annoyance.

 The onlookers watched in stunned silence, their gaze flicking between him and Starfania. Without missing a beat, she grabbed his sword with a swift motion and leveled at his throat. The laughter caught in his throat as he froze, eyes wide with shock. The blade hovered mere inches from his neck, and she tightened her grip, her death stare locking him in place.

" Go ahead, " she said, her voice low and deadly calm. " Speak another word and you won't have a tongue. I dare you. "

He gulped audibly, his earlier courage crumbling under the sword. Even with the blade close proximity he managed to croak out, " You do realize… taking my life would land you in prison. Is that what you want? "

Starfania didn't flinch, didn't waver. As a faint smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.

" Don't worry, " she said with such ease. " I've got a free-get-out-of-jail card just waiting to be played. "

 The room held its breath, the tension so thick it was suffocating. His face turned pale, but before he could muster another word, a booming voice shattered the room. " STARFANIA!! "

Cesar's call echoed through the space, sharp and commanding. Starfania didn't lower the blade immediately, her eyes still locked onto Felix, daring him to try it again. Finally, she withdrew the blade slowly but surely, letting him feel the control she still had. The room took a breath it didn't even know it was holding, but she didn't look away from Cesar as she walked towards him. Starfania glanced at her father, noticing the simmer anger in his eyes. Yet, when he spoke, his tone was measured, but almost calm. " You must understand, Starfania, that behavior sends the wrong message to our allies—especially coming from a rookie who knows no respect. "

 Starfania nodded, now fully aware what her actions had done. As she gave a small bow towards him. " I understand, father. I apologize for my actions. In the future, I'll be more mindful. " 

Cesar shifted uncomfortably, glancing between them. His hands were clenched at his sides, a mixture of defiance and fear swirling in his expression. Starfania could sense the tension hanging thick in the air. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the adrenaline that still coursed through her veins. 

"Respect isn't just about acknowledgement, it's about understanding your place, " her father continued, his voice steady but firm. "Every choice you make reflects on us all. " 

Starfania felt the weight of those words, understanding that her actions had ripple effects beyond her own feelings. She took another step closer to Cesar, her posture softening. 

"I won't forget this lesson, " she said, her voice more subdued. "I won't let my emotions dictate my actions again. "