"If you have the time to chatter away idly with me, sir, shouldn't you be considering how to clean up this mess?"
"Or perhaps, why you didn't resolve this issue from the start."
These words, once heard, left any listener unable to argue. They were a stark fact in plain sight for all to see.
So, the elder fell silent, simply gazing at his counterpart.
As their gazes met, they both knew that the words spoken outwardly were not the true intentions hidden within them.
The elder mocked to assert his authority and pave the way for the actions he ought to take in the wake of this.
His actions were purposeful, not a momentary indulgence to blow off some steam.
So, when he realized that his actions were not achieving his goals and could potentially worsen the situation, he chose to shut his mouth resolutely.
This was likely the best decision he could make at that moment.