Noble Pride, Noble Shame ( 125 )

Javier smirked, feeling a surge of excitement. He leaned in closer, his voice sharp and mocking. "Here's a lesson for you, brat!"

SLAP!

The boy's head snapped to the side, his eyes widening in shock.

"Pay!" Javier shouted, delivering another slap.

SLAP!

The boy's cheeks flushed a bright red, tears welling in his eyes as Javier's hand struck him repeatedly.

SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! SLAP!

Gasps rippled through the crowd, some covering their mouths in shock, while others laughed or cheered quietly. The brat's defiance crumbled, and he started crying, his voice breaking between sobs.

"Stop it!" he wailed, tears streaming down his face.

Javier crossed his arms, leaning back with an exaggerated sigh. "I'll stop when you pay. Now, PAY!"

The brat's lip quivered, but before he could respond, his guards raised their swords, fueled by their master's humiliation.