The Mark of Loyalty

Surely even someone as much of a masochist as Ragar wouldn't actually be eager for this… right?

But in any case, this was what Ragar wanted.

Rocco quickly stood up, gripping the branding iron tightly, and took a deep breath.

Inhale… exhale… inhale… exhale… Ugh, this is terrifying.

Ragar must be the most scared, but Rocco was also absolutely terrified.

"W-what do I do? My hands are shaking from fear!"

"Master, focus! If your hand shakes, the brand will get messed up! If you're gonna do it, do it cleanly!"

"I know that! But my hands won't stop shaking!"

Tearing up at Georgio's words of encouragement, Rocco forced himself to grip the iron more firmly.

Come on, he had to pull himself together. Ragar was the one who would experience the most pain, so Rocco had no right to cry!

"R-Ragar! I-I'm gonna do it! I really am! Are you sure? I'm really gonna do it!"

"Yes. Please, do it."