Master of the Game

Draconis cleared his throat. The gesture made the generals flinch for a moment, but in the end, they didn't dare run, as they knew there wasn't anywhere to hide anyway.

"We are… losing ground?" The emperor repeated the man's words.

In response, the general bowed his head to the floor as he answered frankly.

"No! It is us, not your majesty, that is the reason!" He tried his best not to offend the emperor.

"Why would the fault be mine anyway? Aren't you all the ones in the front line commanding the troops? I just give you the funding you need, don't I? And considering the amount I have already given, I would expect results…"

Seeing that the generals were simply too scared to talk, Draconis sighed in disappointment.

"I permit you to speak your true thoughts tonight. I give you my word that I will not punish you for daring to say them out loud."

The generals threw suspicious gazes at one another. Seeing the reaction, Draconis added,