"You presume far too much for a man kneeling before this Empress," Nerissa said coldly. "Don't you think so, Pillar Head?"
Still, the massive man remained calm beneath her gaze.
When he finally spoke again, his voice was steady and unshaken.
"With respect, Your Majesty… I believe the Empire also presumes too much."
Several guards lining the throne hall subtly stiffened at once.
Even Celestia's eyes narrowed further.
Yet the Pillar Head continued without hesitation.
"My family has served the Empire for generations beyond counting. We bled for its wars. Stood at its borders while others hid behind palace walls. Buried our sons beneath Imperial banners for the peace and stability of this realm." His hand tightened slightly around the hilt of the massive sword beside him. "But this matter is no longer political."
His eyes darkened beneath the throne's light.
"This is blood."
Nerissa watched him in silence.
