Chapter 537: Dispose
Resarite’s wife attempted to interject on her husband’s behalf, but Howard interrupted her, "Please, be still. I want to hear what Resarite himself has to say."
The fire in the hearth blazed more fiercely, the crackling and popping of the burning wood filling the room, punctuated by the snapping of twigs.
The atmosphere in the hall mirrored the intensity of Howard’s interrogation of Resarite, growing increasingly heated and impassioned.
Seeking to change the subject, Resarite showed Howard the cover of the book he had been reading and said, "Before you arrived, I was engrossed in ’300 Warriors of Onsen Pass.’ Do you know how the ancient Bada City-State withstood the massive imperial army? The situation is quite akin to the current crisis facing our Oungria Kingdom, a topic worthy of exploration."
"Forgive my impudence, Howard, but remember, you and I rose from Yami Village together," Resarite began.
"I could have waged a personal war against Duke Vancouver long ago, seeking revenge for past wrongs. Yet, I refrained. I realized that we are at a critical juncture for the survival of Oungria Kingdom, and I suppressed my vengeful urges."
"So, Howard, I urge you to stay calm. You wouldn’t want Osland Kingdom’s iron hoof trampling over Oungria Kindom’s soil, would you?"
Howard offered a resigned smile, void of any humor, and responded, "Resarite, you have always been eloquent. I sometimes wonder if you’d have made significant contributions as a foreign minister. But, my friend, since you mention our bond that started in Yami Village, let me ask you: didn’t your friendship with Margaret also begin there?"
Howard’s words thundered just as a clap of thunder shook the sky, startling Resarite’s wife and causing her fork to clatter to the ground.
Cotler bent down to retrieve it for his mother, but in returning, he bumped his head against the table with a loud thud.
Unfazed, Resarite retorted, "I did not send anyone to kill her."