Ethan slowly turned his head toward Ash, his eyes locked onto the only man left on his knees.
"Do you still think everything will be fine?" Ethan said. "Do you truly believe I can trust someone like you?"
"Yes, Master! Absolutely!" Ash said, cold sweat dripping down his face as he pressed his forehead firmly against the mud. "Please, let me speak! I am certain I can convince you!"
"Speak," Ethan said.
Ash swallowed hard, trying to steady his trembling voice before continuing.
"I only know this information because my own ancestor participated in the exact same royal palace event two generations ago," Ash said. "I know precisely why there is such ferocity among the princes, to the point where they would ruthlessly slaughter one another just for the throne."
"Is it not merely greed?" Ethan said, a cold smile forming on his face. "Does one even need a motive more complex than that?"
