Zorala stood tall in front of Diapolde, his hands folded neatly behind his back, posture rigid, head held high. The office was silent except for the faint ticking of a clock and the occasional puff from Diapolde's cigar resting on the edge of his desk.
"Do you know why I asked for you?" Diapolde's voice was calm, yet authoritative.
"No, sir. I don't," Zorala replied respectfully.
"Would you like to take a guess?"
"No, sir. I do not, sir," Zorala answered, unwavering.
Diapolde chuckled softly, a low, calculating sound. He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a stack of papers, handing them carefully to Zorala. "Here are the papers… they show ownership of Centauro."
Zorala's eyes widened slightly as he took the papers. "I… I don't understand, sir."
"I want you to manage Centauro from now on," Diapolde explained, his tone firm but deliberate. "Even though I know you prefer to be on the front line, I need someone capable to oversee the island. You are the right person for the job."
Diapolde reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigar, lighting it and letting the smoke curl into the air. Zorala's brow furrowed slightly. "But… my Lieutenant is Ravva. He will get angry."
Diapolde's eyes glinted, calm yet dangerous. "Don't worry about him. I'll handle Ravva. But from now on, that island is yours to manage. Any anomalies, any disturbances… you report to me immediately. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Zorala said firmly, accepting the weight of the responsibility.
"You leave today for the island," Diapolde continued, exhaling a plume of smoke. "We will supply you with workers to help you build, organize, and manage. Starting today, Centauro is yours, Zorala Ozark. Manage it well."
Diapolde extended a hand toward Zorala. Zorala reached out, and their handshake was firm, a silent agreement sealing the duty.
Zorala turned, clutching the papers tightly, and left the office.
Diapolde stayed behind, leaning back in his chair, the soft glow of the cigar embers lighting his face as he exhaled a slow stream of smoke, watching the door close behind Zorala.
The chapter ends here.