Tului's anger had faded by now, and the delegation reluctantly nodded in agreement.
On the way back to Tului, Kuno Gorata rode far ahead on horseback, his lone figure cutting a stark silhouette. The sight sent chills down Neonseis's spine. Several times, Neonseis wanted to call out to Kuno Gorata, but fear held him back.
Neonseis's position as a general of Tului had been secured through Kuno Gorata's strong support. It was Kuno Gorata who had vouched for Neonseis to oversee the treasury and trade, citing his financial and accounting skills. Yet today, Neonseis had unilaterally overturned a decision that Kuno Gorata had carefully deliberated, without consulting him.
What should I do? Neonseis anxiously asked himself. He was fond of his position and did not want to lose it. Based on what he knew of Kuno Gorata—a man who never tolerated dissent—Neonseis was certain that Kuno Gorata now loathed him.
Kuno Gorata indeed despised Neonseis.
