(Planet Juxta, The military base, Leo's POV)
Leo and Charles spoke for a long time about the scars of war and the burden of rebuilding both walls and spirits, as Charles admitted that while fortifications could be raised stone by stone, it was the breaking of confidence that left the deepest wounds, for faith once lost never returned in its original form, until finally, Leo steered the conversation toward a subject far more delicate.
"So, you're telling me the enemy Commander called you 'The Strongest Monarch,' and that for the past century your reputation in the universe has been one of an untouchable badass?" Leo asked, as his question made Charles straighten his back, pride flashing in his weathered eyes as he gave a firm nod.
"Yeah, I'm feared plenty in the Righteous Faction, being second in the Cult hierarchy and all," Charles said, as his words carried a weight of satisfaction that made Leo frown.
