Ethan was ready to depart. He had spent his final night making love to Isabella until exhaustion set in, knowing full well he had no idea when or under what circumstances he would see her again.
Upon leaving his quarters, he marched to the main hall of the palace, where Emperor Aurelius Golden XI was awaiting him, standing before the throne. Noticing the youth's gaze, the monarch nodded in approval.
"This is how heroes ought to be," said the Emperor, his voice booming through the hall. "They must know no fear; they must be ready to fight to the death. I can feel how your entire being, despite being terrified, holds that burning desire to fight. It impresses me."
"I am not terrified of fighting, Your Excellency," replied Ethan, holding his gaze without a flinch. "I am anxious to march to war. My desire to defend the pride of the empire and show those arrogant trash that they are nothing against us surpasses anything I can express."
