Hope steadied his stance, but no matter how much it looked like he was posturing to attack, King Ixion knew one would never come.
After all, Ixion did not lie when he'd called himself to the key to his kingdom's survival, and if Hope destroyed that key, he'd be damning thousands upon thousands to their deaths. An act the gallant knight would never commit.
Hope shook with fury.
"Ixion, you were once so noble. How… how did you become like this?"
Ixion sternly said:
"I've overlooked it enough. Address me properly. I am a king now, Hope…"
Ixion paused for a moment, then laughed and added:
"And I have never changed. Nor will I. My goals and ideals remain resolute."
Hope stomped his sabaton into the ground, sending another shockwave that nearly knocked the guards off their feet.
It almost sounded like he was crying behind the helm as he said:
"You… don't lie. Don't trample your legacy any further. Don't turn my friend into any more of a mockery."
The jester held her mouth wide open and hands over it as she turned to Ixion after an exaggerated gasp, and said:
"Ixion… y-you lied?!"
King Ixion scowled as he stared at the jester:
"I've never lied! Not once in my life! Except that time when Duke Marlowe asked if we had any grant money to spare… I lied then. But that was it, I swear!"
Hope, at Ixion's nonsensical words, calmed his rage and sheathed his sword — He was done arguing with a madman. Hope turned his back to the king and spoke with a silver tongue.
"I would kill you if it had any meaning… But you've lost all sense… I wouldn't be killing a tyrant, but a savage beast."
The knight began to march away, the guards in his path swiftly dodging his route not to fall victim to his latent anger.
King Ixion called out to Hope's back as the knight pried open the large door.
"When the world grows senseless, the only sensible thing to do is follow suit."
Hope gazed over his shoulder at the king and sneered as he stepped out of the throne room and slammed the door behind him.
Ixion said softly:
"I'll be in touch…"
Despite Hope's departure, the guards continued to shake with fear, and the air stood still.
Ixion sighed, wishing he'd at least been able to explain himself.
'Ah… goodbye, Hope.'
'My only friend.'