The Mask of Righteousness
Max asked, "How can I help you gentlemen?"
Out of nowhere, his words came soft - maybe even unnaturally so given where they stood. Not angry, not giving in either, just there, solid in a way that held the weight pressing at the edges of the school grounds. Earlier it had been peaceful, but now the breeze tightened, like something pulled taut and ready to break loose.
Just then, silence hung in the air. Nobody spoke right away.
One by one, the nobles glanced sideways, eyes flickering like candle flames in a draft. Nobody moved - each held back, hoping another would break the stillness first. Quiet tension wove through their ranks, stitched tight with ego and second thoughts.
Then—
A figure in his forties moved ahead.
