"Them?" Roland faltered for a moment before his expression softened into pity. "You're still young, so perhaps your views on certain matters are not yet fully formed. The fate of the common folk is tied to the nobility. They will understand your decision, because your survival is their hope for the future."
He took a step forward, his voice earnest.
"Take my advice. Leave this place immediately with your core subordinates and seek refuge with your liege. Once the turmoil has passed, you can return and rebuild your home."
"Then, you can distribute bread to the survivors, offer condolences to the families of the deceased, and adopt the helpless orphans. Your name will be sung across the entire Duchy for your benevolence. This is the way of the nobility, the very order that Knights are sworn to protect."
Velin watched him, silent for a long moment.
The room was completely silent.
"Baron Roland," Velin began slowly, "does your code of chivalry include a way to quantify life?"
