However, as soon as he considered pulling out his third option, it seemed too transparent. How could he move forward without making it too obvious?

Dante hesitated for a moment.

"It’s true that subordinates cannot fully understand the burdens of those above them."

The tone was different from the usual firmness; it was softer, almost coaxing.

"Well, well?"

For a brief moment, Dante saw Theo in a different light.

Underneath the bold, reckless face of a sixteen-year-old, there seemed to be a cunning serpent coiling around, its tongue flicking in his direction.

"I apologize, Young Lord. This was not my …