"As Wizard Apprentices, we were admittedly a bit weak. That despicable gray-eyed fellow attacked so quickly that we couldn't react at all. By the time we realized what was happening and prepared to strike, you had already killed him," said the attendant.
"Yes, yes," the other attendant chimed in.
"Hmph." Annie wrinkled her nose without commenting and quickly walked away, the two attendants leaving with her.
On the spot.
Gao Wen, the commander who had been kneeling on one knee, slowly rose to his feet. He walked up to Xide, reached out, and patted him on the shoulder.
Xide wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, gritted his teeth, and tried to explain. "Commander, listen to me. This really wasn't my fault. It was Miss Annie, she..."
"Enough, Xide." Gao Wen waved a hand, stopping Xide from saying anything further. "I absolutely believe in your ability and loyalty, and I also believe that you did nothing wrong this time. But you need to understand that we are, after all, merely subordinates.
As subordinates, we are not punished only when we make mistakes. In truth, whether we are punished has nothing to do with whether we have made mistakes. It all depends on the mood of those above us. It is important to recognize this, and it is equally important to recognize our status as subordinates. So, to be safe, take a few days off. That way, Miss Annie will not see you again. Once she has forgotten about this and is no longer angry, come back. Think of it as taking some time to relax."
Smack! Smack!
Gao Wen patted Xide's shoulder again. "It's settled, then. Relax properly and spend some time with Katrina. Hasn't she always wanted to visit the Soma Alliance? This is the perfect opportunity.