Horace stood where he was, looking at the empty doorframe.
Out in the corridor, another thoroughly furtive figure was still visible: Messmer.
The boy had clearly realized something was wrong long ago and was edging out along the wall with an exceedingly bizarre gait.
Of the "mother and son," one was sprinting and the other was sneaking, but their goal was the same.
Escape! They would rather die than work their asses off here!
Horace sneered. Well, well. Is this how you repay me?
He raised his hand and snapped his fingers.
Snap.
The space between Horace and Radagon was bound.
Shorten Space to an Inch, kid!
Mid-sprint, Radagon suddenly appeared in Horace's grasp.
He struggled desperately, but reality would not permit his resistance.
Radagon closed his eyes in despair.
It's over.
Hugging the wall, Messmer witnessed it all.
His pupils shook, and his life began flashing before his eyes in an instant.
But I can't give up!
I'll really die if I get dragged back. The work in Limgrave is still waiting for me!
Think of the equally mountainous piles of documents in Stormveil Castle... uh, better not think about that.
Think of the nobles I impaled outside the gates... hmm, they seem to hope Messmer never comes back.
Then think of adorable Melina. Yes, for the newly released limited-edition doll!
I have to get one!
Messmer's willpower erupted, and he ran even faster.
Keep going, running boy!
Horace, however, left him alone.
The boy really had been exhausted lately. After fighting for so long in the Land of Shadow and being possessed by the Fell God of Fire, he had come back only to face this mess.
Even the best donkey needed rest.
He would catch him another day.
The "merciful" Horace withdrew his gaze and looked at