Kevin's eyes widened, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. "Fail to return? You can't just drop that on me so casually, young master!" His voice climbed an octave, panic evident in his tone.
Ale leaned back in his chair, a smug smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Oh? Did I say something shocking?" His voice dripped with playful innocence, but the glint in his eyes betrayed his amusement.
Kevin threw his hands in the air, pacing in front of the ornate desk. The rich mahogany furniture and the heavy velvet curtains lent the room a somber, regal air, contrasting starkly with the tension building between them. "Of course, it's shocking! You, not returning? That's unthinkable!" His voice trembled, his normally composed demeanor fraying at the edges.
Ale raised an eyebrow, leaning forward with mock seriousness. "Are you worried about me, Kevin?" His tone was soft, teasing, but there was an undercurrent of genuine curiosity beneath the jest.