"So, what do you make of the security situation in this city, Baron? Do you think you can contain this chaos?" Duke Victor asked, his impatience growing.
After giving Leo ample time to survey the destruction, he wanted action, as he felt eager for Leo to deploy his troops and curb the uprising at once.
Leo didn't answer immediately. Instead, he knelt, his gloved hand brushing the floor of the observatory which was now dusted with ash from the fires ravaging the city below.
He seemed detached, as if contemplating something far deeper than the Duke's question.
"Tell me something, Duke," Leo said at last, his voice calm, almost distant. His eyes never left the ash beneath his fingers as he slowly stood. "This burning city... Do you feel responsible for all this carnage?"