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There was no need to confirm the atmosphere further—Justin could see it clearly. The lord clearly harbored ill feelings toward Elliot.

"Why?"

A fleeting question crossed Justin's mind, but it was quickly dismissed as meaningless. There were simply too many reasons that could have caused this.

Elliot, oblivious to the powers of the pioneers, had demanded to be treated as their equal. He had made disparaging remarks, calling those who had adapted to the new order nothing more than slaves bound by servitude. On top of that, he tried to keep the other immigrants under his thumb.

'How reckless.'

Elliot had practically chosen all the actions that would irritate a ruler. Though he likely acted to gather information and preserve his own influence, those motives would only appear selfish to the lord.

Cold sweat trickled down Elliot's back. He felt as if he might die here, and his dry lips tightened with dread.

"Sit down."

"Huh? Excuse me?"