Heller's POV:
"They're tirelessly dealing with the mess caused by the cultists throughout the night. The queen is purifying the contaminated warriors who protected the people individually, while the prince is leading his men to search for the miscreants, causing trouble. They're facing the forces of evil and the most wicked individuals. Can they retreat? Have they retreated?
"No, even when contaminated and heavily injured, they're still at the forefront of the fight against the enemies. Because they know they're the backbone of the people, the solid defense of the Lycan Pack. The cultists threaten every citizen, and the criminals watch them. Their courage ensures the people's safety, their retreat would mean the people falling into deep distress.
"Don't they fear danger? Won't they get hurt or die? Of course, they will. But they can't show any sign of retreating. Who will protect the people and the Lycan Pack if they falter?
"So, things aren't as you said, nameless soldiers full of anger and blood while noble families sleep soundly. Everyone is facing the darkness, everyone is fulfilling their duty. Even the 'prince' you look down upon, my brother Yarin, is the same.
"Why do you think we all escaped while he stayed behind? It's because he's protecting his subjects. No concern for personal gain or loss, no cowardly excuses to save his life - it's as simple as that."
Only the sound of my cold voice echoed on the silent grassy field. The soldiers stared at their leader wordlessly, their expressions complex, while their leader was drenched in cold sweat, swaying like a rotten log on the verge of collapse.
"The truly despicable one is only you. You've abandoned the honor and responsibility of a warrior. Negligence isn't a strong enough word. You even wanted to incite others to become your followers, hoping for a mutiny?
"But you know that this won't change anything. When the queen and the prince return to find that you let their son die, you will face an overwhelming fury.
"Are you hoping that the blame will be shared? Regretfully, your soldiers will all share in the punishment due to your foolishness and selfishness. It won't be a simple suspension or forced retirement. You will go to jail, and so will they.
"Look at those who trusted you and respected you. Because of you, the rest of their lives will be ruined. Someone will accompany you to hell. Will that make you feel any better?"
Finally, someone couldn't hold back and asked, "Captain, what's the situation? You've left us in the dark. What are we supposed to do now?"
However, their leader remained silent, trembling. He had completely lost his composure, not to mention his responsibility and care for his soldiers.
Even in this situation that everyone was well aware of, his soldiers didn't offend or blame him with their words. They were truly exceptional soldiers - disciplined, silent, loyal. They were the people I dreamed of becoming as a child and still longed to be now.
Although blind obedience is foolish, wasn't it unjust suffering in this case?
I wanted to say something more, but Lady Charlies pulled me back and gently shook her head, speaking on my behalf, "I think, sir, you no longer have the qualification to lead this team. But your mission isn't over yet. What do you decide to do?"
The leader remained silent for a few seconds and said, "I'll send people in to rescue the prince..."
But Lady Charlies looked disappointed and said, "You've missed the prime time for rescue. Sending people now won't help."
The leader continued to stay silent.
Lady Charlies sighed in frustration. "You'll need to request reinforcements from headquarters. They should send more soldiers to prevent the enemy's reinforcements from arriving. After all, we have so many wounded here. The soldiers need to split their attention between protecting them and fighting, which weakens our combat strength.
"Also, ask headquarters to send the werewolf grandmasters. The situation has clearly entered a domain we don't understand, whether it's the force of evil or some other anomaly. The werewolf grandmasters are specialized in dealing with such matters."
Unconsciously, Lady Charlies took over the subsequent command.
Reinforcements arrived quickly, and Dad was among them. Faced with this subordinate he trusted, but who ultimately succumbed to cowardice, he was deeply disappointed. He didn't scold him; he simply had him escorted away.
"Survival is everyone's right," Dad told him before leaving. "But we're soldiers; self- preservation is always secondary. If the one inside tonight wasn't my son but any other ordinary boy, would you not save him, Tod?"
That's when I found out his name. This man named Tod looked at his old boss in silence, then lowered his head, shamefully saying, "... I think I would still choose to stay alive."
Dad sighed heavily, waved his hand, and had him taken away.
He looked at the flesh-constructed 'house'. In truth, we all knew what that was.
"Dad..."
I grabbed his hand, broad and cold.