With Saint Rosward's furious roar, Ezra's steps came to a halt. He turned his head slightly, his crimson eyes locking onto Rosward.
For some reason, Rosward felt a chilling sensation run through his body. Yet, he forced himself to roar out, trembling with anger and fear:
"How dare you see me in such a pathetic state! Damn it! Damn it! You'll pay for this now!"
Even the Five Elders were gripped by panic.
"Shut your mouth, damn Rosward! Apologize, now! Bow down and apologize!"
As if losing all rationality, the Five Elders surged forward and pinned Rosward to the ground in front of his stunned eyes.
"Your Five Elders! What are you doing?" Rosward could hardly comprehend the scene. In all his years, he had never experienced anything like this.
"Apologize immediately!" The Five Elders' eyes burned with killing intent.
Ezra slowly approached the group.
"Let him go."
The Five Elders froze at his words but obeyed without question, releasing Rosward.
Trembling, Rosward rose to his feet, his clothes disheveled. His eyes, however, avoided Ezra completely. From the elders' reaction, it was clear that the man before them held a rank higher than even themselves.
"Look at me."
Hearing Ezra's cold voice, Rosward shivered and slowly raised his head.
"What is your name?" Ezra asked.
"Ro…Rosward," he stammered, swallowing the final syllable.
"What did you want when you called me earlier? Repeat it again."
"I-I sincerely apologize, sir. I didn't mean to call for you. I… I mistook you for someone else!"
Ezra raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? So it was deliberate?"
"Do you still have friends?" he added.
Rosward clenched his teeth and dropped to his knees with a loud thud.
"I-I'm sorry, sir! I was blind and foolish!"
Ezra smirked slightly.
"Pathetic. Boring."
At that moment, members of CP0 entered through the conference room door.
"Saint Rosward! What are you doing?"
As loyal protectors of the Celestial Dragons, they couldn't comprehend the scene before them.
The Five Elders snorted coldly.
"Shut your mouths and get out! Now!"
"Yes, Five Elders!" CP0 quickly closed their mouths and hurried outside, shutting the doors behind them. The situation had been impossible to grasp, especially with Rosward kneeling before Ezra D. Vale the Navy Admiral and strongest warrior. How could CP0 not know of him?
"I heard, Rosward, that you have many slaves?" Ezra asked.
Rosward hurriedly nodded.
"Yes, yes, sir! If you like, I can send some to you immediately!"
Ezra frowned.
"No need. I have no interest in such things."
"I will change! I swear I will change!" Rosward pleaded.
Ezra shook his head.
"Boring."
His gaze flicked to the Five Elders, who immediately straightened.
"This one is yours."
"Yes, young master!"
A glint of cold light flashed in the Five Elders' eyes. Rosward, kneeling on the ground, shivered.
Young master? He had just heard the Five Elders address Ezra as "young master"?
Rosward's mind raced. He had no idea who this man really was.
"Wait a moment," Ezra said, fixing his gaze on Rosward. "Do you… recognize me?"
The Five Elders tensed instantly. This could go very badly.
Rosward shook his head frantically.
"N-No! I don't know you!"
Ezra's eyebrow rose as he slowly extended his right hand.
"I don't need you to tell me."
Spiritual pressure surged from Ezra's hand into Rosward's mind. Memories flashed before him, mostly of Rosward's own indulgent past, as Ezra sifted through them carefully. Finally, he found a short, crucial memory.
In it, Rosward was hiding somewhere. Behind him sat a dark figure, speaking:
"Did they kill the young master?"
Before the response came, Rosward had fled in panic.
"They wanted to kill the young master! It was them!"
The memory abruptly ended, and Rosward fainted.
Ezra shook his wrist, his mind filled with questions. Someone had wanted to kill him and that someone was a Celestial Dragon.
Ezra's eyes gleamed with murderous intent.
"No wonder Im didn't reveal everything. She hadn't figured it out yet."
He glanced at the Five Elders.
"Boring. Kill him."
"Yes, young master!"
With a wave of his hand, Ezra left the conference room. CP0 stood motionless at the door, awaiting orders from the Five Elders. Everyone glanced at Ezra but did not interfere.
He ignored them entirely, leaving Mariejois swiftly.
As he departed, the conference room fell silent. The Five Elders' gaze remained locked on Rosward, who staggered awake only to be met with a torrent of scolding.
"Look at the mess you made!"
"How dare you! How dare you?!"
Rosward immediately recalled what he had just done and clutched the elders' robes desperately.
"Forgive me, Five Elders! Please forgive me!"
The Five Elders snorted coldly.
"The young master's orders are absolute."
A flash of killing intent streaked through their eyes. Their weapons drew in an instant.
A crimson line sliced across Rosward's neck. Blood gushed instantly, and he collapsed with a thud.
"CP0, enter."
At the command of the Five Elders, CP0 stormed in. They froze at the sight of Rosward on the floor.
"Take him away and deal with him."
"Yes, Five Elders!"