Reinhardt held his axe in one hand. In response to Sipia's earlier questions and provocations, his voice was slightly hoarse as he spoke coldly, "The Empire's Holy Territory must be defended with blood.
The Empire's government must be managed with intellect.
The Empire's prosperity must be built by those with business acumen and fueled by the sweat of its laborers.
I have never demanded others live up to my Knightly ideals, nor have I presumed to second-guess or doubt them. In this world, everyone has their place and their purpose.
But you, Sipia—a traitor to the Empire, a rebel from Cyrenaica, and a deserter from the First Legion.
You have neither the strength nor the standing to lecture me about my ideals as a Knight."
Sipia had thought his words would be enough to shake Reinhardt's resolve to win the war against the rebellion. But not only did he fail to sway Reinhardt, he found his own composure shattering under the weight of his opponent's rebuttal, his anger flaring.
