"Young Lord Damien. You've disrupted my business and assaulted me. I suggest you leave now before this escalation continues."
Elias spoke calmly, his voice carrying a hint of coldness despite the muffling mask.
He released Damien's hand with a gentle push that nonetheless sent the young noble stumbling backward several steps. Damien's face cycled through various shades of red and purple; his humiliation was palpable.
A common shopkeeper had effortlessly handled the heir to the prestigious Blaze Family.
—This would leave a stain on his reputation.
Damien wanted to retaliate a third time, but recalling Elias's firm grip, like the claw of a predator, he relented. This was the second time he had backed down in a confrontation. The first was when he faced his cousin, whom he hadn't seen in three years, and now this insolent shopkeeper who appeared out of nowhere.
