The General of the Royal Corps of Maldenia tapped his shoe impatiently against the marble floor of his office, situated a few hundred yards from the Inner Walls of Sacoia, the capital. Known for his patience, he made an exception when it came to discussing new military weapons.

He didn't want to be here, yet he had arrived twenty minutes early. With seven minutes left until the meeting time, he believed it would be more polite for you to arrive within ten minutes—if at all.

The truth was, he had no faith in your work. He had never heard of you, disliked your sudden appearance out of nowhere, and just didn't like you, period. His pettiness was apparent, and he couldn't care less about your presence. The only reason he was giving you any time was due to the Empress's orders. Left to his own devices, he would never have agreed to meet with you.

He didn't even know your occupation and had no interest in finding out. Even if you spoke about yourself, he likely tuned you out, his mind already dismissing your presence.