The air inside the dimly lit room reeked of iron, pierced by the man's harrowing cries and ragged breathing, making the atmosphere all the more suffocating. Only when the doors finally creaked open did he silence himself and shove his head to the ground.

All the men in dark suits immediately lined themselves on either side of the entrance, bowing in unison to the tall figure that entered the room.

With every tap of his expensive leather shoes, the man's dread heightened. 'The longest tongue has the most to say, but don't be deceived as it chirps away... lest the song leads you astray.'

A warm smile graced his lips, calm and calculating. His refined voice cut through the silence as he stopped and stood right in front of the pitiful man. "My schedule has been busier than anticipated recently. Alas, I had to reschedule a meeting, for I never miss a day to collect debt."

"Y-young master, have mercy—!" His brow arched for a moment before swiftly snapping his fan shut, exposing his features, delicate yet deceptive.

"Mercy? It seems you've forgotten yourself. I'm far from finished, and you're already interrupting. Do you realize the severity of your situation? I gave you a chance, yet you make light of it. How about I prepare a casket for you to send to your family? Naturally, I'll expect them to repay every last mora you lost."