Every day, your temples throbbed with pain as you listened to Joshua's incessant whining. Today was no exception, as Joshua approached you with an ingratiating expression on his face and asked for an early leave. You glanced at him, annoyed by his constant requests and his inability to properly perform his duties. You knew that giving in to him would only encourage his behavior.

Joshua flashed you a smile that would have made any other employee melt. "My lord, this is the last time," he said, his voice dripping with a false sincerity. "I promise," he added, his eyes pleading with you.