"What the hell is this?" the noble snarled, shaking him like a ragdoll.
"You deaf or dumb? I told you to bring the obsidian ink, not this cheap trash. Do you think we're playing games here, peasant?"
His other friend chuckled behind him, arms crossed.
"Maybe he thought we were joking. You know, commoners and their 'limited understanding.'"
The black-haired noble finally released his grip with a scoff and shoved.
Thud!
Leo crashed onto the stone path, landing on his backside with a sharp grunt, the impact jolting up his spine.
"Argh!"
A low groan escaped his lips as he blinked through the sting shooting through his hip.
A snicker followed.
The shorter noble, brown-haired with sharp eyes that gleamed with cruelty, leaned in with a mocking smile.
"You better learn your place, mutt. Mess with us again, and—"
He exchanged a knowing glance with the taller one.
Both grinned.
The boy on the ground stiffened.
Then slowly—almost mechanically—he bowed his head
