The chest of the Imperial Forest Guard Captain heaved violently; his eyes seemed ready to spew flames as he glared unyieldingly at Little Thumb.
Little Thumb had a strong premonition; he believed that the next moment, Sir Duren would unsheathe his longsword and cleave off his head, prompting him to involuntarily retreat two steps.
But, ultimately, the Imperial Forest Guard Captain managed to contain his emotion, and he re-sheathed the longsword at his waist.
Seeing this, Essos also returned to his previous position.
At this time, Minister of Military Affairs Ollis demanded, "Sir Duren, did you just draw your sword in front of His Majesty?"
"I am the Imperial Forest Guard Captain, and I have the right to bear a sword within the castle," Duren replied, neither humble nor overbearing.
"Yes, the right to 'bear' a sword," Ollis emphasized the two words in the middle, "Even you cannot simply draw your sword without cause before an imminent threat arises."
