[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/230205/f69dd2f75b7475275d406e055ff4e99c.png[/img] [color=537DAE][b]Mentions:[/b][/color] [/center][hr] A mixed look of fear and surprise flashed in Artons' eyes hearing Izayoi's swift crackdown on his outburst. Agents that were supposed to be some of Skael's best had ruthlessly butchered his family in an attack that was burned into his memory. The crack of gunshots in every direction, the metallic scent of blood, the garbled screams of mutilated guards meant to protect him, but most of all...a sinister, playful smile that was enough to freeze him to the bone. There was nothing more vile that a traitor that turned on their own people, whatever the reason or benefit might be. Those who pretended to be your ally only to stab you in the back once you turned away. Arton was never that good at reading other people but even he could see Ciradyl was like a bowstring that had been drawn too tight and finally snapped. Izayoi, while clearly upset, seemed convinced there was far more to the story than what had been present so far and she seemed not the only one. Esben sitting against her like that would be a bit shocking even under normal circumstances. Were the two closer than he realized? He couldn't see the papers the two were looking over but the idea that anything would make her betraying her countrymen the correct move seemed like a far fetched one and yet... [color=736AFF][i]"This...This would absolve you, in my eyes. I have committed larger wastes of our people's lives. My presumed final stand was little more than a temper tantrum on my part that got many more killed uselessly."[/i][/color] He blinked as what Izayoi said finally registered in his mind. It was the first time he had heard her sound almost astonished. Those documents had come Mizutani's mansion so how could they possibly absolve Ciradyl of wrong-doing? Arton would no doubt be asked to leave or restrained if he uttered another outburst and he was starting to wonder if his feelings were in the minority here. His attention quickly turned to Hien and noticed the startled reaction from Ciradyl. It seemed like they all wanted to know Ciradyl's reasoning for her actions. His mouth went slightly agape as Esben listed off a long list of individuals that Ciradyl had been responsible, or partially responsible, for getting rid. Honestly, there was so much information being rattled off that he began to lose track of everything that was being said. Arton had no concept of the person that Ciradyl was before all this but it was both impressive and terrifying to hear everything she had a hand in. That said, there was a kernel of something else he felt hearing all of this. [b]Pity[/b]. [color=d3d3d3]"You owe us a table, Arton..."[/color] He hung his head barely hearing Eve's reprimand and responded equally quietly [color=537DAE]"My bad..."[/color] His eyes went wide as he caught the baffling scene of the tiny Miina patting the much taller Ciradyl on the head. Hadn't she been annoyed at Ciradyl not that long ago? Was Miina...really an airhead? Arton turned to Galahad and Robin waiting for their reactions to all of this wondering if he was truly looking at this the wrong way. He had his fair share of hardship but honestly his life had been largely free of major responsibilities much to his ignorance. It was difficult for him to relate to what she must have gone through.