Chains Disguised as Protection [Part-2]
"My king…"
He took a step forward, slow, deliberate, like he was choosing every inch of it.
"…This is not something a ruler should do."
His eyes didn't waver. Not out of defiance—but because looking away would've felt like betrayal.
Black's voice followed.
Low.
Restrained.
"…You're binding your subordinates with your own life."
He tilted his head slightly, watching Leon like he was trying to read something buried deeper than words.
"That's not a shield," he added after a moment. "That's a chain."
Johny let out a quiet breath, rubbing the back of his neck before speaking.
"…That's not leadership."
He didn't look Leon in the eye at first. Then he did. And when he did, there was no accusation there—just frustration.
"And you know it."
Leon listened.
Didn't interrupt.
Didn't react.
Not even a flicker.
His gaze moved across them—one by one—taking in every word, every expression, every trace of resistance.
He just let them speak.
