The toxic flames of jealousy churned in the sixteen-year-old boy's chest, threatening to burn away his sanity.
His fingers spasmed around the hammer by the anvil, but a glance at the fully-armed Guards beside Baron Fosling snapped him back to his senses.
Marco took a deep breath, ultimately just lowering his head with a dark expression, burying his surging rage beneath a wall of silence.
"Well..."
Seeing Marco's silence, Hawke patted his shoulder reassuringly before turning to the other aspiring youths to make an announcement.
"Those who didn't pass the assessment, pack your bags and leave the estate before dark. Understand?"
"Yes..."
The boys answered dejectedly, heading out of the Blacksmith Shop one by one with their heads hung low.
At that moment, Baron Fosling also rose from his high-backed chair and slowly walked over to Hawke's side.
"Mr. Hawke, since the assessment is over, I'll be taking my leave."
"You're too kind, Lord Baron."
