The scholar's chest heaved. "You have absolutely no respect! To speak to your elders with such venom!"
Heena's smile widened. She slowly turned her head and looked directly at Grandpa Marcuset.
"Grandfather, look at you," Heena sighed, shaking her head in profound disappointment. "You have absolutely no manners."
Grandpa Marcuset blinked, his massive, armored shoulders dropping in utter bewilderment. The rest of the military faction stared at her in stunned silence, completely lost. Even the civil scholars looked confused. Why was she suddenly scolding her own grandfather?
"Such an ancient, venerable man is speaking to you, and you are not even offering him an apology?" Heena continued, gesturing gracefully toward the red-faced scholar.
"What... what absolute nonsense are you talking about?!" the scholar demanded, his voice cracking.
Heena looked back at him, her expression the picture of serene logic.
