Scales

And you're relishing in it, aren't you, you slimy little roach? Author, maybe don't make one of you (I assume) protagonists such an arrogant ass. This would have been so much better if she wrote something like he regretted causing so much tension, but he had a very good reason for needing to be there, so he can't just leave.

NRSG: That would indeed have made this a lot better to read about.

Not to mention, isn't it Priam's birthday? He's the guest of honor (not to mention the king)! As such, he's the one who decides when everyone gets to eat. Why should he wait for a potential no-show whose presence isn't wanted and only causes trouble? ...okay, maybe that was a little harsh, since Axis can't help who he was born to, but the point still stands.

That is certainly a good point, and it only makes him look worse.

Even more? Okay, well, call me when it's over. breaks out a book to read to pass the time

There will eventually be action!

I know that nepotism is a thing, but this sounds like a stupid conclusion to come to. Why would you put someone incompetent at the head of your military strength, which is supposed to protect your home, just because of who he's related to? The only way I could see this being true is because the higher up the noble food chain you are, the better your access is to good teachers.

If Douglass wanted to show nepotism, it might have been better to say that Borneheld was chosen instead of Magariz, or something like that.

Which just makes me think that Axis came to the banquet specifically to cause trouble. Lovely.

That would not surprise me.