Nanami Kento

I've been Taejo's mentor for several years now—and I must admit, it's not the easiest job. He's a gifted guy with potential, but sometimes he acts as if all the rules weren't written for him.

I always tried to be strict but fair. I understood that youth is a time for mistakes, and I often forgave him for his misbehavior: he'd be late for practice, he'd commit some stupid act during class, he'd ignore my instructions, thinking he knew better. Each time, I reminded him of discipline, explained where he was wrong, and gave him a chance to improve.

But today everything went beyond the pale.

Taejo managed to do more than just disrupt the order—he was rude to an influential person, a Council representative. And not just "responded impolitely," but allowed himself to be downright impudent, almost a challenge. I stood to the side, initially hoping he would come to his senses, apologize, and understand the consequences this could lead to. But no—he stood there, head held high, and seemed even proud of his outburst.

Everything inside me boiled. I walked up to him with long strides. Without a word, I grabbed him by the hair at the back of his head and yanked him sharply, but without unnecessary violence, forcing him to turn towards me. Taejo's eyes widened—he clearly hadn't expected such a reaction from me.

"To my office. Right now," I said in a low, even voice that left no room for argument.

He didn't resist. I led him down the corridor, feeling the muscles of his neck tense under my fingers. He tried to say something, started mumbling excuses, but I cut him off:

— Shut up. Until we're in the office...!