"Not willing to let it go, Kaspar?"
"Yes."
Kaspar respectfully bowed, his even-toned voice echoing within the Mirror Hall.
"Here we have a madman daring to utter blasphemous criticisms against the Empire, yet I am unable to tear off that constantly defecating mouth and soak it in Formalin. I feel deep shame for my own incompetence and powerlessness."
"Knowing to blame oneself and to self-reflect is a virtue, but overdoing it becomes hypocrisy. Kaspar, it was I who gave the retreat order. If you intend to take punishment for a responsibility that doesn't exist, what kind of responsibility should I take on? What punishment should I face?"
"This subordinate is terrified."
"There's no need for terror. This is not an official hearing, nor an assembly to review responsibilities for defeat. I am merely giving you a reminder, offering a few suggestions. As for how to understand them and what to do, it is all for you to decide."
"I will heed your holy teachings."
