A Warm Reception (after battle)

…….

Good. Now I'll separate the bones from your flesh and personally introduce you to your own skull.

Oiiii, lads.

A casual yet powerful voice booms across the hall, immediately breaking the tension in the room.

I was gone just for a minute to get some water… what the hell happened 'ere?

This is one big feckin' manor, eh? Would've been faster to go bucket a cup of water from the well meself.

Boss… we have… a guest…

<So that's their boss…>

Yes, Executive Manager. It is immediately obvious from the way he walks and from the way he carries himself that he is someone quite experienced in combat.

Right on time. Your lackeys are… lacking. How could they let these group of no-name hooligans knock them on their arses?

Go on. Show them the meaning of pain!

…….

Looks like I've got to give my men some proper demonstration.

The 'boss' confidently strode toward Heathcliff.

Then…

…!

… gave him a playful smack on the back of his head.

Oi, lad! Ain't the first thing to do when crawlin' back into yer neighbourhood to give a quick "'ello!" to yer dear old boss? Where'd ya leave yer manners?

<… Huh?>

You lot, wipe that stupefied look from yer faces and bow before 'im. C'mon, hurry up. Show some bloody respect.

…….

W-what? No, it can't be…

The man waded past both the aftermath of the brawl and the heavy tension that filled the manor like he was out on a stroll.

He just walked into the middle of it all, then put his arm around Heathcliff's shoulder.

It was the kind of friendly gesture that only someone who's known Heathcliff for a long, long time could do.