Rowan stood straight, not even glancing at the letter: "Your Excellency, I have nothing to explain. Everything I want to say has already been written in this letter, and I won't change my viewpoint arbitrarily. I'm a soldier, though now retired, but a veteran's words are just as binding. If officers can go back on their words, how can I make the young lads listen to me in the future?"
Viscount Melbourne did not expect Rowan to be so tough; this retired Army Colonel not only refused to back down, but also wouldn't say a single soft word.
Melbourne glanced at the newly scabbed wound on Rowan's chin and got up to pour him a drink: "Does it still hurt?"
Rowan downed the drink in one go and replied: "Just a minor injury, it's part of the job."
Melbourne said helplessly: "Charles, I know you're emotional, and I also like Officer Hastings. Everyone knows he's a good lad, but..."
