"General, please calm yourself!"
With that shout, the entire Horse Bureau staff dropped to their knees in terror—everyone except Monkey, who lounged in his seat as if nothing had happened.
Monkey cast a cold glance at the cowering crowd, flicked open the imperial edict, and said icily to Titan, "Where in this decree does it say you get to choose a horse? From what I see, General, you're trying to fake an imperial order. No need to memorialize the Jade Emperor—I'll cut you down right now and report afterward!"
Titan's bravado vanished. He staggered back, his eye twitching uncontrollably.
The hall fell silent, tension crackling in the air.
Monkey leaned back, his expression unreadable, fingers drumming lightly on his armor.
Titan swallowed hard, sweat beading on his brow as he struggled to find his voice.
"Chief... I... I was only following orders," Titan stammered, voice suddenly meek.
Monkey gave a dismissive wave. "Orders or not, next time you try to fake a decree, make sure you can back it up."
The staff of the Horse Bureau exchanged nervous glances, none daring to move.
Titan forced a smile, trying to mask his embarrassment.
Monkey glanced at Clara Frost. "Is the horse ready?"
Clara bowed slightly. "It will be brought out at once, sir."
Li Ping scrambled to his feet and hurried out, relief flooding his face.
Titan stood awkwardly in the center of the hall, his earlier fury replaced by unease.
Monkey remained sprawled in his seat, watching the proceedings with a half-smile.
Moments later, Li Ping returned, leading a scrawny, sickly colt by the reins.
The colt staggered, its legs trembling, eyes dull and listless.
Clara Frost bowed again. "General Titan, here is your Pegasus."
Titan stared at the colt, face flushed with humiliation and rage.
Monkey propped his chin on his hand, eyes twinkling with mischief.
The staff held their breath, bracing for an outburst.
But Titan could only grit his teeth, fists clenched at his sides.
Monkey said lazily, "If you want a better horse, come back next year. Maybe I'll have one fit for a general then."
Titan glared at Monkey, but the threat in his eyes had faded, replaced by reluctant submission.
He snatched the reins from Li Ping, muttering curses under his breath.
Monkey watched him go, the faint outline of a smile playing on his lips.
As Titan stormed out, the tension in the hall finally eased.
Clara Frost exhaled softly, relief evident on her face.
Li Ping wiped his brow, still shaken.
Monkey stretched, rising from his seat with a languid motion.
He turned to Belle, who had watched the entire scene in silence.
"Well, that's one less headache for today," Monkey said with a wry grin.
Belle shook her head, exasperated. "Trouble always finds you, doesn't it?"
Monkey laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "If I didn't have trouble, I'd be bored to death up here."
Belle rolled her eyes but smiled, her worry easing.
Clara Frost approached, bowing respectfully. "Sir, should I prepare the registry for General Titan's horse?"
Monkey nodded. "Make a note: 'Presented by Imperial Horse Bureau, per imperial edict.' Let them stew over it."
Clara bowed again and retreated to her desk.
Monkey stretched, gazing out at the sunlight streaming through the open doors.
Belle joined him, her gaze following his to the distant clouds.
"Do you think they'll try again tomorrow?" she asked softly.
Monkey grinned. "If they do, I'll be ready. Let Heaven send whoever they like."
The sunlight spilled across the hall, bright and unyielding, as the day marched on.