Carl finally caught up to the group, slightly out of breath, and when he heard Aiden's earlier jab about tea parties, he tried to defend himself. "I just thought it would be impolite to leave without being dismissed properly," Carl said, his tone quiet but sincere.
Aiden rolled his eyes so hard it was obvious he had no patience left. "You still want to be dismissed properly by that villain of an old man? Really, Carl?" He shook his head with exasperation before waving his hand dismissively. "You know what, it's none of my business. I only care about one thing: we need to agree on a time to meet before heading to that abandoned building. I don't want anyone showing up late. That old villain will absolutely add another day to our punishment if even one of us doesn't make it in time, and I refuse to give him the satisfaction."
