Ad aspera

After handing over their duties to their comrades, the city guards escorted the paladin to the city guard headquarters. Before entering the captain's office, the two of them straightened up and became so stern that the half-asleep guards at the eastern gate would not have recognized them even if they tried.
-- Sir! We... -- the junior guard stammered slightly, but continued more confidently. -- During patrol at the eastern gate, we apprehended a foreigner from Ardor. He is armed. He is likely from the order of paladins. We have brought him to you.
The captain of the guard, sitting at his desk, stared at the two who entered with an unblinking gaze, waited for another second, and said quietly:
-- Well?..
-- Um...
-- Name! Exact occupation! Purpose of arrival! You should have found this out yourself and immediately, you damned idiot, instead of wasting my time with such **nonsense! When will you devils learn...
-- Sir, I apologize. Sir, it won't happen again.
-- Apologize to your father for raising such a worthless idiot. You will rot in patrols, both of you... Get out. Get out of here!
The guards darted out the door. The captain sighed, wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead, and stared at Unus with the same lifeless, unblinking gaze. The captain was apparently not young, but his vacant gaze and the stoop of his posture at the desk made him look much older. He kept shrugging his shoulders, as if the armor was still very uncomfortable for him.
-- Roberto Neri. Captain of the city guard of Tirren. -- he said slowly and quietly, but with a very impressive tone and in short, abrupt phrases. -- Come closer. Name. Surname.