Having a full face is of great importance in a novel. Most extras or background characters don't have a face. At most, a mouth for the dialogues, since the importance of that character didn't have a lasting effect.
Minion 1 and 2 only had a single mouth to them. Although, not having eyes or a perfectly drawn nose doesn't affect them much because their dark hair obscured half their face.
However, Minion 3 carried much importance because he was going to be a side character in a few chapters. Hence, the face importance. Also, he was the most muscular man in the webnovel, and a loyal guard to Zaylknork.
"Yeah, sure. Minion 3 would guard the lair and the followers. Stop rambling and sleep if you must," Zaylknork said as he rested his back in the carriage.
Minion 1 nodded, shifting in his seat. The silence among them was unbearable.
Surely, he should start a conversation like a perfect background character. He glanced at Minion 2 and then back to Javander. "Uh… Hero… do you think… um… if a chicken falls off a roof, does it, like, fly or just… plop?"
That was an awkward start.
Minion 2 snorted quietly, as he bobbed his head. "Plop. Definitely plop.
Javander's gaze didn't move. His back remained straight, hands folded neatly on his knees. Until he scoffed, letting loose as he tried relaxing his muscles. "The chicken has wings. It must surely fly first. Unless it is a massive chicken—"
Minion 1 stretched out his palms, mimicking chicken wings. "But a fat chicken can't even reach a roof."
Minion 2 elbowed him lightly. "Dude, shut up. Chicken can't fly that high!"
"Yes, they do!"
"No, they can't!"
Zaylknork exhaled through his nose, pressing the heels of his palms against his temples. His red eyes flicked to the minions. "I swear, if you don't shut up, I will make you both eat that roof while I sit here and watch."
The two minions froze, glancing at each other. Minion 1 squeaked. "M-maybe… maybe we should sleep?"
Minion 2 nodded rapidly. "Y-yeah… sleep."
Javander leaned back slightly, hands resting on his thighs. "Silence is most beneficial. I shall not interfere with it."
Zaylknork rubbed his temple, exhaling slowly. He lowered his head and let it rest against the carriage wall. His shoulders sagged. "Good. Let's keep it that way. I have a headache, and I do not need to listen to any more nonsense."
The carriage jolted along the road. Wheels scraped against the uneven stones. The luggage in the back shifted slightly as the minions adjusted their hold on the crates.
Zaylknork's coat fell open at the chest, dark red fabric creased from the ride. His bandaged right arm rested across his lap, fingers flexing as he massaged his thumb against the wrapped wrist.
Hours passed. The only sounds were the carriage wheels, the occasional creak of the wooden frame, and the faint rustle of fabric from the packed blankets and curtains.
Zaylknork closed his eyes fully, letting his head fall to one side, body loose.
----
A quiet, hesitant voice broke the silence.
"My Lord… we have arrived at the kingdom," Leonard said, tone low, almost shaking slightly.
Zaylknork lifted his head abruptly, eyes snapping open. His fingers gripped the edge of the seat.
He straightened his back, letting out a long exhale through his nose. "Wha— wh—what happened? Did we get robbed?"
"Of course, not. My Lord."
Ho-jin sighed, he then turned his gaze to the left. Outside, the kingdom appeared in full view. Stone walls ran in precise lines, towers rising at regular intervals, topped with dark slate tiles.
Flags with the Queen's emblem fluttered above gates. A broad cobblestone street led to the main gate, where armored guards marched in strict formation.
Zaylknork leaned back against the wall again, resting his head. His eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the orderly movement of the guards. "It's pathetically well organized," he muttered, voice low.
Leonard remained upright, posture rigid. "The structures are well maintained. The organization is clear. This city is formidable."
Minion 1 craned his neck to look through the window. "It's… bigger than I thought."
Minion 2 nodded, eyes wide behind the dark strands of hair covering most of his face. "Yeah. Real big."
Zaylknork pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. "Good. I'll pretend I'm impressed. Headache's still here though. Might actually kill me if I have to hear anything else." He lowered his head against the wall, eyelids closing.
The carriage came to a stop with a loud creak. Zaylknork's fingers twitched slightly as he leaned back, still pressing his temple with one hand.
Leonard's voice sounded again, quieter this time. "Everything is prepared, my Lord. You need only to step forward and speak with the Queen."
Zaylknork exhaled slowly, letting his shoulders dropped as he exited his cariage.
"Fine," he groaned, eyes still closed. Finally, he is close to getting the Queen's signature, and retire as the villian for good. And also stay away from Javander while relaxing and sipping on his own freshly made wine.
He was still dreaming about his retirement plans until a strong whoosh of air collided his face. Huh? Footsteps?
The sound multiplied as many guards surrounded them, stamping their steps in unison. Their armor clinked faintly, their hard metal scraping against metal with every movement.
"Stop! Whose unworthy presense approaches the Grand Queen's gates?" one of the guards barked out loud.
When they saw Zaylknork in all his infamous glory, all of them gasped.
Another added, "A banished villain? A tyrant? What the heck is he doing here?"
"Go back from whence you came, you MONSTER!!! What more destructions do you seek?"
The fuck?! Is this Nimona or something?!
Zaylknork snapped upright immediately. His red eyes flared. His fist clenched as he leaned forward slightly, jaw tight, and his voice sharp. "The fuck?! How dare you speak to your elders like that?!"
"Elders? You're 25 in human years according to your character sheet! Get back!"
Oh now, I understand why Zaylknork was hotheaded. They're annoying. "The fuck you mean, human yEaRs?! I will fucking guage your eyes out!"
Minion 1 shrank slightly, hands gripping the edge of the seat. Minion 2 froze completely, dark hair falling over half his face, ears twitching as he listened to Zaylknork arguing with the guards.