“Vyea, did you know that among this group of detainees, the treatment for males and females is different?”
“Different?”
“Yeah, different. Aside from those sentenced to death who’ll be sent for Decontamination, the rest of the males will be sent to the Northern Ice Lump to work in the mines, while the females will be filtered layer by layer, and their fate isn’t any better.”
Under Lania’s guidance, Vyea entered the Arbitration Office quite easily. The “All-Seeing Eye” hanging high at the main gate didn’t even open its gaze.
“That’s just a replica of the All-Seeing Eye. Under Its watch, not even a fly can get in without permission.”
The purple-haired girl walked ahead, explaining everything along the way like a top-notch tour guide responsible for the Arbitration Office’s visitor program.
Vyea enthusiastically responded with “Mm-hmm” and “Ah-ha,” though she already knew all this; she was just pretending to be very interested.
As her master, it was fine to occasionally look after her disciple’s mood.
“But today is Its four-month rotation day, so It’s off duty all day.”
Lania spoke while greeting the Arbitration Office staff who passed by.
“Hi~”
“Hero, are you here to observe an execution today? The incident in the neighboring district yesterday exposed many human traitors, and even a few lurking Demons were caught, hahaha…”
“Is that so? Today’s an important day, so duty calls for extra attention. No more slack than before.”
After speaking, Lania casually explained to Vyea, “The Judge will ask about your relationship with that Demon, and during the interrogation, they’ll use a mind-shaking ability to intimidate you. You need to be mentally prepared.”
“Mm…”
“But don’t worry too much. Just tell the truth. With me around, they won’t dare pull anything reckless. They’d rather kill a thousand innocent than let one go.”
“Mm… thank you for your trust.”
“Mm↓ huh↑, no need to thank me. My teacher used to do this kind of thing too~”
“Your teacher is that important person to you?”
“You’re so smart. I’ll introduce you when there’s a chance. My teacher’s an amazing person! You two will definitely get along well…”
That’s not guaranteed.
Vyea chose silence, avoiding the topic.
Lania didn’t mind and clapped her hands, coming up with another idea. “After we finish here, I’ll take you to have some fun around here. Don’t worry, I’ll cover all the expenses on the way!”
“Aren’t you working?”
“Come on, why are you so like my teacher, always talking about boring stuff!” Lania smiled through clenched teeth. “I’m just hanging out with a friend for a bit, having fun. It won’t delay anything!”
“…”
“This is your first time in Antler City, right? The entertainment venues here are way better than in Fengxiang Town. Actually, Fengxiang Town doesn’t have any entertainment spots at all. The people there are either busy exterminating Demons or on their way to do so…”
“Though, who would go to a border town that’s on full combat alert twenty-four hours a day just to have fun? You have a point, right?”
“…”
“Don’t stay silent. Antler City isn’t as fun as the Capital, but compared to the neighboring towns, it’s a thousand times better.”
“…”
“Alright, enough of that. The courtroom is just beyond the next gate, and the session starts at 2:30 PM. Let’s go to the lounge to wait.”
Lania turned back and glanced behind her.
The corridor was empty, with only the occasional staff passing by.
“Vyea?”
Lania froze in place. In that moment, a thousand possibilities flashed through her mind.
Gone to the restroom?
Impossible. Vyea was mature and sensible. How could she vanish without telling her?
Lost?
No way. This was a straight, spacious corridor lined on both sides with Arbitration Office staff offices. Personnel in casual uniforms like them stood out among those in work uniforms.
Besides, several senior agents in the Arbitration Office knew she was bringing the only surviving witness related to yesterday’s incident for confirmation.
If Vyea got lost, she’d just have to ask someone, and 1000% she’d be sent back by the staff.
Abducted by an unknown party?
Even less likely. Today was the All-Seeing Eye’s rotation day; the entire Arbitration Office was under lockdown, with tighter security than usual.
Moreover, Lania didn’t believe anyone could abduct Vyea without her noticing.
Not even her teacher’s teacher could manage that!
Eliminate all impossibilities, and whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
“Vyea, did she sneak off on her own?”
Unease spread through Lania’s heart, a long-forgotten palpitation returned, and her heart began pounding wildly.
“B-but why?”
No… no…
Clutching her aching chest, Lania slowly sank to her knees. Cold sweat soaked her pale forehead and stained her purple hair. She suddenly recalled the last time she had such severe palpitations—
Three years ago, in the Capital! After that happened, she received news that her master was in trouble that very evening!
Suppressing the persistent pain in her chest, Lania didn’t even bother to ask the staff. She was certain they would only respond with ignorant looks.
Ignoring their surprised gazes, she swiftly passed by them.
“Notify the Director of Arbitration Office first, then head to the Monitoring Room… This time, I have to do something myself…”
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