NOVEL NEXT Chapter 107 - Decision
Amidst the confusion in the audience the sprites do their job well and the mirror becomes shrouded once again. Allea moves off stage and Ellie recovers in time to continue her role and announce the number of false statements in that round of questioning.
“T-There were… no wrong statements.”
Juliette steps onto the stage again from the sides.
“So, are you done, assistant investigators?” she asks the gathered adventurers.
They took a while to look at each other, before deciding to speak up.
“What will happen to the responsible party?” Simon asks.
“Well, that depends, but most likely the count will have them executed on the spot.”
“Right.” Simon sighs and looks to his party for help. They are visibly conflicted about giving up the responsible party considering their own experiences with devil cultists. I imagine the possible alternatives go through their heads right now.
“If we do know the identity of the murderer, and their motive, but don’t have evidence, what will happen?” Simon asks cautiously to stall for time.
Juliette decides to humor him and answers back “Well, I will investigate the suspect until evidence is found. Noone will be tried unjustly, not to worry. The lord is fair, that much is well known.”
“What is the alternative, anyways?” Harry says, looking at his fellow assistant investigators. “If we don’t help, the bard will likely be convicted and he is innocent in all this. I’m sure they are prepared to give themselves up for this.”
With an annoyed sigh, Simon nods in agreement. Then, looking intently at Juliette, Simon declares the results of their questioning loudly.
“The responsible party is the inquisition, and you will find that the victim is a likely follower of a devil cult if you investigate her. Do you swear to learn the full truth of the matter and see that fair and just punishment is handed out?”
“I swear. On my honor as an Investigator, I shall procure evidence that is sufficient for any court, no matter how unlikely it may seem, to make a just decision.” Juliette responds with a serious stare.
“Then I shall trust you with this information. The individuals responsible for the murder are Lady Lander and the Father.”
Juliette nods seriously at the adventurers and turns towards Ellie. “Maybe you should join the assistant inspectors for now, Magister. I shall inform you when you are next required.”
Ellie nods eagerly and gets off stage to rejoin her party, while Juliette walks backstage, and the curtain falls upon the stage.
Replica, who has also rejoined the party, moves to Simon and whispers something to him. I don’t even need to strain my dungeon senses to make out what she is telling him, but it still feels impolite to listen in. I know what it is about, anyways. She reacted to Ellie’s slip up as well, and is taking steps to uncover some more information. Simon nods and glances over at Ellie. I can’t wait until after the play is done. I feel like there were not enough interrogation scenes yet.