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<span class="mu-i">Perhaps I can turn this into a good learning opportunity. If that guy is one step below the big commander of his outfit, surely...</span> You've seen many monstrous communities, from villages, towns, and cities. Eichenwald case is growing more and more odd by the day.
''Fine, only if I keep my sword.'' <span class="mu-i">I have my Focii and two of mom's magical arrow-wands, too.</span>
''Rey!?'' Augustine and Shigeko speak over one another.
''It's okay.'' You quickly turn to face them, grabbing your pink friend's hand in the process. ''This shouldn't be too long.''
Jules doesn't comment on your remark, remaining listless.
''Late night is the proper time for... my promise.'' You continue, releasing Augustine's nervous hand and handing her your bag, where Usha sleeps. ''I'm just taking a little detour, getting a look for myself why men here seem to be eager to make the village <span class="mu-s">people</span> miserable.''
A few dismissive scoffs from nearby listening mercs make you grimace.
''Rey, I've promised your parents...'' Shigeko seems almost ready to leap into battle, but the reality is that'd be suicide: there are a dozen well-armed men here, and they aren't random thugs who crawled out of the street.
''Move already.'' Jules boyish voice comes out hoarse from impatience, becoming almost inhumanly warped by the metal covering his face.
<span class="mu-i">What a detestable man.</span>
With a hand on the handle of your sword, you fiddle with the white cloth covering it, tempted to remove it to display your intention, but ultimately, you follow Jules creepy back.
''There's a fire in this girl.'' You hear Aryel comment as you leave your friend's protection.
The men inside the headquarters appear to exhibit a modicum of discipline in their duties as peacekeepers. You catch a glimpse of a large group of men gathered around a big map of the city, and you're led past several bookkeepers, an infirmary with a man being treated for a cut. Everyone who acknowledges your existence is surprised to witness you following the automaton that is Jules.
He leads you on the second floor, into a lonely room with a table, two chairs, and one window giving an appreciable view of the northern houses. A few more men are lingering in the nearby rooms, their discussions creating faint echoes of activities... and giving you some amount of comfort because you're not wholly isolated with this creepy marauder.
''Sit there.'' He gestures with his free arm toward the seat on the other side of the table.
<span class="mu-i">Does he think I'd try running away?</span> While you do walk toward your seat, you remain standing, staring into his empty blue eyes.
Jules grows impatient and walks to let his heavy axe drop on the table. It slams loudly upon landing, causing a few alarmed men to peek inside and leave as quickly as they came.
''You have me where you want.'' You break the silence once the onlookers leave. ''Be quick about it.''
''You claim to have met our baron?'' He says while closing the door.
