>>5255886“Petty criminals? You mean the people from Hillsbrad.” Maleb asked you and seemed to not know what you were talking about.
“The ones Southshore Militia had gathered from the streets and jail and sent with the people of Hillsbrad.” You explained.
“Prince Alric, I haven’t given an order like that, surely you must be mistaken.” He said back to you and raised his hands to feign ignorance.
Either he really doesn’t know about it or he is attempting to fool you. Either way it doesn’t matter, there are just a dozen of them, there is no need to start arguing about them further.
“I would be glad if you were to talk to your Militia then and make sure that no such thing happens again. Soldiers acting without the orders from their superiors sounds somewhat worrisome.” You said to him.
“You are right Prince Alric, I will be mentioning this to them.” Maleb said. “Do you have anything else in mind?”
That was the sign that the talks were finished. No need to linger here any further.
“Nothing important, just was the harvest a good one this year?” You asked him as you stood up.
“Best in a long time, thank you for asking Prince Alric.” Maleb said back, stood up and offered his hand.
“Thank you for the talk Magistrate Maleb.” You said back to him and shook his hand before leaving his office.
…
“Malevus, did you notice that?” You asked her when you had left the town hall.
“Notice what Prince Alric?” Malevus asked and was confused about what she should have noticed.
“The Magistrate lied when he said that he didn’t know about the petty criminals.” You said to her and continued. “While just a moment before he said that he follows the rumours. The Magistrate knows what is going on in the region so of course he knows what is happening in his town.”
“Prince Alric, why didn’t you say anything then?” Malevus asked you.
“Because it wasn’t worth it, you shouldn’t always attempt to one up your opponent. Just not worth it.” You explained.
“I don’t really understand.” Malevus said.
“You don’t have to, at least not yet. Lies are a tool to use in a game that is diplomacy.” You said back.
Malevus seemed a bit conflicted, but then she nodded. She would learn this sooner or later.
…
The Golden Hyacinth was the largest and the most fanciest or finest tavern in Southshore. It dwarfed the buildings around it by having three stories, a pair of mighty chimneys and walls made from the same thick lumber the Alliance battleships are made from. When you entered the place you didn’t see Lord Blackmoore, but you did see that the place was nearly full of merchants, traders, travellers, burghers and so on. Clearly this place was for finer people so when you walked in wearing your armour, it did raise some curious looks to your direction.
Then you saw Sir Gravis and his knights having taken one of the corner tables and you joined them and waited for Lord Blackmoore. At least you could eat something before he arrived as you hadn’t really eaten much today.
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