>>5205513"There's a certain beauty in telling a lie. A lie is nothing more than mere nothingness. A sweet void that holds no value and gives no meaning save for the belief its given, suspending the heavy truth in the air by pure faith."
"But you, I, and everyone in this world know that the universe has a way of correcting 'lies'. The longer a 'lie' is left alive, the greater the weight of the crushing reality when that lie collapses. Of course, the liar can delay the truth's inevitability by creating more lies to keep the truth at bay, but they can only do so much before that faith is shattered."
Sathriel turned to look at the officer Grizzie and Lisa. The former was currently busy turning herself into what passes as riot police, armed with all manners of combat relics while under Yan Wong's supervision while the latter fidgeted with the silencing collar on her neck.
"In a way, I am giving them a more lenient sentence by having them the truth of the matter to their debtor, which is substantially lighter than immediate execution. But the downside is...they will be subjected to the tender mercies of the warband's judgment, not mine."
"It is only fair that they serve a punishment befitting of the crime. But..."
Silence.
"You're worried about Lisa." said Millie.
Sathriel winced at the statement but didn't deny it. "I suppose it's an old bad habit of mine, back when I was an attorney. It's bad practice to get too attached to a client. You put yourself at risk of compromising your judgment."
"I'm sorry it had to come to this."
"No need to apologize, Judge Sathriel. You were simply trying to do your job."
Silence reigned once more albeit briefly before Millie spoke up.
"Thank you. For solving the case."
Sathriel shook her head. "Case isn't done yet. There's one last thing to do."
"One last thing?" echoed the Mayor.
As if on cue, a far-reaching howl was heard in the distance, drawing the attention of many of the residents. Sathriel slowly stood up. Obsidian chips of bone began to crawl out of her skin and clothes followed by Golden runes inscribing themselves shortly thereafter as the Arbiter prepared her arms and armor.
"Executing the sentence."
(cont.)
