>>6171896“Think nothing of it. Now tell me what you know of the Noble Houses we’re dealing with,” He instructs.
And you do so, which is rather easy, seeing as you’ve received tutoring in your youth about all the nobles in this kingdom. These five, Bloodgrave, Atle, Gray, Brandt, and Herrman, to be specific, all have vast territories on par with a dukedom with the exception of von Brandt and von Herrman, who, while having estates in the Lindan capital are foreign nobility of a kingdom to the southeast. In Lindan, however, House Bloodgrave is the most prestigious, with the largest territory, almost close to rivaling crownlands. Atle and Gray on the otherhand? Well, they exist, and while their territories are beautiful and the Atle lineage is renowned for their duelists, their territories are closer to that of a Count than a King. Then there’s also the fact the heirs of those three territories saw fit to suppose a foreign prince instead of their own princess at the Academy, but that’s neither here nor there. What happens in the Academy stays in the Academy after all.
“Then why do you think these specific estates were not attacked in the last few days? They had no Strangers show up, no mercenaries, no changelings. They were unscathed while even the Royal Palace went up in flames?” Well, first, it was only a minor attack on the palace. It certainly didn’t ‘go up in flames-’ you mentally cough to restrain your thoughts.
“I cannot say for certain. There’s too many reasons.”
For a second, the old man stares at you, and you think you’re about to be reprimanded before he nods in begrudging agreement, “Exactly, we can’t know for certain, for we can never truly understand the twisted mind of a Stranger though we must certainly try. Isn’t that right?”
“And that is why I’m here? To find you that answer?”
“Yes, it is,” He says in such a way that, for some reason, makes your skin crawl, “And it’s why you’re being granted the role of temporary Inquisitor. You will have access to all our privileges for this mission. You can interrogate whoever you want, detain those you deem suspicious, execute those you deem heretical, and act with impunity in the Goddess’ eyes. And should you perform well and help orchestrate the downfall of this ‘Heaven Society,’ then you will keep those privileges.”
“And what about Marie? Will she be- uh, joining me?”
“As an Inquisitor, it is your right to request any Inquisitor-in-training to accompany you should you wish. Who knows? Maybe that Demon will prove useful enough to ascend the ranks as the boy once did. Though we will be making sure you keep her on a tight enough leash until then,” He says like a threat, though you don’t really find yourself caring too much, seeing as the likelihood of those two interacting is close to nil.
“I understand. When do I start?”
