>>6060968“But wouldn’t that just make it easy to find whose part of the conspiracy? Find the people whose mansions haven’t been attacked?”
“If the conspirators are amateurs then yes, you’d be correct. However, the much more likely scenario, granted nobles are involved at all in this plot, is that one or two of the nobles struck would be a cooperator or the attacks themselves are random hitting both families aligned with mine and neutral ones as well. Perhaps a seasoned investigator could learn something from the specific families targeted but that person is not us.”
“But wouldn’t there be plenty in the Inquisition?”
“Indeed, but what if we happen to enlist the help of a mole and we’re led further astray?”
She purses her lips, “I like the other Stranger Hunt better, this one sucks.”
“You’re telling me.”
As you walk into the center of the market the mood is tense. Sure, a few folks try to go about their day as if nothing is happening but the ever-present stares of the guard keep most foot traffic quick and hushed. What’s usually a lively place where conversations flow like water and sounds like thunder is dreadfully still. Only the sound of hooves against cobble and far-off cheers from the adventurer’s tavern break through the silence. Though there is an added addition to the market square today, the gallows whose ropes are almost always empty are now filled. Signs are chained around peasant corpses reading words such as [ARSON], [MURDER], and [LOOTING], though you also notice any mention of rioting or insurrection is particularly absent. Perhaps your father wishes to keep thoughts that this could develop into a civil war out of people's minds.
“Marie, are you alright?” You say to the woman. She appears lost in thought as she stares at the lifeless corpses hanging from their nooses.
“S-sorry, it’s just sometimes I forget I’m- I’m not back home.”
“Are hangings not commonplace in ‘Japan?’ I’ve seen a fair few in my life, a Stranger once even but that was a beheading.”
“No, capital punishment is legal in Japan, only by hanging as well. It’s just,” She looks for the right words, “It’s not as public,” She then proceeds to subtly summon her sword and smack it, telling the object off, something about primitive barbarians.
“It is a rather macabre sight isn’t it?” A new voice speaks up, it’s soft and wispy. You turn to see a woman wearing the cloth of a priestess standing next to you, “But those who challenge the Goddess’ appointed rules must be punished, no?” The words that come from her mouth betray her soft smile and delicate features.
“Excuse me, who are you?” The words fall out of your mouth before you can catch yourself. Dammit, you’re supposed to let Marie do the talking!
“Ah, my apologies. You may call me Freja, a humble priestess of the Goddess,” She says with a curtsy, “I was the one tasked with giving the poor souls condemned this morning their last mercies.”