Talks and Trial's - Part 3

The four of us enter Grey's office, shutting the door behind us. Grey sits at his desk, sorting through and signing the large stacks of paperwork adorning his desk. With a shared nod between Grey and I, I guide a weak Sataro and Kitsura to the maroon-coloured sofa, taking a position and leaning against Grey's wall-mounted bookshelf.

Kitsura and Sataro collapse onto the sofa and spending the next few minutes reveling in comfort. 'Damn, they must have been really uncomfortable in that cell. Note to self: Don't end up in a guild dungeon.' Coming back to their senses, the pair spot the biscuits spread out atop a plate and lunges at them, snatching them from the plate and each other before gobbling them down.

Meanwhile, Grey has risen from his desk and, with his cane in hand, makes his way over to his personal chair. He also makes a point of observing Sataro and Kitsura like a hawk. Hikaru has joined me in standing by the wall-mounted bookshelf, watching curiously as the events unfold.

Despite having only one leg, Grey projects an aura of confidence and intimidation towards the pair on the sofa. Even the way he takes and relaxes in his seat implies that he's prepared to neutralize any threat before him.

"Well then, Takashi, can I assume that these two are members of the bandit group I sent you to find?" I give Grey a subtle nod in response to his question. "Weren't there more of them? Are these two all that's left?"

"Yeah, they're all that's left." After observing Sataro and Kitsura for a moment, I notice them scanning the room in search of something to drink, while Hikaru waits patiently beside me, with Kiru held comfortably in her arms. "If you don't mind, I'd rather wait for Treia to join us before delving too deep into things."

"I didn't know you called her here, where is she?" Even as he speaks to me, Grey's attention remains fixed on Kitsura and Sataro.

"She said she was going to pick something up when we were in the dungeon. She shouldn't be long, I hope." Fortunately, just as I finish my sentence, Treia enters the room. Carrying a large platter in one hand filled with a small feast of bread, meat, and fruit, and a pair of water jugs in her other hand. She announces her presence with playful glee and places the platter onto the coffee table between Grey and the pair.

"Considering they were denied basic decency, I figured I'd do something nice and provide them with a decent meal." Kitsura and Sataro take the water jugs with gratitude, quickly gulping down some of the contents. Afterwards, their mouths water at the sight of the meal before them—the scent and sight of it enticing my own hunger as well.

Kitsura attempts to lunge for the food with wild abandon, only for Sataro to block and hold her back. Salivating at the sight of the meal, Kitsura appears genuinely heartbroken as her gaze shifts between Sataro and the spread. Treia chuckles at the sight, waving her hand toward the food, implying for them to dig in.

"You two can relax; the food is there for you. Prisoners or not, decency is a must for us in Alameria." As Treia finishes her statement, Kitsura attempts to reach for the food, but Sataro continues to hold her back. Observing his expression, I notice his gestures and mannerisms towards Kitsura, imploring her to act with a level of civility.

"Well, now that Treia is here, and we've all gathered, let us begin the trial to determine the fate of these two." Grey taps his cane on the floor to get our attention before making his declaration. "Now then, you were waiting for Treia to arrive; now that she has, you can begin, Takashi." 

"Alright, firstly, I'd like to introduce Sataro, and his female fox companion, Kitsura. These two were part of the bandit group responsible for the attacks on Alameria. However, while they were part of the bandit group, I learned that they were merely pawns within it." I commence my retelling of events as Kitsura and Sataro begin to dig into the food on the plate.

I start from the beginning, choosing not to leave out any details, including those about Kiru being hurt. Over the next couple hours, I cover everything that happened, from my initial encounter with the bandits, to my fight against the Slytzars, and from my discovery of how they were being controlled, to how I ultimately spared two of them at the end.

Taking out the makeshift bag, I hand it to Grey for examination. I state my personal observations of the device and its intended purpose as Grey unwraps it. I also point out what I've noticed and learned. Kitsura and Sataro, having finished eating, now sit quietly, eagerly listening to my interpretation of the device's purpose.

"That device was operated by a single member of their group. Somehow, when those blades are stabbed into a creature, it grants full control over them through that control device. Without actually testing it myself, there isn't much more I can tell you."

"I'll recruit some adventurers for testing purposes; there are plenty of beasts in the area we can use for testing." Grey packs away the device and places it beside his chair. He then encourages me to continue.

Given the go-ahead by Grey, I recount my experience with the weapons and the danger they posed to their significant power. I admit to the lie I told about what happened to Kiru earlier, and the extent of the damage she suffered as a result. This earned me an emotional tongue lashing from Treia and Hikaru, further extending the time we spend in Grey's office. 

After being chewed out for several minutes, I continue my description of events. As I do so, I pass over the severed rifle remains to Grey for his own examination. Continuing on, I provide a detailed account of the final events leading up to Sugawara's arrival and his slaughter of the other bandits.

"Death's advocate got involved?" Grey's question catches me off-guard. 'Death's advocate, since when did Sugawara start using a cool name like that? And why am I just learning of this now?' Suppressing my thoughts, I return my focus to completing my rundown of the events. I finish with my travels with Kitsura and Sataro, leading to their placement within the guild's dungeon.

"Uh, yeah. But never mind about him. Kitsura and Sataro here may have been part of the bandit group, but judging from their actions and behavior, I've determined that they're not really bad people. If anything, Kitsura can be a little too wild for her own good." 

As I pour my heart out on Kitsura and Sataro's behalf, Sataro gazes at me with tears welling up in his eyes, while Kitsura turns her head away to hide her embarrassment. Both Treia and Grey contemplate what I've shared about my experiences, their expressions changing as they reflect on each part of my debrief.

After several minutes, Treia takes a position next to Grey's chair, sitting on the arm of the chair with her arms crossed, sitting in a pose that I can't help but find alluring. Grey gazes at the pair sitting across from them in a manner that exudes intimidation, to the point that even Hikaru and I could feel it.

"Well then, with Takashi's report, I have an understanding of the events. And, I'm certain his opinion of you two is accurate. In all the years I've known him, he's proven to be a good judge of character... most of the time."

"Oh, gee. Thanks for the backhanded compliment." Kiru giggles at Grey's comment, setting off a chain reaction as Hikaru starts giggling at my remark.

"Now, while I may respect him enough to take his recommendations into account, the two of you were still part of the bandit group responsible for the attacks, devastation and isolation inflicted on Alameria for the last few weeks. Then there is the matter of who shot off the Catauri scout's leg. That is something I can't forgive, or overlook."

'Uh oh. I saw this coming, and I forgot about the Catauri, but...' Grey's expression grows darker as he finishes his statement. His words sending visible chills down Sataro's and Kitsura's spines, including mine.

"I'll reserve judgment for now, only so that Treia can voice her opinion. That is why you wanted her here, right?" Grey shifts his gaze and question to me. I respond with a nod, and Treia uses the opportunity to make her own assessment of Kitsura and Sataro.

"Personally, I haven't seen or engaged with you enough to make a fair assessment. However, I do value Takashi's opinion, and you both appear to have good natures, even if Kitsura can be a little wild at times." I feel a sense of relief as I hear the positivity of Treia's words and her tone, but it's short-lived.

"Nevertheless, Grey makes a good point. Active participants or not, you've caused a lot of trouble for Alameria, and you have face punishment for that—No exceptions." Treia's words, although accompanied by a sweet voice, carry enough weight to crush Sataro and Kitsura's hopes. I can't help but let out a quiet sigh as their fate is determined.

Sataro and Kitsura gaze at the floor as despair begins to take hold. It's made all the more evident by Kitsura's drooping ears and tail, which further display her feelings.

"Sorry Takashi. Now, with our opinions united, a punishment is to be handed out." Sataro sits motionless, his demeanor defeated, while Kitsura appears to be on the verge of tears. "Normally, we'd execute bandits on the principle of zero tolerance. However, with Treia's opinion and Takashi's defense, I've decided to be lenient."

As I listen to Grey, a renewed sense of hope washes over me, and I eagerly await for his continuation. 'There still seems to be a glimmer of hope for Sataro and Kitsura.' Treia maintains her seated position on the arm of his chair with her eyes closed, nodding along to his words, prepared to accept his judgment of the pair. 

Even Hikaru is watching and listening with an expression that could be best described as fascination and excitement. Taking in the room and the unfolding situation, I can't help but think, "Huh, I wonder if there's ever been a manga or anime with this kind of situation.'

"Two years." Grey's words echo throughout the room, intensifying the weight of their significance. "In addition to assisting with the repairs of every building in town, both of you will dedicate yourselves to Alameria. You'll devote the next two years of your lives to its protection and growth."

Hikaru appears enraptured by the scene, watching silently as it unfolds before us, Kitsura and Sataro have raised their heads, hope glinting in their eyes. Taking a quick glance at Kiru, I notice she has dozed off in Hikaru's arms and hasn't been paying attention to any more of this, 'Typical.'

"Now, living arrangements will be made for you; we won't going to make you live out your sentence from the guild's dungeons." Treia adds in her own comments concerning the punishment to come. "I'll see if there's someone willing to house you. If not, I can set you up with something temporary at my Inn. However, you will incur a debt in either situation, particularly at the Inn. Understood?"

Almost invigorated by the idea and the hope that they may be able to create a new life here in Alameria, Sataro bows his head repeatedly, while Kitsura merely maintains a single, low bow, keeping her gaze fixed on Treia and Grey. With gratitude they gaze in my direction in and offer me their heartfelt thanks.

"Just don't screw it up, okay. I've stuck my neck out for you two, which is something I don't usually do. So make the most of it." Feeling a little bashful from their gazes, I try to project a self-assured aura, hoping it will encourage them to do and make the best of their time as their sentence is carried out over the next couple of years.

"Lovely. Now that that's all settled, lets see if we can't put you two to work straight away. Trust me, the sooner you start working the sooner you start earning, which will make your upcoming debt's easier." Kitsura and Sataro rise from the sofa and begin to follow Treia out of the room, pausing in their steps as the weight of her words sets in.

"You're not going to earn anything from making repairs to the buildings since you were partially responsible for the damage done across the town. So you'll need to make yourselves useful and earn in other ways, just do you know, I've got plans for the girl on that front." 'Treia's got that playful tone and look in her eye again; it looks like Kitsura's going to be the next barmaid at the Life-Spirit Inn.'

"Alright, thank you for joining us, Treia" Grey speaks up after his period of silence, catching everyone's attention. He rises from his chair and addresses Treia one last time. "Oh, and Treia, before you leave, I have one final request for you."