3 An Inquiry

The guard disappeared through the sliding door behind her. Captain Esmond went over how to conduct myself in front of the Elder a second time. The nearby nobles commenting as I went along with the Captain.

House Takahashi Noble: "My, I thought he was a savage considering you found him on a beach. Maybe I was wrong, he would make a handsome servant in my house."

House Takahashi Servant: "Mamiko, please mind yourself while your in the Elder's longhouse."

As they were laughing, the guard returned and told us to enter the audience hall. The audience hall was completely different from the rest of the longhouse. Tatami mats covered the floor as a double slide door leading outside was completely open letting in a cool breeze and exposing the scenery of the village and beach in the distance.

Elderly: "It's nice to see that you're finally moving about after we found you on the beach."

The Elder was old and shorter than I was, being around 4 feet, about two-thirds of my height. Despite his height and age, he was able to move around nimbly, much to my amazement.

Captain Esmond: "Sorry for interrupting Elder, but I have brought the stranger as he requested to have an audience with you."

Captain Esmond looked at me as if he were signaling me to introduce myself. I felt lost for a second before I got my bearings back together.

Steven: "My name is Steven Omeo of Los Angeles, Elder."

I clasped my hands and bowed respectfully.

Elder: "Haha! It's as Kanna said! He is well-mannered!"

Captain Esmond: "By the way, where is Lady Hisakawa, Elder?"

Elder: "She said she was going to get tea."

The Elder gave me a smug look.

Elder: "Mister Omeo, I shall call you by. How do you know about my niece?"

The Captain mumbled something under his breath.

Captain Esmond: "Not again."

Steven: "Your niece?"

Elder: "Yes! Hisakawa or Kanna. Kanna Hisakawa, my niece!"

Steven: "Kanna is your niece?"

Elder: "Of course she is! Hisakawa is recognized nobility in Feles Isle!"

I was slightly surprised, I never would've thought Kanna would be a noble or even related to the Elder. I'd be more surprised but nothing beats finding out another world exists. While we talked about Kanna, she came in carrying a tea kettle and cups. She then laid the tray on the table and offered us all some tea.

Kanna: "Here you go, Steven. The tea here is really good. You should try it."

Steven: "O-Oh, really? Thank you..."

Elder: "Captain, you should get Mayasa so you can question him, you won't mind, would you mister Omeo?"

Steven: "What are you doing, Elder?"

Elder: "We want to know who you are for starters."

Steven: "Oh, I don't mind."

Captain Esmond: "Yes, sir."

The atmosphere in the room became serious. Captain Esmond left the room and quickly came back with one of the nobles.

Captain Esmond: "This is Justiciar Mayasa Hisakawa from Oki."

The man had a tall and slender build and had a serious look as if he were staring daggers at me. Carrying the Hisakawa name, he has to be one of Kanna's family members."

Justiciar Mayasa: "Turn around."

Intimidated, I turned around as he instructed and I immediately felt something needle-like poking the back of my neck. It made me uncomfortable and I was fighting the urge to move. Kanna sat next to me and smiled.

Justiciar Mayasa: "There, you should be good to go Captain. I'll head back outside if you need me."

Captain Esmond: "Thank you, Justiciar."

Kanna: "You'll be fine, Steven."

Captain Esmond sat right next to the Elder across from me and they were both staring me down. Kanna seeming to understand what was going to happen, quietly looked down into her teacup, taking small sips.

The air is getting heavy; I'm really in for it now.

Captain Esmond: "The Justiciar used a magic spell on you compelling you to tell the truth."

I nodded, signaling to the Captain that I understood.

Elder: "Good, you can start now Captain."

Captain Esmond: "Under the authority of House Hisakawa, you are compelled by the power of Justiciar Mayasa to tell the truth; You do not have the right to object; You are to answer all my questions without protest; Any attempt to disregard any question will be met with a lashing; Do you understand what I have told you?"

Steven: "Y-Yes, sir."

What the hell did I get myself into?

Captain Esmond: "First question, were you knowingly in Rosdown Ocean?"

Steven: "No."

Captain Esmond: "Were you on a boat?"

Steven: "No."

Captain Esmond: "Were you near any beaches?"

Steven: "No."

Captain Esmond: "Are you a smuggler?"

Steven: "No."

Captain Esmond: "Alright then, second question, where are you from?"

Steven: "Los Angeles."

Captain Esmond: "Where is Los Angeles?"

Steven: "California."

Captain Esmond: "California..?"

Elder: "That sounds like a province in Esnia, Captain."

The Justiciar did do something to me. I was answering the questions without thought and the idea of being forced to tell the truth became frightening.

Captain Esmond: "Right, third question, are you a demon?"

I thought back to when I was with Lucas when we were at the construction site and the demon girl that attacked us. It seemed so clear that she was baiting us but at the time it seemed trivial. Questions started racing through my mind as I tried to understand the girl's intentions. Was she trying to reach something or was she tiring us out so she can kill us without any resistance? Maybe both...

Nothing makes sense!

While I was lost in thought, the Captain lifted his hand and a huge burning sensation roared across my back. I could only respond by yelling in pain. Captain Esmond then slammed his fist against the table.

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Captain Esmond: "Answer the question! Are you or are you not a demon?!"

Kanna: "He's still in shock! Don't lash him!"

Steven: "N-no I'm not!"

Captain Esmond: "If you're not a demon and you weren't on a boat why were you on the west beach?"

Steven: "I was attacked by one!"

Captain Esmond: "One of what?!"

Steven: "A demon!"