''If this man wants a meeting so badly, then I'll tell him exactly why his men's actions here are unacceptable.'' You didn't need to look at your allies to know they immediately disapproved of your sentiment. ''If I'm to help the monsters here, this is a good time to start.'' You look at the empty rows of seats that had previously been occupied by the group of mothers with their children.

Branka's arrival motivated their swift exits.

''That man isn't exactly... stable,'' Aryel spoke first, his metal equipment clicking with his approach.

''Then hope he's brazen enough to strike me, that'll force our baron to react immediately.'' The elven near-extinction has mankind almost treat us like prized pets... But that attitude can be a valuable tool.

''...I'm not going to sit still if that's what you're going for, Rey.'' Shigeko radiated disapproval, her blue eyes now coldly looking at you.

''Either way!'' Usha wiggling around in your palms was a good excuse to avoid looking at anyone else. ''I've made my decision. I met the bishop today. I want to finish by seeing the chief oppressor.''

Aryel and Augustine exchanged a wordless, worried look while Shigeko gave a curt nod. If it was -that- bad of an idea, they wouldn't... No, this is my decision. Be courageous, Rey!

With the clinic remaining empty, your friends helped you get better acquainted with this ''Jules Manzke'' you'll be meeting (while also playing around with Usha).

He's not the actual leader of the Brazen Tusk company that has been giving people here so much grief; he's been put in charge of everything going on in the city, so he is one step removed from their actual leader, who, it seems, nobody here met because he hasn't left the duke manor.

He allowed his men to indulge in all kinds of vices in the village, but none of your friends saw him directly delight in anything suspicious outside the few times Thibault came to oversee something here.

Aryel and Shigeko personally witnessed them inviting(coercing) a handful of the prettier villagers inside the bathhouse. Branka would know more about his various demands, but the Minotaur lady has been, predictably, a completely closed book.

--

''Hey, elven lady? A...Some men are waiting for you outside our village.'' One of the mothers you remember seeing here proclaimed the end of your peace of mind and made a swift exit.

You looked into your bag one last time, making sure Usha slept peacefully inside her wooden protective box. She had lots of fun playing around with Aryel and Augustine while you were waiting around.

''Maybe this is a good idea after all.'' Aryel spoke quietly, as if afraid to be overheard when your group walked toward the exit.

''Really?'' Augustine protested, her hand had been firmly clasped around yours now.

''Quietly enduring won't change anything.'' Says the handsome knight, growing silent when your group walks outside.