>>718219684
>>718219695
>>718220467
Very true.

''Ever had to handle a stubborn ox, doc?'' Replies the lanky marauder, his boyish voice makes you wince. ''Leather lash ain't enough, you need to grab the bastard by the horns and make him kneel, you oughta go make that cow in there understand instead of bothering me.''

''How does that excuse letting di-''

''Shut up, I'm not dealing with you.'' Jules takes a step closer; you feel Shigeko move behind you. For a tense moment, he and your blue bodyguard exchange a silent look... and he doesn't move closer. Damn... I held my breath.

''You're related to those two who nearly caused a riot, yeah? I've been hoping to find you in the church.''

''Yes, and my parents judgment was sound, I would have helped if I were here, and before you ask, know that Bram Eisenhart himself gave my family the blessing of housing Shigeko and Seyraphal, so any coercions of yours will fall on deaf ears.'' Words flew out before you could stop. At this distance, you can clearly see his blue eyes now.

''Right social animal ain't cha?'' He laughs. Urk! Bastard! ''You three can make like scarecrows and wait, miss here will be getting inside with me.''

''What!?'' you flinched when Aryel screamed. ''You think of imprisoning an Elder!?'' He stepped forward, gripping his glaive with both hands: a gesture quickly mirrored by the men a few feet away.

''Whatever you have to say can be out here in the open.'' Augustine took place beside him in front of you.

''Mother's tits. Leave it to the only animal here to have some manners.'' Jules moved his axe to his side. ''Elders ain't above the law.''

''Your law!''

''Shut up, you pissant failed knight. No noblemen gave you any authority here.'' This time, Jules gripped his axe with both hands. Had Aryel not taken a step back, hostility might have erupted.

''I can't let a peacekeeper being kicked into a near coma go without a... reaction.'' He says while looking at you. ''Gives people bad ideas, you'll be coming with me, little lady, so we can talk.''

He's not asking... Wait, the Mamonos from the village are looking, too. Doors are still open. Indeed, while too far to hear anything, Branka and quite a few ladies were looking at what's happening here...

>Agree to his demand. Surrounded, outnumbered... Provoking him seems stupid. Go and see what he wants to talk about in private.

>Whatever it is he wants with you can be put out here in the open for everyone to witness.

>Refuse. Plain and simple, you've heard him, and that's that. Your parents were right to save people in need; you won't give this man any satisfaction.