Take a step back, you creepy bastard.
You managed to keep the nervousness buzzing in your bones from shaking your limbs as you stared at the much taller man in metal. His mask made it impossible to judge whether your remark had truly struck a nerve or if he was being dramatic.

''Tell me, does your group also handle Mamonos' escapees?'' you spoke when he finally gave you space. Your attitude won't work on me, golem-man.

''In the few cases it happened, we brought them back.'' His answer took far too long. He went to pick up his axe, clearly intending to leave you rotting there.

''Then explain why my family found the corpse of a Mamono in the forest around my home. A girl who died around the same time your group established itself here.''

The constant clicks of metal accompanying him slowed to a whisper as he turned to look at you.

''You know what my parents do. Sometimes the dead wish to speak.'' That was a mighty stretch of the truth, but you decided it was better not to reveal Seyraphal's capabilities. If he has any knowledge of the church's capabilities, then I want him to assume we're communicating with that woman's spirit.

''Can't say I know what you're talking about,'' came his warped, metallic, boyish voice as he rested his heavy axe on his shoulder. He's not dismissing me outright and leaving; there's something here.

''Unfortunately, our king elevates these peculiar animals enough that only noble authority can sentence life and death. Unless that one resisted, then my men would have caught her and brought her back.'' Jules stepped back from the table, and you rounded it to get closer. ''End of story, little lady. If she was killed so recently, then it's a crime I do not know.''

His boyish voice, his straight sky-blue eyes, and that damnable mask covering his face made it impossible to get any hint of potential lies.

''Yes, a crime is a crime, much like holding an Elder on bogus charges.''

Your statement drew a hoarse exhale from him, and he turned around to leave.

''The duty of a Cleric of the Path.'' You elevated your voice when he put his hand on the door handle. ''It's not only to maintain the shrines of our parent Gods, but also to uphold the harmony of our Good Mother when local priests are unable or unwilling to do so.''

''This is why you are reopening the fresh wound of a grieving mother?'' There was a break in his young voice that finally betrayed a hint of humanity.

''All I hope is to be a good sister.''

''Why? Why Augustine?'' The steel man fully turned to face you, and you took a few more steps closer to him, bridging your distance to three arm's lengths.
Indeed. Why? Because it was the right thing to do? Because the strong nourish the weak? Because good brothers and sisters of Mother Earth elevate the less fortunate? Maybe pieces of it all could explain your motivation. Inaction cost lives.

You had never felt so afraid and yet so confident.