''Two days ago, I even shook hands with Thibault because we want to improve the community here.'' You pause long enough to grind your teeth. ''They clearly need it.''

''Right, too bad some rat merchants or blue blood came yesterday to be settled in our luxurious northern expansion, so news travels slowly.'' His metal equipment clicks as he moves closer without sitting. ''So you'll stay here tonight. Even if you've got noble privileges, people will know that harming a peacekeeper isn't free.''

A rush of angered protest nearly makes you scream. Don't. Don't give him that satisfaction, Rey. The way he's looking at me... He's trying to get under my skin.

''Bad day?'' Jules continued, his warped boyish voice growing amused. ''Always is.''

''You lied, then? No talks?'' He doesn't react when you briefly grab your sword. Gods. ''I aim to improve the lives of the Mamono community here, Jules Manzke, once I get out and call your people for the rapists and abusers they seem to be, how do you intend ot handle that?''

''Re-''

''I've heard plenty!'' You interrupt, slamming your hand on the table. ''Plenty of reliable women-''

''Monsters.'' Urk! Dark Hells!

''Women. Many witnessed your men and even -you- indulge in reprehensible acts, I'm growing more and more motivated to speak directly with them and report to our baron.''

''...and that is why nobody trusts the lies of a community of scheming monsters, if you want to provoke a scandal, then, by all means, start tomorrow.'' His reply is as cold as his eyes. ''I've heard those rumors; they implicate our shared benefactor. I'm sure your baron will be happy with an Elder rousing a potential inquisitorial investigation targeting his son in this mess of a city.''

Complete dismissal. The Mamonos are completely isolated; out of sight, out of mind.

''Augustine managed to curb a potential disentery outbreak today, but the conditions make it impossible to avoid a similar spread.'' You decide to shift to another topic. ''The women won't even have time to worry about their coming cleansing ritual with this bloody stranglehold you've got on them! Are you waiting for them to riot?''

''Only giving them a bit of a squeeze after your mother nearly brained one of my guys,'' Jules emphasizes his statement by holding out a metal fist. ''Those monsters aren't the angelic community you're deluding yourself into believing; your big blue dog is living proof of that. Already forgot she was only skin and bones, and that bug was going to be sacrificed? Ain't my guys who done that.''

''Good brothers and sisters of Mother Earth do not sit still upon witnessing the abuses of their children.'' As you look into Jules barely moving from, you restrain the urge to spit.

''Animals are no children of Mother Earth.'' His cold reply and his young voice extract a cold chill out of your spine.