In the early-autumn chill, the hearth inside the building burned warmly. Even though this was only a temporary command post, the room had been dressed up properly because of the exalted status of the two seated at the head, and it was surrounded by layers of guards.
When the elven scout was dragged out, he was still spewing curses without pause. The one thing that genuinely comforted Victor was this: the elf wasn't only cursing at him. He hadn't forgotten to sneer at Princess Adda, either, or to spit venom at Velerad.
With those two sharing the "honor," Victor finally had a little room to maneuver. At least he wasn't the lone, shining target.
Because once a thief sinks their teeth in, the bite sticks deep—especially when you aren't exactly spotless to begin with.
Unfortunately, the intelligence service wasn't staffed by fools, and the elf's mind was clearly not right. Thaler would probably get what he wanted very soon—thanks to the same old catalogue of royal "persuasion" every regime has always kept close at hand.
It was only when the trial arrived that a person truly learned who they were.
Even now, when things looked like a dead end, Victor stayed calm and relaxed. The corners of his mouth lifted into a faint smile, as if the "accomplice" the scout had just accused was some invisible man standing in the room—certainly not him.
Princess Adda glanced at Victor and suddenly felt she'd seen that smile somewhere before. Then she remembered: he was the bard who had performed at the harvest banquet.
She had the sense there was more to it than that, but there were bigger problems in front of her. Among the dozens of hostages were representatives of landed nobles—relatives and retainers. They'd come today to attend a meeting about carving up the bank's assets, and the Scoia'tael had scooped them all up in one net.
Velerad recognized the bard as well. He didn't know why the young man had come in with the Rose Knight, but between the favorable impression he already had and the fact that Siegfried stood beside Victor without making any move against him, the mayor didn't pay it further mind.
Captain Vincent likely guessed that the young man who could go into the forest and uproot a giant, spined monster-plant had dealt with the Scoia'tael before—but he kept his arms folded and said nothing.
And with both the Lily Knight and the Rose Knight holding Victor in high regard, they treated the scout's accusation as a desperate slander tossed out at random.
So, to everyone's surprise, no one seemed to care about what the elf had shouted.
The meeting's mood tilted toward one thing: continuing the discussion of how to negotiate with Yaevinn.
If the King's Eyes weren't in the room.
"Honored lords and ladies," Thaler said smoothly, "please pause for a moment. There is a matter that must be addressed first.
"I, Thaler of the intelligence service, formally accuse Victor Corion of involvement in the Scoia'tael bank robbery.
"As that prisoner just stated, they are accomplices. It is true Victor did not betray the Scoia'tael—but we are fortunate. The madman who rushed out to kill misunderstood something, and in doing so he pointed out this tumor for us."
The firelight struck Thaler's monocle, flaring into a sharp glare.
Bang.
Siegfried slammed a gauntleted fist onto the table so hard the armor rasped and clacked. "Evidence, Master Thaler. Watch your words—this is a vile accusation. The one you accuse is my friend, a friend of the Order. I must remind you: if you have no proof, the Order of the Flaming Rose will not forgive this."
At moments like this, the Rose Knight really was dependable.
And Victor felt a bit guilty, because Thaler's accusation was, in a sense, correct. Victor truly was connected to this heist.
Thaler smiled warmly and dipped into a polite bow. "I have no intention of insulting the Order. You were simply deceived.
"I have three ways to obtain the truth quickly.
"First: when we negotiate with Yaevinn, we tell him we have captured Victor and observe the elf's reaction. Perhaps we might even trade the information for the release of a few hostages.
"Second: since that Scoia'tael has already named Victor, I believe he will be willing to provide more details about how this 'poet' worked with them. The King's Hand's instruments will ensure he does not disagree.
"And the third method lies with Victor himself…"
Siegfried cut in coldly, "You will not lay a finger on my friend until you prove anything."
Thaler's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Of course I'm not suggesting we torture a friend of the Order. My evidence is this:
"From the second floor, I observed that Miss Angoulême—who often moves about with this poet—secretly brought him a note.
"I have reason to believe that note contained information related to this robbery."
At that, a smile of interest appeared on Adda's face. Velerad, who'd been resting with his eyes closed, opened them. Vincent unfolded his arms.
"So," Thaler continued, "if Victor is innocent, then I'm sure he will have no objection to letting us admire the secrets inside his herbal satchel."
Well played.
And completely meaningless.
"If it will settle the matter, I'm happy to cooperate," Victor said, raising both hands.
…
When the entire bag had been emptied out until it was spotless—when even a guard brought over a magical detector to verify everything—Thaler, who had been certain Victor was trapped, finally showed the first crack of uncertainty.
"Uh… that's impossible. I clearly saw—"
Victor spoke with icy calm. "No. It is possible.
"Honored lords and ladies, I've just realized something: Master Thaler's attempt to frame me has a reason."
The intelligence chief blinked. It had been a very long time since anyone he accused had spoken back like this. The rest of the room looked equally stunned.
Princess Adda let out a bright laugh. "Go on, then. I'm very curious what reason could make our King's Eyes misread what he saw—and witness a note that doesn't exist."
Victor cleared his throat. "It's like this:
"Recently, Master Thaler has been courting Lady Shani of Redania. But the doctor remains unmoved by his attentions. He may have decided I'm an obstacle in his path to romance—so he tried to remove a rival by using this kind of accusation.
"I can understand that people crazed by love do foolish things, but I must say—this is not only stupid, it's also contemptible."
After Victor finished, the room went quiet for a beat.
Thaler laughed despite himself—sharp and furious. He hadn't expected Victor to counterattack from that angle.
And then, for Thaler, it got worse.
Princess Adda burst into delighted laughter, covering her mouth. "I've heard this little scandal. Several ladies have reported it to me—Chief Thaler of Temeria pursuing a Redanian doctor."
Velerad smiled as well. "Doctor Shani—I've met that admirable young woman, and I've heard the same rumor. But evidence, Master Victor. Can you prove you are, in fact, Chief Thaler's stumbling block on the road to love?"
As he said the last part, he leaned forward slightly.
Captain Vincent spoke in an even, steady voice. "I can testify. On the eve of Doctor Shani's departure from Vizima, this mercenary—or bard—Victor, was with her at the lakeside, enjoying the night view."
In the next instant, the King's Eyes felt the room fill with a weave of mockery and anger.
Mockery was everywhere.
The anger came from Siegfried, who was glaring at Thaler as if he could burn holes through him. To invent charges and smear his friend was, to Siegfried, an insult to himself.
Thaler, too, was furious that his private affairs were being turned into ammunition, but he forced his emotions down. If he lost his temper now, his accusation would instantly become a joke.
So he said each word carefully: "I did not frame him. Everything I have said and done is for Temeria.
"As for whether Victor is innocent, I sincerely ask that you allow me some time. When I have obtained more information, you may judge again."
Princess Adda licked her upper lip lightly. "Since you insist, Thaler, I'll grant you a little more time to prove it.
"Master Victor, go find somewhere to rest. It seems our King's Eyes doesn't care for you.
"But don't worry. I will not allow anyone to abuse power just to steal a romance."
She finished with a tinkling laugh—this entire scene had amused her to no end.
Victor bowed and withdrew.
It was time to get out.
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