☀️ Arselia and Akonia

— No, that's not how it works. — The emotionless captain of the guard replied. — Your honesty will determine whether you lose a couple of years of your life or your life altogether. — Ironboot places a dried-up ear in front of Beata. — Think carefully about your next words.

Okay.

Beata was visibly nervous, and tears welled up in her eyes.
— All right, I'll confess everything, — she began in a broken voice. — I didn't want to tell anyone, not even my partner; I hoped to sort it out myself. I... I've been haunted for a long time by some scumbag who has made it his life's mission to ruin me. I don't know who it is — I'm not a saint; I've made a lot of enemies over the years. When I came here, I sincerely hoped he wouldn't find me. But then that murder of the director happened... I panicked. I read that he was shot with a crossbow. I also have a crossbow, you know? I realized that they had found me. I didn't want to go to the guard, precisely because of my reputation — you guys think I'm guilty right now, you don't even consider the possibility that I'm just a victim! — she shed a tear. — No one would believe me. I wanted to investigate this myself. I joined "Carnelian," it seemed like a respectable organization, and I could earn some good reputation and support there... — she sobbed. — And then the second murder. Again, they're after me! I volunteered to investigate this case. I came at night, secretly, precisely so as not to run into the guard; I wanted to find the culprit before you did, you see?! Otherwise, no one would believe me!!! — she was on the verge of panic and hysteria. — And when that woman appeared... I thought she was the one, the monster who wants me dead! She started threatening me, she attacked me!
Beata burst into tears.