☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- She doesn't believe it," she said, not bothering to unclench her fists, nodding in the general direction of Ayano, stating the obvious. "She came up with it and is sticking to her guns. She thinks I'm going to put on a show and come up with unique plans just to convince her. Maybe I have some selfish motive for this friendship, that's why I'm going to such lengths. Right?" she looked at Bazhena for the first time since entering. "Let's go ask Lady? Oh, right, she works here, so she's in on it with us, yeah, definitely not an option. We didn't think that through. Should we look at the evidence? No, that could have been staged too. Should we visit Nadezhda? No, she's in on it too. Should we go to the Phantom and ask the owner? Oh no, he's my friend, he'll lie through his teeth and compromise all his principles. Should we ask the blacksmith? No, he's an acquaintance too, everyone in the city knows him, it doesn't count, he'll definitely lie to cover it up. Maybe I should bring you a note from your mother? No, that won't work, will it? Should I get an explanation notarized by the Emperor? Provide photographic evidence? Swear by the gods? Show you the bloody blisters from my slippers? Should I get on my knees? Give a long, heartfelt monologue? Or maybe we should talk with our fists – is that what you're waiting for? Or should I burst into tears right here and now?" She clicked her tongue irritably, turned away, swallowed the lump in her throat, then another, then a third.
Finally, overwhelmed by this feeling of such universal injustice, with tears in her eyes and a trembling voice, she blurts out:
"You're an idiot, damn it," and slams the door shut as she rushes out of the office.
Fortunately, not encountering anyone else on her way, she locks herself in an empty staff restroom.