“Xia Li, Furs Skotch.”
Veronica held her wand firmly, her starry eyes scanning over Xia Li and the others as her voice took on a solemn, reverent tone. “Are you ready to face judgment?”
“I’m ready.”
“Then ask whatever you want~”
At her words, the light cast by the Waning Moon Holy Arch transformed into two gleaming blades, hanging suspended above Xia Li and Furs’ heads. Threads of light extended, attaching to their bodies, touching just above their chests.
Hmm?
Why does this scene feel so familiar?
Wasn’t the Giant Lizard Drake killed by this very move!
“Under the watchful gaze of the Goddess of the Night, all lies and sins shall be laid bare. If any falsehood is spoken, the Goddess will bring down punishment.”
Veronica gave a faint smile. “Don’t worry, as long as you answer my questions truthfully, nothing will happen. The Goddess of the Night never wrongfully condemns the innocent.”
With such a massive sword hanging over their heads, not worrying would be strange!
Xia Li twitched at the corner of her mouth.
She thought the worst outcome of this interrogation was just being thrown into a cell and sentenced to death.
Now, if she said the wrong thing, she’d be crushed on the spot by this blade, meeting the same fate as the Giant Lizard Drake.
Having your life squeezed in someone else’s hands…
Tch, it really sucks!
“…It’s a bit unfair that it’s only the two of us being judged,” Xia Li said, her eyes fixed steadily on Veronica.
“What do you mean?”
“There were three of us present at the time. Don’t think you can just wipe your own suspicion away without a word.” Xia Li spoke each word deliberately. “Maybe you’re the real demon tribe spy.”
She deliberately slowed her pace, buying herself more time to think through how to answer any questions Veronica might ask.
Also, she framed the situation as “the demon tribe’s spy did it.”
She absolutely had to sever any connection between herself and the Demon King!
Veronica clearly hadn’t expected Xia Li to say that. She chuckled softly, “You’re right. With the demon tribe’s methods, it’s possible I was hypnotized to be their undercover agent without even realizing it.”
Saying that, Veronica moved her finger, causing a blood-red blade to hang suspended above her own head, facing the Waning Moon Holy Arch. She lightly tapped her chest three times with her fingertip. “If I am guilty, I pray the Goddess of the Night will punish my sins.”
This move caught everyone by surprise.
In the England Empire, doubting the identity of a saint was practically unheard of—Xia Li might be the first.
“Is this enough?” Veronica looked up at Xia Li.
“Not yet. If all the questions come from you, wouldn’t you be able to dodge your own secrets by picking tricky angles?”
“What do you suggest?”
“Taking turns to ask questions.”
“Yay, yay! That sounds fun!” Furs’ eyes sparkled as she raised her hand enthusiastically.
“…” After a brief hesitation, Veronica nodded. “No problem.”
“In that case, I have no objections either.” Xia Li shrugged.
“First question: Xia Li, Furs Skotch, do you harbor any intention to harm the England Empire?”
“No.” Both Xia Li and Furs denied firmly.
The blades and blood light hanging above their heads remained unchanged.
“My turn, Saintess,” Xia Li raised an eyebrow. “Did you really come to Steinberg just to deal with the pollution?”
“That question’s a bit off…” Veronica replied.
“You never said the questions had a scope limit! What’s wrong? Are you afraid to answer? Are you hiding something bad?”
“No, nothing to hide. Returning here after so long, I obviously have other personal matters.” Veronica answered calmly.
The light still maintained its gentle aura.
“Here I go!” Furs giggled. “Xia Li, which type of girl do you prefer? Mature or cute?”
“What does that have to do with what we’re talking about?”
“Didn’t you say there’s no limit to the questions?”
“My preferences are none of your business!” Xia Li snapped. At that moment, the blades above her head began to sway, and the blood-colored threads wrapped around her hands, binding them.
Tch, even dodging a question triggers punishment now.
“I like any pretty girl.” Xia Li’s tone implied two words: lecherous.
“Second question,” Veronica continued, “Have you ever colluded with the Demon King Sisilia?”
“No, I haven’t / Nope~” The two of them denied again.
Collusion? She herself was the Demon King—how could that even be collusion?
Besides, as the “Xia Li” here, she’d never had any contact with any demon tribe, let alone collusion.
Sure enough, the light showed no change.
“Veronica, does what you came to Steinberg to do have anything to do with the greed you mentioned before?” Xia Li didn’t give her a moment to think before pressing on.
That eerie look Veronica gave her when mentioning greed earlier left a deep impression.
“Yes, I came here to rid myself of that greed.” Veronica nodded slightly.
“Then… Xia Li, what do you think of me? I guess I’m pretty, right?” Furs squinted, pointing at herself.
“Get lost.” Xia Li glared at her without mercy.
Strictly speaking, Furs was indeed quite beautiful.
But considering her awful personality, Xia Li just wanted to grab her and give her a few more punches.
Her answer was apparently approved by the Goddess of the Night.
“One last question: If Steinberg or even the England Empire faced a crisis, would you lend a hand and fulfill your duties as citizens?”
“Depends on what value the empire can bring me.” Xia Li knew Veronica could see the greed in her heart and didn’t bother hiding it.
“Hehe, depends on how much fun the empire can give me.” Furs mimicked Xia Li’s tone.
“Alright, I’m convinced of your innocence regarding the pollution.” Veronica seemed to have a decent understanding of their personalities after today’s interactions.
Their answers appeared disloyal to the empire, but that was human nature.
“I told you I’m innocent,” Xia Li breathed a sigh of relief inwardly and pressed on, “So, what exactly is the greed in your heart?”
“…I want to draw closer to the Goddess of the Night and help bear the suffering of this world.” Veronica looked toward the Waning Moon Holy Arch. “Merciful Goddess of the Night, will you forgive my desires?”
She spread her arms as if waiting for the blade above to fall, for the Goddess to pass judgment on her.
But half a minute passed with no movement.
This religious rhetoric is exhausting to listen to… Xia Li thought. Does any of this have anything to do with the mining operation Veronica is about to embark on?
“You’re done asking, now it’s my turn!” Furs raised her hand and shouted.
Almost forgot about this one.
She’s going to say some nonsense again anyway… Xia Li waved her hand. “Just ask already. I’m about to go eat dinner.”
“Xia Li~” Furs leaned close and blinked at her.
“Hm?”
“Are you the Demon King?”