"Hm. That does sound interesting," the Vice Captain said calmly. "Should we call her next? What do you think?"
The troll frowned. "What about these ones?" he asked, gesturing vaguely toward the remaining prisoners.
"For later," the Vice Captain replied without looking. "We'll find a solution for them later. Right now…"His gaze sharpened."…I'm more interested in the girl."
Blondie exhaled slowly. "That's exactly why I've been uneasy all day."
The Vice Captain finally turned to him. "Explain."
"A very young girl," Blondie said, choosing his words carefully, "knew the military plan of an entire nation. She followed the Beast Kingdom forces willingly. No coercion. No threats. She's a survivor from that fallen kingdom, and now she's here."
He paused, eyes narrowing.
"And she also happens to be an elf. From what I can tell, a pure-blooded elf. Likely from a prestigious family. This whole situation feels… constructed. As if someone designed it for us. For her."
Blondie looked directly at the Vice Captain.
"It feels like a trap."
Teddy crossed his arms. "Vice-Captain, I agree. After everything we've uncovered, especially knowing someone from the royal family is trying to frame us, trying to spark conflict between the Crown Prince and the Third Prince, I doubt this attack was their only move."
He leaned forward slightly.
"If the first plan failed, they would need a second. A cleaner one. And that girl might be it."
The Vice Captain remained silent.
"They could accuse us of kidnapping her," Teddy continued. "Or harming her. That alone would enrage the Elf Empire. Enough to weaken the Crown Prince's claim to the throne."
He hesitated. "I can't be certain. But it's a real possibility."
The Vice Captain finally spoke. "I've considered that as well."
He waved a hand dismissively. "But you're overestimating their leverage. They lack evidence. Meanwhile, we have more than enough proof that she endangered our territory."
His expression hardened.
"Still… I agree we must be careful. There is a high chance she's meant to be a sacrifice, used to seal a deal between the elves and one of the royals."
He nodded once. "That much is plausible."
A knight stepped forward and bowed. "She's ready."
"Bring her in."
Moments later, the doors opened.
A young elf entered the hall.
She showed no fear.
Her posture was relaxed. Her expression composed. Her eyes remained steady as she walked toward the core members of the Twelfth Unit.
She stopped a respectful distance away and inclined her head slightly.
"It's an honor to meet the Vice Captain of the Twelfth Unit," she said calmly. "If you don't mind, I'd like to ask a few questions."
The Vice Captain stared at her.
He did not blink. He did not answer.
Silence stretched.
Unfazed, the girl spoke again.
"The Kingdom of Coexisting," she began, her voice clear, deliberate. "One of the greatest nations this continent has ever known. A place where all races lived equally. A land filled with ancient artifacts and powerful warriors."
She looked directly at him.
"It was ruled by a leader who once stood toe-to-toe with the Human Emperor himself. A man who fought alongside both the Human and Elf Empires against a shared enemy."
Her gaze sharpened.
"So, my first question is this: how did such a kingdom fall in one day, destroyed by only the captain and vice-captain of the Twelfth Unit, after you declared war?"
She raised a finger.
"My second question: for a royal to contend for the throne, they must conquer a kingdom and establish their own forces. Why, then, did you choose the most peaceful land on the continent?"
A pause.
"And my third question, are there any survivors left?"
The Vice Captain finally spoke.
"If I answer," he said calmly, "will you answer mine truthfully?"
"Yes," she replied without hesitation. "I promise."
He leaned back.
"The stronger the kingdom," he said, "the better the starting position. That's why we chose it."
She frowned slightly.
"And why the safest place?"
"A place safe for some," he replied evenly, "is not safe for others."
"And how did you destroy it?" she pressed.
He shrugged. "We didn't care."
The room stiffened.
"They killed themselves," he continued. "Including the so-called strong leader you admire. He couldn't withstand the Crown Prince's presence."
Her eyes narrowed.
"And the survivors?"
"I'll answer that," the Vice Captain said, "after you answer my question."
He leaned forward.
"How did you know the Beast Kingdom's plan, and who sent you here?"
The young elf's expression stiffened.
For the first time since she entered the hall, hesitation flickered across her face.
Before the Vice Captain could speak, the troll leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm, eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Ah," he said casually, voice echoing in the hall. "So, it seems you only care about one thing."
The girl's gaze snapped toward him.
"Your family," the troll continued. "The ones from that kingdom. You don't actually care about those first two questions at all, do you?"
Silence.
The elf did not answer.
The Vice Captain smiled faintly.
Then he spoke.
"And yet," he said calmly, "you accepted my condition. You agreed to answer my question if I answered yours."
He leaned forward slightly, eyes locking onto hers.
"So, tell me, "He continued, voice measured, almost curious,"How do you know… that I was lying?"
The hall fell completely silent.
The young girl spoke at last.
"So," she said calmly, "it seems the Vice Captain already knows who I am."
The Vice Captain smiled.
"At first, no," he replied. "But after speaking with you, after watching how you move, how you question, how you react..."
He paused, then continued evenly.
"It became obvious."
He leaned back slightly.
"And me knowing what you are already answers one of the questions you asked."
His eyes narrowed just a fraction.
"As a fair trade," he added, voice steady,"You will answer mine now."
The elf replied calmly,
"You knowing who I am already explains half of your question."
She paused, her gaze steady.
"But the other half, no."
She shook her head once.
"No one sent me. I came here alone, by my own will, and for my own reasons."
Her tone flattened slightly.
"And since this conversation has reached its limit, there is no further use in staying."
She turned away.
"I will be leaving now."