novelzi Chapter 378 – Interrogation
Chapter 378 – Interrogation
“This is your last chance. I am willing to listen to you explain how you got your blessing, or how Anarchia shares the power out, or what sort of powers you’ve seen being handed out, or anything else that would be of military use.” Malam watched Helenna speak to the so-called ‘hero’ that Anassa had paralyzed and captured. A Cleric had been called over to heal the two-legged swine. A good amount of time had been wasted getting the figure secured into a seat. And then Helenna had said that it would be better for Malam if she went first. “I am the Goddess of Love, Jean.” Helenna said calmly. “It will be much better if you agree to work with me than with the Goddess of Hatred.”
Helenna played the part of the friend excellently, even down to her clothes. She had come in with a thick brown jumper and a skirt that made her seem like a friend, even though she stood more than half-again the man’s height. Helenna sighed and crossed her arms as Malam got her coat. They had transported to the ‘hero’ to a military prison. A cell had been found, it came with cameras and microphones even though it was just a simple room of cream walls and white tiles. A table small table was in the middle, with the Goddess of Love on one side and the prisoner on another. The former a complete contrast to the latter, the man was dressed in the simple white trousers and shirt of the prison. The clothes stretched and almost tore under the rippling mass of his muscles.
Jean sat there. His passport had revealed the name and Malam had done a little bit of
“No.” Jean replied and Malam nodded.
“Next Question, your neighbours have children, do they not?”; Yapyap, Jean had complained about trouble sleeping because of children crying in the rooms close to him.
“You’re not going to hurt them?” Jean asked quickly in panic then realised his mistake. “Yes! They do! They do, but don’t do anything to them!”
“Mmh.” Malam a sound that neither denied nor confirmed anything. “Lovely. Next question, do you think you can beat me in a fight?” Malam wanted to beat the man up, but men had a way of becoming more confident when they were in open suffering. Crushing hope was a lesson in weakness, and the best way to learn was from one’s mistake. Jean sized Malam up and down again as the Goddess pulled her shoulders in. It was just a moment too long of thought. He did. Malam smiled happily at the man. “You’re not too smart Mr Picquot, do you know that?”
“I don’t think I could beat you.” Jean backed down and Malam sighed.
“That is disappointing Mr Picquot. That is truly disappointing, I expected better from a man picked out by a Goddess. Next question: considering that you visit the La Yefatte bar every week, who do you talk to the most there?”; Bank statement of transactions. Malam didn’t actually know the answer to this one, but it didn’t matter. Jean had cracked.
“A girl called Amelie. I don’t know her second name. Honestly, I don’t.”
“Women like it when you’re forwards.” Malam said slyly as she tapped her nose. “Trust me, I’m good with relationships, no one likes a coward.” Jean looked at Malam with tired eyes that said he only wanted to die already. “Next question, your parents are not at all too fond of Anarchia, are they?”; Yapyap, the man had his parents as contacts. Who didn’t after all?
“They disagree with her.” Jean said cautiously.
“It was a yes or no question Mr Picquot.”
“No, they’re not fond of her.”
“Did you know they’re trying to escape to Rilia?” Malam asked. Jean’s parents’ own accounts.
“I do.” Jean said and Malam smiled.
“I’m sure Anarchia isn’t all to happy about the families of the men she blessed not being true believers.”
“I didn’t tell her.” Jean replied.
“That wasn’t a question Mr Picquot.” Malam replied quickly. Jean fell back into his chair and sighed. “But I want to congratulate you on your long-term planning, I’m sure it will be of only minor consequences that your parents want to escape into the Empire your Goddess has explicitly named the greatest threat.” Malam let the silence hold on for a few moments as she poured herself another shot and drank it. “Next question, what do you think about that?”
“I’m resigned to giving my blessing up to protect them.” Jean said and Malam smiled.
“Mr Picquot, I was not talking about what Anarchia will do to you, I was talking about what I will do to people whose son I know is blessed by Anarchia.” If there ever was a crushing blow, it was this. Jean said nothing, he couldn’t even maintain Malam’s gaze. His eyes fell and he looked down at the table. There was nothing there anymore. Malam had destroyed the man’s ego. Maybe it would recover by tomorrow, but Jean did not have until tomorrow. “And now, I have another question for you. Would you prefer to answer my questions or to answer Helenna’s questions?”
“Helenna’s questions.”
“Mmh.” Malam stood up as Jean sighed and collapsed into his chair. “Very well. I’ll send her in then.”