After Jerald was escorted out, Alex left the office, not willing to tempt Cornelius into turning to him, and Travis interlaced his fingers over his desk.
"I would not have expected you to oversee this matter personally. Is there a separate matter you would like to address with me?"
Without a word, Cornelius unsheathed a shortsword from one of the scabbards on his hips. Other than a sapphire gem at the centre of the cross-guard and some runic design engraved into the blade, there was little noteworthy about it.
"This sword," Cornelius said, studying it, "is an artefact. When I was young, I was in my father's military levy. We went out on an expedition with the Triparte Guilds. It was supposed to have been a simple expedition, but Porak's pathetic planning missed a dragon in the area. By the time we all figured it out, it was too-"
"-If you wish to confide in me, then I am afraid I must disappoint you. However, I am in a position to refer you to a most distinguished counsellor."
Unperturbed, Cornelius skipped to his point. "It lets me 'read' people, for lack of a better phrase. I can understand what they are thinking, like instinct, and I know what they're feeling. Happiness, sadness, anger. But maybe there's a limit," he looked down at Travis with an appraising gaze. "Maybe I've found that limit."
"Is there a point to this, Sir Varice? I have no objections to discussing executive matters, but you will need to make a personal appointment with me if you wish to discuss this not as colleagues but as friends."
Cornelius smiled. "No need. Sorry to bother you. I merely wanted to see it again for myself, just what you'd do for your goals. Are you not afraid your actions will come to light one day?"
"It is my word against the word of a man convicted of grooming."
"So it's already been decided that he will be convicted of it?"
Travis raised an eyebrow. "Would the Legions make an arrest without an official warrant if they were unsure?"
"True enough," Cornelius shrugged. "It would have been a great honour to have had you in the Triparte Legions. Until next we meet, Administrator Vorn. Thank you for having me here."
Travis nodded at him. "It was a pleasure and an honour. I wish you safe days, Sir Varice."
Over the next week, Travis dealt with Jerald's concerned (former) colleagues inquiring about his recent detainment and subsequent disappearance from the office. They were promptly convinced of Jerald's guilt, with subtle reminders that their conduct was always carefully monitored, and that they would be dealt the same hand should they step one toe out of line.