Adelita was standing at attention when Dione waved for her to sit next to Ymir.
Her expression remained stoic even as a human sized chair appeared for her.
Amir smiled and said, "I don't know if that will ever get old. It is so magical."
Dione raised his brow and smiled, "It is impressive technology." he seemed to play with his ring for a moment before he got down to business.
He continued as he looked down to Adelita, "It seems we have had a serious incident, Captain."
She sat quietly as he explained, "I am afraid I cannot allow you to continue your service." he grabbed a piece of parchment, "This is a release form. Sign it and we will release you from your duties. But you will return to yo-" he was cut off as she stood up with panic, "Please. Don't. Do. This." her pausing evidence of the difficulty she experienced when interrupting a superior.
Amir was eyeing both of them inquisitively before Dione noticed and spoke about her situation, "She is a contracted slave. She is held by...one Suleimari of Brayon." he shrugged, "A non-noble holding a contract? Strange."
He stamped it and handed it to her, along with a strange looking pen, "You will be released shortly. Suleimari has standing orders to take you to his property in Brayon when possible." he eyed her, "You must sign."
Amir couldn't help but blurt out, "Why do we have slaves?" she didn't seem to mind as she eyed the paper as if it was a snake.
Dione sighed, "The Kingdom does not permit vassalized races to be contracted as slaves. However, the surrounding tribes often earn their livings by raiding the Human tribes in the north. Those tribes are particularly hostile, thus, some are taken as slaves. It is a very sad thing, to see humans enslave each other as Giants once did."
They sat for a moment, feeling the sadness, then Dione moved on, "Please. Sign the parchment so we can get you returned."
She picked up the pen and began to scribble something in a different language.
Dione received the paper, "Excellent. I wish you luck." he waved her away as she seemed to stand and walk out on autopilot.
Amir asked, "Did she take the blame for that whole thing?" he just needed to know if he had accidentally caused this too.
Dione nodded, "She was the highest ranking officer in charge." he flipped over some paper as Amir said, "No, wouldn't that be you?"
He looked up with disinterest, "It is standard policy for something like this. The military unit is always disciplined." he sighed, "It is-or WAS extremely common to execute soldiers directly responsible for incidents like today, but almost every soldier would have to die." he waved it away, "Don't worry about it too much. It is just a long standing method of deniability, this way, the brat cannot seek our deaths unjustly, for we are common soldiers following orders."
Amir could barely understand why something like that would become important, but he could only think of one thing that might make some sense, a soldier had probably become King at one point. Then changed how the rules worked.
He muttered, "Does it really all come down to power?" he felt hopeless for a moment because the answer was obviously, yes.
Dione just chuckled.
Amir was wondering something, "That girl, Adelita, why is she contracted here? I know it is as a slave, but...why?"
He snorted, "Boy, how should I know?" he continued his paperwork.
"Can we find out?" he scratched his head awkwardly.
Dione shrugged and his face went blank for a moment, "It seems her owner is a traditionalist. She escaped to find liberty from his abuse. I honestly don't blame her, his records are brutal."
Amir was confused, "How do you know that? Did someone do the "whisper" thing?"
Dione nodded, "I asked with my embedded communication stone. They had background done on her when she was promoted. It seems that she was a strong warrior and was very close to freedom."
Amir had to ask, "How close?"
Dione glared at him, "She was 7 months away from freedom. But now she is being returned. It seems the heavens did not favor her."
He went back to work as Amir just thought to himself.
-------------------------------------------
They sat in silence for hours as the day dragged on slowly.
Amir didn't want to leave her stranded but didn't want to cause another event.
Dione stood as Amir followed absentmindedly. They grabbed a late lunch and returned before Dione asked, "Kid, can you stop sulking. Just speak your mind."
They were sitting down and Dione was eating a huge muffin while Amir felt the urge to go lay down.
"I got someone killed and I cost someone their freedom." He slumped in the chair.
Dione giggled, "You are a Prince, you know? You could have solved both things." he took a big bite as he eyed his red drink to the side.
Amir sighed and slumped even lower.
"But if I get involved, what if something goes wrong? I don't know the customs of this world." He looked around from side to side on instinct.
"We are protected, remember? And do not worry. It will either work out or it won't." he made a goofy smile as he downed the drink and raised the glass to the sky, "For my brothers!" then he let out a massive burp.
Amir eyed him, "If I get involved something terrible will probably happen." but Dione just shrugged, "Something terrible will happen anyways. You won't make a good King if you cannot follow your basic desires."
He stood and patted Ymir on the shoulder before he walked off.
Amir just thought to himself, 'Should I get involved again? How do I-'
Dione rushed back.
"Prince. Come with me, it seems you do not get to choose." he sighed as he walked out of the tent.
Amir stood up and followed him as he noticed people were watching them. Something had happened based on the march Dione was putting on.
They walked for a few minutes before they approached a special compound. It looked straight out of Iraq, the solid walls, the open ceiling, this was a prison compound.
The guards made way for Dione and knelt as Amir walked by. He paid them no mind.
A woman was approaching them in the same black leather armor, "Dione. Your Captain did not take the news well." the woman sighed and took off her boiled leather helmet and began their approach.
The compound was sturdy but broken, it felt so empty to Amir, the ground just...lacked something.
As they approached the feeling got even worse.
Dione turned, "It seems she has forced your hand." he smiled as he opened the door and they walked in to see Adelita chained to the ceiling.
Dione turned to the Royal Constable and nodded, "We will take it from here. The Prince has a decision to make."
She bowed and stepped out of the room, just leaving the three of them.