The village chief swallowed hard, trying to mask his growing anxiety. "What type of investigation, my lord?" he asked, his voice barely concealing his trepidation.
The official's gaze was unyielding, and his tone remained icy. "Investigation of the elders. We received a report that these people have snatched government property."
A wave of shock rippled through the villagers. Gasps and murmurs of disbelief filled the air. The elders, standing near the front, exchanged uneasy glances, their faces a mix of confusion and fear.
One elder, a stooped man with a weathered face, took a hesitant step forward. "My lord," he began, his voice shaking, "there must be some mistake. We would never—"
The official cut him off with a cold glare. "Save your excuses for the interrogation. We have evidence, and we intend to act on it."
