Isa was reluctant to engage with church matters, but reflecting on the recent fierce battle, she could not help but voice her thoughts:
"I am uncertain about the machinations of your church, but this is not the first incident, is it? This time, it was a major nun at stake. What about next time? Will it be a nun instructor or someone else?"
The Dragonborn might not always offer their assistance; their current interactions were merely rooted in friendly cooperation, occasionally stepping in to help manage one another's troubles.
However, if they continued to perceive the Dragonborn as mere instruments to be wielded, they would find themselves disillusioned, as the Dragonborn would choose to observe the church's helplessness instead.
The church's operation this time clearly indicated their intention to capture the nun alive, resulting in significant difficulties.
Isa's team had to hold back, unable to unleash their full strength, as they were suppressed by the nuns and could not retaliate excessively.
Had it not been for their solid foundation of power, her team might have sustained injuries.
While the church might have the capacity to regain control of these nuns later, it was contingent upon their safely recapturing the out-of-control clergy.
"Um..."
The person being questioned fell silent, struggling to respond.
"I do not require an answer from you; I merely offer a reminder and a piece of advice. That will suffice; I shall take my leave."
Isa wearily waved her hand and departed with her companions.
Were it not for this burdensome task, she might have been enjoying afternoon tea with Tiffany, and the time spent here had exceeded her expectations.
"At last, I can return."
...
In the municipal hall of Dragon Flame City, the rightful executioner, forced into vacation, found it challenging to shift back from a relaxed state of mind.
Fortunately, the workload required of the executioner arrived in waves—either overwhelming busyness or utter idleness.
As they were soon to evaluate the performance of the young Dragonborn from the Dead Sea, the executioner found herself particularly unoccupied in her office, allowing ample time to forget the joys of her holiday.
"Tiffany, I am quite pleased that you personally delivered my uniform, but during your first few days back, you simply sit in my office. Do you intend to accompany me to the Dead Sea?"
"I had initially planned to do so, but now the plans have changed, and your journey will proceed without my company, which is truly regrettable."
"Surely you are not sitting here to suggest I grant you a high score upon my return?"
Tiffany took a sip of tea and diplomatically replied, "A high score might be somewhat difficult; simply refrain from being overly harsh with deductions. My hope is that the young one incurs as few deductions as possible, and if feasible, additional points should be awarded."
"...Do you even realize what you are saying?"
The executioner, momentarily taken aback, fell into a long silence.
Avoiding deductions where possible, while seeking to add points...
Did she truly mean that obtaining a high score was difficult because she held a disdain for such scores, desiring instead a perfect score?
This was hardly a matter of "not being too harsh"; this was tantamount to...
"Tiffany, you must understand that many Dragonborn do not receive perfect scores, even when they possess all the favorable conditions."
"You cannot allow concerns for the perception of your fairness and authority, or the fear of encouraging arrogance in the child, to overlook the facts and unjustly deduct points from a child who rightfully deserves a perfect score! This would be deeply hurtful to the younger generation!"
Beneath the dragon mask, Sossia rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"Enough! If the trial results are satisfactory, I will judiciously award additional difficulty points."
"In that case, I shall express my gratitude on behalf of that child~"
Tiffany beamed with satisfaction.
Seeing that Tiffany had finally ceased fixating on the pursuit of a perfect score, the executioner sighed deeply.
This woman could exert more pressure than past Dragonborn parents; others would at least consider the implications of their actions, knowing full well that their children were on the verge of being "secured" for the results. It was entirely reasonable for the executioner to deduct a few points.
One must not make things too awkward for each other.
However, Tiffany, as a Purple Poison Dragonborn, had come to assist the Red Demon Dragonborn's children in navigating connections.
She even personally borrowed the title of "judge" to assist in answering questions and then insisted that Sossia grant a perfect score!
Just as the executioner thought this elusive lady might be inclined to leave, Tiffany gracefully and subtly inquired,
"I wish to confirm, with the inclusion of these difficulty points, will Chu Yan be able to achieve a score exceeding the perfect one?"
"...?"
The executioner slumped against her chair, the weight of the two ample spheres before her pressing down, rendering her breathless.
...
Regardless, Executioner Sossia, after enduring considerable harassment, finally set off for the Dead Sea border and successfully arrived at the location.
The maid, Bird Feather, accompanied her once more, just as in their previous journey.
Seeing her mistress rendered so flustered by Tiffany, Bird Feather felt a sense of satisfaction.
Half a month prior, Bird Feather had been utterly exasperated by that very Dragonborn.
The carriage came to a gentle halt, and Bird Feather stared blankly at a quaint little town before her.
This small town was simple yet elegant, exhibiting orderly planning and a tidy layout.
"Bird Feather, have we arrived at the Dead Sea border?"
The executioner inquired, lifting the curtain to glance outside.
"Yes, but this small town did not exist a fortnight ago. What on earth has transpired?"
Bird Feather remembered vividly the treacherous road that had left her sore.
Now it had transformed into a town?
Had the lord's municipal improvements escalated to such extravagant heights?!
Moreover, Bird Feather recognized several familiar faces—children from the slums!
"The children from the slums are now residing in the new town?!"
Bird Feather immediately relayed the stark contrast between her two visits to the Dead Sea border to the executioner, lest they inadvertently expose Chu Yan's secrets.
Despite the executioner having previously conferred with Tiffany about their "narratives," Bird Feather sensed the discrepancies were far too significant.
The news of the executioner's arrival quickly spread to Chu Yan through those children.
Chu Yan, currently engaged in deliberations with his prison companions regarding the nuns, felt a surge of anxiety upon hearing of the executioner's impending arrival.
However, this confrontation was unavoidable. After locking the nuns' quarters, he personally ventured out of the city to welcome the examiner's arrival.
"Greetings, Executioner Lady and Miss Bird Feather!"
He warmly greeted them, striving to mask his inner apprehension.
The executioner nodded gently, while the maid produced her notepad to commence the inspection.
"Hello, the trial has been arduous, and this small town before us is new, is it not? What has transpired?"
"Yes, indeed. This is part of my initiative to establish a civilized city at the Dead Sea, transforming the former slums into a defensive line against monsters. The new town is now designated as the Outer City of Ecstasy, while the inner part is referred to as the Inner City of Ecstasy."
As Chu Yan elaborated, the maid took diligent notes, momentarily pausing in surprise as she regarded him.
Exhibiting the demeanor of a diligent student, she raised her hand to inquire:
"Lord, there is one point in the records that requires clarification; I hope to supplement our understanding regarding the opinions of the Dead Sea nobility on this project's completion?"
Chu Yan retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket, wiping the sweat from his brow as he felt a sheen of perspiration forming:
"Ahem, the Dead Sea nobility have raised no objections; they are all deceased..."