Clearly, the words that the noble spoke had rung
true — for he severely doubted if the other would
react in a manner such as this, were he truly as
innocent as he attempted to claim. he was blund-
ering, uncertain of how to defend himself against
a claim that been, more or less, a bullseye. Lips
would purse, and Virion’s gaze would quickly flit
downwards, so as to take in the rest of the other
male’s appearance. He wasn’t dressed like any
of the other citizens currently occupying the busy
market — moreover, he did not look like a denizen
of Valm at all. Perhaps that would explain it, then?
He was stranded, and thus stooped as low as
thievery to earn attention — or money?
It was a bit of a stretch, to say the least; but the
elder had nothing else to go off of at the moment.
” ᴛʜᴇ time for excuses has long since passed,
I fear — ᴀɴᴅ I’d have vastly preferred to hear
the truth fall from your lips, anyway. ”
With that, the grip he had upon the others’ wrist is
diminished, and the offending hand is released. A
bold move, to be sure — almost as though he was
certain the boy-thief would not immediately run.
Even if he did, Virion would likely catch him.
” sᴏ, speak the truth to me. ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ not of Rosanne,
are you, boy? sᴜʀᴇʟʏ you did not travel here solely
to attempt to pick a Duke’s pockets —. ”
Did he say Duke? The day had frankly gone from
bad to worse in all of a few moments. Perhaps the
obviously wealthy had not been the best targets.
A bit of shock left Vaan as the nobility had released
his arm. He used one hand to clasp the other’s wrist
defensively and took a step back. Had he truly been
that trusting of him not to flee? Or perhaps, he wasn’t
interested in turning him in, after all? Regardless, his
prying about Vaan’s general intentions seemed to
demand an answer. One which actually, after the
other’s protests, might be better given truthfully. He
had seen through Vaan’s poor attempts before,
anyways. No use in attempting to hide his intentions.
“The truth is that I’m on my way to look
into some rumors of a valuable west of
here. I was just passing through and
needed something to get by.”
Thinking about it, that did sound rather awful to hear aloud.
“Just to get to the next town, I mean.
My loot from hunting hasn’t been
that great out here, and ya know
how it can be…”
Reminding himself of the other’s position,
however, Vaan considered the chance
that the other didn’t know. The thief could
only hope once again, but certain past
encounters with officials left him doubtful.
“Not that it changes things for you, I guess.
Being a D u k e, aren’t ya gonna have
someone arrest me or something?”