The first look at the Prison Dungeon (part 3)

"While we are at it, mister Messedion. Could you tell me – did you actually commit the crimes you were accused and sentenced for?"

Yarezu kept silently reading some more text that Viria couldn't see from his perspective and asked in a completely casual voice.

"Of course not. I am not interested in anyone, especially not in that way. Never was and never will be. I don't even like when others are too touchy with me. Even the idea of forcing myself on another being makes me nauseous..."

"Is that so? Intriguing."

Viria scoffed and declared without a moment of hesitation, making Yarezu look up at him from over the tiny gate and nod with a curious expression.

"...huh...? Wait... why did I say that...?"

That made Viria stop and think.

He felt uneasy again and began looking around the room once more.

Then, his eyes stopped at the tiny gate in the warden's hands before he flinch and quickly turned back, squinting his eyes at the large door.

"You are quite quick-witted. Indeed – that is a part of my soul artifact. Tenth gate – the gate of truth. Honestly – in my youth I underestimated its usefulness, believing that it wasn't truly worthy of being so high up on the list and in turn so hard to master. But the knowledge comes with age and now I cherish it greatly."

Yarezu perked up and smiled cheerfully, seemingly happy from the outcome and excited to share the information about his god grade artifact – or its part at least.

"Let's progress with the meeting – do you intend to hurt other prisoners, or be a menace to anyone who isn't directly hostile towards you?"

Viria wanted to have some more time to progress the new information, and how he should act from that point on, but Yarezu was on his own schedule and asked after glancing at the clock by the wall.

"No. As long as they don't mess with me, I don't feel the need to mess with anyone else. But I will not hesitate to strike first if the need arises... Ah...!"

Once again, Viria felt himself speaking his mind without hesitation, despite not intending to do so so readily.

"That's all that I need to hear. Allow me."

Despite the young man being in visible turmoil over what was happening, the warden stood up from his seat and approached him readily.

Before Viria knew what was going on, he was already freed of his bounds – which, by the way, Yarezu bundled together and threw straight into another small gate that appeared to his right, making the rope disappear within it.

"Bossac will show you to your new place, I am sure that you will get along splendidly with everyone here on the first floor."

"Hu-huh...?"

Yarezu looked as if he wanted to pat Viria's shoulder, but he stopped himself remembering what the young man had said about excessive contact – although Viria was so utterly baffled about the situation that he would not even realize of he was patted.

"Now, if you'll excuse me – I have a dinner with my daughter – she is a real hard worker and wants to take over the position of a warden so I could finally have some proper rest, but honestly, she is still too hotheaded."

"...your... wait... what...?"

"Let's go."

Yarezu waved his hand at Viria, who was having a hard time processing the situation, but after being called again, he moved from the chair and followed the warden to the door.

"Bossac, take care of him, he's a good kid."

"Of course, my lord."

Yarezu stepped outside first and nodded at the man waiting by the door before walking off with a spring in his step.

"I hope you will not hold it against me. If you aren't too tired, I will show you around a little bit before tomorrow. You also have that free mole-rabbit roast waiting for you at Chux's stall – that man usually doesn't give freebies, so you better use this chance."

As soon as the warden left, Bossac grinned cheerfully as if his previous stoic expression and skimping on words were just a dream, and smacked Viria's back as if they were friends for years.

"...huh...?"

The young man stared at him in shock before glancing after the warden and then looking back at the helpful man.

"You know – I was acting like I did because until our lord makes sure, we cannot tell if they are unfortunate folks, like everyone on the first floor, or some bad eggs that actually deserve to be placed at the second one, or the real scums who are locked in the third one."

Bossac read Viria's confusion as the young man not catching on to what he was apologizing for, so he explained himself.

Then, he grabbed Viria's shoulder and confidently lead him out of the building.

"This, you see is the administrative center where the officials and other staff work. If you have a problem, it is best to come here and ask for help so they could direct you to the best person for the job."

Without waiting for Viria to respond, Bossac immediately started touring him the moment that they made a single step outside.

"It is also the central point of the hometown – oh, hometown is how everyone calls this place, by the way – every single street leads to it, so if you are lost somewhere on the outskirts, you can just turn right back and you will get here in no time! If you will not wander into the back alleys, of course! Ahaha!"

Bossac laughed cheerfully while moving his hand around, showcasing the streets spreading around the administration center like sunrays sculpted on a rock formation.

"This all here are residential districts, and the sixth and seventh streets are all full of workshops. After we grab a bite, I will show you where you will be staying. We are a growing community and most of the houses will be upgraded in time, so I hope that for now, you will not have a problem living in a basic quarter. It's not much but it's a start!"

Bossac was basically dragging Viria around pointing his hand in various directions and explaining things that no one asked him about.