The nobility, high ranking administrators, and powerful heads of mercantile houses gathered in the meeting hall of Lord Suabe. The Lord of Lianzhen examined his direct reports. They looked nervous. No doubt due to the large amount of soldiers stationed along the wall behind them. As well they should be. The Lord gave a nod to his house magus who bowed in return and placed a small wooden chest near the center of a large circle inlaid into the floor. Lord Suabe watched the confused looks as all others watched the mage begin his chant.

  Red and green lights reflected in their eyes. Sound disappeared. The pungent odor of sulfur made people cringe or cover their faces. Soon it was over and Lord Suabe smiled to himself at the startled looks on their faces. He then turned to greet his final guest.

  She stood maybe four feet tall, had pale skin, long black matted hair, and long horns similar to an Oni-Sen. She was clothed in a tattered grey slip that went down to her calves. A putried looking brown stain ran down her front, from her mouth to her bare feet. She scanned the room of people with solid, soulless black eyes marked only by a tiny glowing red dot where the pupils should have been.

  Lord Suabe bowed. “She Who Sees Lies and Tells Only Truth. It is a pleasure.”

  The demon’s gaze shifted to him. “Payment?”? it asked. The sound echoing in his head. Its lips having never moved.

  “In the box to your left.”

  The demonic child turned and reached down to the box by her feet. Some of Lord Suabe’s guests shuddered as the thing brought the heart to its face and sniffed.

  “Acceptable.”? rattled the voice in his head. “You have my service for quarter of an hour and no more.”

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  “Thank you.” He bowed and turned to the gathered assembly as the demon child opened her mouth filled with rows of pointed, serrated teeth and bit into the organ as if it were an apple. “Now, Lord Lin Yao?”

  “Huh?” asked the man, taking far too long to tear his gaze away from the creature.

  “Have you, or anyone in your house that you are aware of, been plotting my downfall?”

  The man blinked. “No Omo.”

  “He lies.”? hissed the demon. A sensation of gluttonous pleasure somehow being added to the words.

  Lord Suabe turned to his chief commander. “Please gather Lord Lin Yao and his family for further questioning.”

  The commander nodded and made a motion to the soldiers against the wall.

  “Wait, why?” said a panicked Lord Lin Yao. “I am loyal!”

  “Lies.”? hissed the demon in his head.

  That business done Lord Suabe turned to the next man in line.

  “Have you, or anyone in your house that you are aware of, been plotting my downfall?”

  “N-No Omo.”

  “Lies.”

  “Him too.” Lord Suabe told the Commander. “Master Nakumora? “Have you, or anyone in your house that you are aware of, been plotting my downfall?”

  The next man in line swallowed hard “No Lord Suabe.”

  “Truth.”

  “You may leave Master Nakumora. Return tomorrow. I believe I will have several openings available for your choosing.”

  Nervously, the man stood, bowed, and swiftly exited.

  “Now then?” Lord Suabe said with a widening grin plastered to his face. “Who’s next?”