The Machine [Open/Accepting]

[lil_lollypop1]

"Are you sure you want me to do that?" Shadow asked, handing the food to the guard next to her and pulling out an envelope from her sleeve.  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

"Is it of great urgency? I am in the middle of something" Damien said, just to make sure the boys knew he was in the position of authority.  

[lil_lollypop1]

"I know, you already said that." She said, handing him the envelope. "This should help, but unless I explain, it won't make much sense." She replied, handing the envelope to his guard before turning to walk away.  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

"Well then, please explain then" Damien said. He was hoping it had to do with the investigation. It would certainly help get things done quicker. Shadow better not be wasting his time.  

[lil_lollypop1]

Shadow stopped and turned around with a sigh. "So do you want me to come in, are you coming out, or are we talking right here?" She asked, before nodding to the guard and taking the envelope back. As she waited for an answer, she opened it up, pulling out the contents.  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

"That depends. What is in the envelope? Is it anything to do with the investigation? Is it something someone isn't supposed to hear?" Damien asked. "We can do it right here if need be" Damien said.  

[lil_lollypop1]

"Well, I know which one of the two boys did it and how and why. I figured it wouldn't matter as much cause I thought they would have squealed by now." She replied.  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

"Nope. They're remaining pretty steadfast, though one was quick to accuse the other. How about you come in" Damien said, then took the envelope himself.  

[lil_lollypop1]

"Alright." She smiled, waiting for him to open the door for her so that she could come in.

The two boys said nothing, still looking at Damien's back and wondering what he was talking about and with whom.  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

Damien stepped aside and let Shadow enter his office. He then closed the door behind him and walked down to face the boys. "Alright. I have something in this envelope that our dear soldier friend here has brought to me. Before I open it, I'm allowing one last chance for either of you to say anything else you know about what happened at that accident" he said, shaking the envelope in his hand.  

[lil_lollypop1]

"N-no sir." The poorer boy stuttered.
"Of course not." The noble replied. "Because I'm innocent."

Shadow chuckled as she looked at them, and they looked back at her, staring at her confused.  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

"Well, then. Let us see what is is this envelope" Damien said. He was just as curious as to what was inside. He opened it up and slid his hand in, then pulled out the contents.  

[lil_lollypop1]

Shadow walked over towards Damien, smirking at the boys as she did. The envelope was filled with a bunch of photos of the two with times written at the bottom. "Shall I explain how it was done, gracious Absolute Leader."

"You're a girl?!" The noble stuttered.

Shadow's smile turned into a frown as she glared at him.  

[Eternal_PrinceOfFire]

"Did I give you two permission to speak?" Damien asked with a sharp tone at the boys. He then looked at Shadow. "Yes. You have permission to speak," he stated.  

[lil_lollypop1]

"Thank you very much, sir." Shadow began, giving a graceful bow to Damien before turning towards the two boys. "This one..." She began, pointing at the poor boy. "Was seated in the balcony during the judging. While this isn't against any of the rules, many of the contestants in the balcony were arrested out of suspicion. Of course, as per procedure, those arrested would be let go when proven innocent. But if he was arrested, even if he was innocent, he would loose his scholarship to the military academy when he graduates middle school. Of course he couldn't afford it and lied saying he was in the gardens right outside. His alibi checks out." Shadow began. "As for the noble... he did it." She smiled. "And bribed three of the staff members to keep them silent."

The poor boy looked both relieved and shocked while the noble stood up, glaring at Shadow as if he wanted to kill her.