Presenting Evidence Must Also Follow Basic Law... (Part 2)

"What?"

The fortress Commander stared wide-eyed at the bishops before him.

"You want to meet with those monsters?"

"That's right."

Bishop Karl nodded.

"The intelligence we have gathered so far is insufficient, so we need more. I believe the best approach is to meet with them and talk."

"Talk... but they're Demon Beasts!"

"Whether they are Demon Beasts or not is not for you to decide."

The Elf Bishop spoke calmly.

"At least based on the intelligence we have gathered so far, those creatures clearly possess extraordinary intelligence. Perhaps the two sides can communicate."

"But... but..."

Hearing this, the Commander was at a loss. He hemmed and hawed for a long while, yet could not say a word. That was hardly surprising. The Fire Nation had always regarded those monsters as lowly Demon Beasts and had never considered that they might possess any unusual intelligence. Yet according to these people... they could actually communicate?

What a joke. If they could communicate, had our fifty thousand soldiers died for nothing?

But Bishop Karl and the others clearly had no interest in the fortress Commander's thoughts. They merely informed him of their decision, then turned and left, leaving the Commander behind to struggle with himself.

"What should we do, sir?"

Watching Bishop Karl's group recede into the distance, the Commander's attendant asked in a low voice.

"Should we seal off the fortress and keep them from leaving the city?"

"No, let them go. I want to see what tricks they come up with... Send people to follow them, but don't get too close."

"Yes, sir."

Upon hearing the Commander's answer, the attendant nodded, then asked doubtfully.

"Um... sir, do you truly believe those Demon Beasts can communicate?"

"How could that be possible?"

In response to his attendant's question, the Commander gave a