"I can't wait!" Ellie said, delighted as a little girl.
After a moment's thought, Annan explained, "Refugees from the Montablinlock Duchy keep making their way here. Free City has no beggars."
He enjoyed Ellie's company. This Wood Elf Elder had no arrogance or prejudice. She was just like an elf... That sounded odd, but the first "elf" described her race, while the second described her personality.
"I know."
Kailanzhuo lowered his head even further.
Annan and the elven guests went in first. A guard led Kailanzhuo into the Prison and seated him in an interrogation room.
Alan came over with a piece of Bread and a bowl of water and set them before the beggar. "Eat."
"I..."
"You're not hungry, are you?" Alan crossed his arms with a snort, looking thoroughly unsurprised.
The Captain beside him said grimly, "Search him."
The other guards stepped forward. Kailanzhuo recoiled in disgust. "Don't touch me!"
They were soldiers. Why would they listen to a prisoner? Kailanzhuo stared at the approaching guard. Just as the guard was about to touch him—
"Ah!"
Kailanzhuo let out a woman's shriek.
The guard froze. The Captain and Alan stared at each other awkwardly.
"Get a female Jailer," the Royal Guard Captain said.
A female Jailer arrived shortly afterward and searched Kailanzhuo. He still looked disgusted, but did not resist. She found nothing—not even breasts.
"He's a man." The Jailer wiped her hands, her face expressionless.
The Captain continued, "Name, identity, where are you from?"
"Kailan. From the south..." Kailanzhuo said quietly. No matter what else the guards asked, he said nothing.
"You may remain silent. We'll proceed on the assumption that you committed the offense. Under Article Fifty-Six of the Free City Code, begging on the street carries three days' detention and ten hours of community service."