The Iudex's day off

Side Story 12 - The Duchess of Meropide

What the convicts and guards alike in Meropide are best at, is accidentally keeping Wriothesley from talking about his husband with his guests.

 That, and creating jokes that would haunt the poor Duke for all eternity.

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Wriothesley's POV

 "This place is just as fascinating as I've heard."

 "You've heard someone call this place fascinating? That is a wonder in itself, Master Bai." I chuckled.

 Meropide had a guest again today.

 This time, however, it was not Neuvillette's acquaintance, but rather mine. Or to be precise, he is an old Liyuen tea expert I had the pleasure of getting to know over letters when I was trying to find a tea Neuvillette would like.

 Still not quite successful in that.

 So when he offered to visit on one of his trips to Fontaine and try to offer some help in the matter I naturally accepted.

 His visit somehow ended up with me showing him around Meropide.

 I should probably be glad that even the worst of the inmates wouldn't attack a 70-year-old man, even if only out of the embarrassment that would come from attacking a man this old.

 "Ah, right. I met the Chief Justice this morning. He had come to greet me upon my arrival because I was your guest but he had to leave soon because of some matters. The two of you must have a good relationship if he takes time out of his busy schedule to greet your guest." He smiled.

 "Well, he is my hus-"

 "Your Grace!" An alarmed cry interrupted my words.

 Seriously.

 What now?

 The one time I have a guest down here and they can't sit still for an hour.

 "What happened?" I asked the worried-looking guard.

 "One of the new inmates is kicking up a fuss about the food at the cafeteria. He has a vision and also got his hands on a rather large knife. We are having some trouble containing him."

 Tsk!

 Now?

 "Please excuse me for a bit, Master Bai. I will have someone escort you back to my office while I-"

 "Would you mind it terribly if I tagged along, Your Grace?" He asked suddenly.

 "Tagged along? That would be incredibly dangerous."

 "Nothing an old man like me hasn't seen. I'm merely curious about how the famed Duke of Meropide I've apparently been talking to would handle a situation."

 Right.

 Apparently.

 About that apparently...

 We didn't exactly share our identities all the way till the last few letters. In other words, till about a week ago.

 Well, whatever. It's just one guy with a vision. A punch or two and he's out cold.

 "Fine. But please stay away from the conflict." 

 "Of course, Your Grace." He smiled.

 Just as I predicted, it didn't take long for me to take care of the angry convict.

 To think people these days would still kick up a fuss about the food.

 You already landed yourself in prison and you still create trouble?