human
Crusch:  "In that state, what could the House of Argyle be doing that would require slaves…?" It would have been much easier to believe that they were selling people to the brigands. Of course, had they been doing so, there would have been no consideration of extenuating circumstances in handing down their punishment, but at least she could have understood their motivation.
gpt
Crusch:  "Whatever the case, the moment they entered into the slave trade, the House of Argyle violated the laws of our kingdom. And a slaver operating boldly in my lands is no better. We will have to arrest both parties and deal with them."
human
Official:  "In that case, milady, will you be moving to apprehend them immediately?"
gpt
Crusch:  "Yes, I… No, wait." It would be easy enough to send her soldiers to capture Bean Argyle. But such a decision would be too hasty. They needed to get more than Bean.
human
Crusch:  "If we move too precipitously, the slaver himself might escape."
gpt
Official:  "A real possibility. These past months, the frequency of his visits to the House of Argyle has been once every month or two."
human
Crusch:  "When did this report come in?"
gpt
Official:  "Two days ago. That would mean leaving them a window of two months…" The official seemed to guess what Crusch had in mind.
human
Crusch:  She considered for a long moment and then shook her head, seeing that she had no other choice. "Make sure the House of Argyle is watched at all times. The next time the slave trader comes to their door, we grab them both at once. Any objections?"
gpt
Official:  "Just one—You aren’t doing this for Ferris, are you?"
human
Crusch:  "Hardly. Of course I bear him in mind, but my responsibility as duchess is more important than my personal feelings. And Ferris wouldn’t want me to put him ahead of my duty."
gpt
Official:  The official nodded in satisfaction. "Then, as you command, milady." He withdrew, leaving Crusch alone in her rooms. She slumped into her chair. She leaned into her seat, looking out the window at the sky. Wisps of white clouds drifted through clear blue, an unmistakable sign that the wind that day was strong. I don’t believe I gave Ferris undue consideration simply because this matter involves his family. However, during the ensuing two months, during which nothing changed at the Argyle household, the appointed time came for Ferris to join the royal guard. And it was true that, secretly, she was glad.