Criminal cheat, great criminals change the rules. ~Roger Davis, who was always just around.

Bernin checked everything. She had her wand, but not obviously out. She had the evidence, a copy of it anyway. She did a quick check of the inner pockets of her clothing. It was the next morning and she was ready. She didn’t enjoy this part of the job, but it was necessary. Haspal had broken the rules and there had to be consequences. What those consequences would be depended on him though.

She made her way to the tower and knocked, standing relaxed. Being tense would be counterproductive. She stood there for 5 minutes. The door opened and she walked in, her steps perfect. She stood perfectly straight and professional. Haspal wasn’t as cheerful any more. It seems he too had figured it out. She was simply competent, something dangerous for those with something to hide.

They stood there for a while, both waiting for the other to start. Eventually Bernin put down the papers. She focussed back on Haspal. He hadn’t moved, but he also hadn’t taken advantage of her brief focus shift. That was a good sign.

“There is something to talk about here.”

“Yes, there is.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“It was the seeds in the end. You shouldn’t have repeat orders, not a druid of your renown. Most plants might not germinate in a year, but that only holds back the beginners. You are not a beginner.”

“Ah. So what now?”

“That depends. You have broken the rules. That much is certain, but that doesn’t mean much. Most mages do. Some by accident, most out of arrogance.”

“...”

“I doubt either is the case here though. If it was arrogance, it would be expensive ingredients, rare seeds or even cuttings.”

“But?”

“But, it was food. Enough to feed a village, not enough for a whole year. For most anyway.”

They stood there, Neither moving. Eventually Bernin came to a conclusion. She had ideas in her head before, but his response or rather the lack of one had crystallised it for her.

“A fine.”

“A fine?”

“Yes, a fine. To be reduced from the next few stipends. A 10% reduction until the debt is cleared. A few years should do it.”

“That’s it?” Haspal replied. A tinge of hope creeping into his voice.

“Yes, after all. That is how much you should owe. It balances. Trust me, I’m an accountant.”

Haspal laughed.