The two sides faced each other in silence, neither willing to retreat. Tension hung thick in the air, sharp enough that no one dared to speak above a whisper.
"If we don't take this old man," the soldier at the front finally said, clearly the leader, "how are we supposed to track down that thief?"
Ivan tilted his head slightly, his gaze calm but piercing. "How much coal did he steal? A ton?" he asked evenly.
"If it was only a small bag, does Orchina not have plenty already? Or are your reserves gone?"
His words rippled through the crowd, whispers spreading instantly. The soldiers stiffened, their confidence wavering as murmurs grew louder. The leader clicked his tongue in irritation.
"We still have enough," he snapped, trying to regain control. "But a thief is still a thief. He must be punished."
"Then the old man's explanation should suffice," Ivan replied without raising his voice. "There is no need to drag him away. Isn't that correct?"
