Warius’ dank cell reeked of mildew, and the only illumination came from a single shaft of sunlight sneaking through the narrow window. The professor paced back and forth, his boots scuffing against the cold stone floor. He couldn't believe what had happened - a professor of Zeppelin engineering at the prestigious Floutin Expeditionary Association, falsely accused and thrown in prison.
"Professor Warius?" A voice echoed through the corridor outside his cell. Warius turned his head up to see Capon standing before the bars.
Warius looked up, surprised to see a familiar face. "Capon, I assure you, this whole thing is a misunderstanding!"
"Then tell me your side of the story," Capon said, folding his arms across his chest.
Warius began recounting the events leading up to his arrest, describing his deal with Allana as well as the involvement of the Skyseeker pirate gang.
"Interesting," Capon mused, stroking his chin. "Why would a princess like Allana associate with such characters?"
"I suspect Koe'ul might be trying to set me up as part of some twisted vengeance plot," Warius admitted, his brow furrowing in frustration. "But I can't figure out why the Acadians are so deeply entwined in their schemes, nor what the endgame is."
"Whatever the reason, I'll help you get to the bottom of it," Capon promised, his voice filled with determination. "First, we need to get you out of here. I’ll work it out with the High Judiciary – he’s a friend of the Association."
"Thank you, my friend," Warius said, a smirk of relief appearing on his face. "I don't know what I'd do without your help."
"Let's just focus on getting you out of this wretched place first," Capon replied with a grin. "Then we can unravel this tangled web together."