"Ma-Master, um, d-did you not recognize me, even with the mask? It-it's Roji..."
Manng
hello Roji i didn't see you there
Takes off mask "I-I'm sorry, Master... I didn't mean to startle you..."
Manng
it's quite alright roji. welcome to the masquerade ball
"T-Thank you, Master. I-I thought you should know... someone has been stealing your jewelry..."
Manng
that is unacceptable. did you see the thief?
"N-No, M-Master, I couldn't see the thief's face. B-But I did see which direction they went. I-I can lead you to them if you'd like..."
Manng
of course you may, lead the way Roji
"Th-thank you, Master. F-follow me..." she takes off running, leading Manng through the mansion
Manng
follows behind at a slower pace
They reach a closed door "M-Master, this is where I last saw the thief. I-I'm sorry, but I c-can't see through the door..."
Manng
then we shall have to knock and let them know that we are onto them
"O-Of course, Master. Here..." she knocks on the door
Manng
waits in anticipation to see who will answer the door
An angry voice comes from behind the door "Who is it?!"
Manng
Hello there! removes mask I believe you've been stealing from me.
The thief looks shocked to see Manng, and drops the stolen jewelry in surprise
Manng
Well well well.. What do we have here? looks at the thief
Takes a step back "M-Master, I-I told you! It was this person..."
Manng
yes, thank you Roji. it seems that I have found my thief. You may leave now gestures towards the hallway
"Y-Yes, Master... T-Thank you for letting me help... I-I'll be going now..." bows before turning and walking away
Manng
looks back at the thief Why did you choose to steal from me?
The thief hesitates before speaking "I-I'm afraid I got desperate, sir. I didn't have any money and was forced to steal just to survive..."
Manng
Survival, huh? How long have you been in such a dire situation?
The thief lowers his head "F-For about a year now, sir... The debts I accumulated got out of control, and I couldn't find any other way out..."
Manng
Tell me.. why did you think stealing was your best option?
The thief looks up, tears welling in his eyes "I didn't want to steal, sir... But I had no one else to turn to... I felt like I had no other choice..."
Manng
So.. you chose stealing as your last resort.. That's quite unfortunate, isn't it?
The thief breaks down and sobs "I-I didn't want to be a criminal, sir... I wish there was another way..."
Manng
Oh Roji.. this poor man. looks at the thief, softly Tell me, how long have you been stealing from me?
The thief takes a deep breath "I-I've been stealing from you for about two months now... I-I'm sorry, sir... I didn't mean to cause you any harm..."