The head of the house speaks up

"She got it from me."

Everyone turned to see who was intervening to help Valerie, only to see the head of the house with a lion mask on.

Slowly, he took steps towards the scene with his cane in his hand and his other hand positioned behind his back. And then there was his assistant who was following him closely from behind.

"Why are so many people ganging up on a young one like this? She has mouth but you won't let her speak. She has evidence but you won't let her use that either. What exactly do you want her to do in a situation where you corner her like this?" He asked and stopped in front of them. "Should she stay quiet and accept all your accusations?"

Valerie stared at the familiar old man and though she could not see his face, she could still remember his voice. Earlier that day, they had both conversed, laughed, and shared a meal.

What was he doing here?