A clear conscience needs no excuse.
In a quiet, self-sufficient village nestled in the mountains, the local constable, Officer Ben, was the sole enforcer of law and order. The villagers were an honest folk, and Ben's duties were light, mostly settling minor disputes and keeping records. One crisp autumn evening, a wealthy merchant traveling through the village reported that his priceless, heirloom golden watch had been stolen from his room at the inn. The entire village was a suspect. Tensions rose quickly; accusations and mistrust began to spread like wildfire among the previously peaceful community. Officer Ben, known more for his gentle manner than his detective skills, felt the weight of his responsibility. He gathered the five inn staff members, the only people with access to the merchant's room. They all denied any involvement, and there was no evidence to prove otherwise. The merchant was furious and demanded immediate arrests. Instead of yielding to the pressure, Ben decided to use a different approach. H...