Duncan, Lucas and Lord Matthew searched tirelessly for Chief Zion, but every lead ended in failure. Just as they were beginning to lose hope, disturbing news spread through the commoner district. A badly decomposed body had been discovered inside an abandoned house.
The locals gathered outside, whispering fearfully. No one knew who had committed such a gruesome murder.
Duncan, Matthew and several palace guards hurried to the scene. The foul smell of the rotting corpse filled the room, forcing Duncan to cover his nose. Although the body was barely recognizable, the ring on the man's finger immediately caught Matthew's attention.
"It is Chief Zion," Matthew said grimly.
Duncan sighed heavily. "So... someone got to him before we did."
"It means he wasn't acting alone," Matthew replied. "Someone was controlling him from the shadows."
Lucas questioned nearby residents, but no one had seen anything suspicious.
"Whoever did this planned everything carefully," Lucas reported.
As Duncan turned to leave, something glimmered beneath the dusty floor. He bent down and picked it up.
It was a silver ring engraved with an unfamiliar crest.
"Matthew."
Matthew examined it carefully before shaking his head.
"This doesn't belong to Chief Zion."
Lucas frowned. "Then someone else was here."
Duncan slipped the ring into a small pouch.
"Perhaps the murderer dropped it during the struggle. This may be our only clue."
Matthew nodded.
"When we chased that messenger a few days ago, the mastermind must have realized we were getting close. He silenced both the messenger and Chief Zion."
"It seems we are dealing with someone far more dangerous than we imagined," Duncan said quietly.
After searching the house once more and finding nothing useful, they decided to return to the palace and report everything to the King. Chief Zion was left without a proper burial. To Duncan, a traitor deserved no honor.
That evening, Duncan made one final stop before leaving the commoner district.
Benjamin's bakery.
His eyes searched the busy shop until they found Alora. For a brief moment, Irene's words echoed inside his mind.
"Please... leave my daughter alone."
His heart grew unexpectedly heavy, he quietly ordered a few pastries. When Alora handed him the package, he secretly slipped a folded note into her hand before walking away.
Alora hid the note inside her sleeve and continued working as though nothing had happened. Only after closing did she finally read it.
**"Alora, I need to speak with you one last time before I leave. I promise to make things right. Meet me behind the old tree near the market."**
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
She wanted to speak with him too. After telling Irene she was going to buy a few food supplies, she quietly made her way to the meeting place.
Duncan was already waiting beneath the large tree.
"My Lord..." she greeted before correcting herself. "Mr. Duncan."
Duncan smiled.
"Come. Sit with me."
The two sat beneath the tree in comfortable silence before Alora finally spoke.
"I'm sorry about what Mother did. She's always been overprotective of William and me."
Duncan sighed. "Protecting you is one thing. Trying to burn my tongue with salt and pepper is another."
Alora couldn't help but laugh before becoming serious again.
"She wasn't always like this. Ever since my father disappeared, she's been afraid of losing us too. It affected her health... she'll do anything to protect us."
Duncan looked at her with concern. "Your father disappeared?"
Alora nodded. "I was seven. William was only four."
"You never found him?"
"We searched for years, but eventually accepted that he was gone."
"What was his name? Perhaps I can investigate."
Alora quickly shook her head. "It has been too long." Not wanting to continue the painful memory, she changed the subject. "Did you hear about the two dead men? People are already saying nobles were involved."
Duncan's expression darkened.
"They were the men we were searching for. Unfortunately, someone reached them before we did."
"That must be frustrating."
"It is."
Silence settled between them.
Finally Duncan spoke. "I'll be returning to the palace soon."
Alora smiled politely.
"I wish you a safe journey, Mr. Duncan."
He looked directly into her eyes. "Be careful. Your mother told me everything you've been going through because of those rumors."
Alora lowered her head. "So... she really told you."
"There is nothing to be ashamed of," Duncan said gently. "Those rumors started because of me. I never wanted your life to become this difficult."
"Thank you."
"I may not be able to silence everyone, but I'll find a way to lessen the damage."
"What will you do?"
"I'm not sure yet."
After a brief pause, Duncan asked, "Why is reputation so important to commoners? Nobles hardly think about such things."
Alora looked into the distance before answering. "Because reputation is all we have."
Duncan listened quietly.
"You nobles have wealth, titles, influence and power. We have none of those. If a commoner loses their reputation, they lose respect, opportunities... sometimes even their livelihood. Reputation is our wealth."
She continued softly.
"If a noble disappears, people search for them. If a commoner disappears... life simply goes on."
Duncan frowned.
"The King believes commoners are well protected."
"Perhaps inside the palace. But outside... many nobles do as they please. We simply endure it."
Her words struck Duncan deeply.
For the first time, he realized how little he truly knew about the lives of commoners.
"Sir?"
Alora waved a hand before him, "You seem lost in thought."
Duncan smiled faintly. "I'm sorry."
Trying to lighten the mood, Alora asked,
"What about your father?"
Duncan's smile faded.
"I never knew him. Mother said he abandoned us and died shortly afterward. My older sister was too young to remember him."
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright."
He looked at her warmly.
"Perhaps we're more alike than we thought. We both grew up without fathers. Our mothers sacrificed everything for us." He chuckled. "The only difference between us... is our status."
His eyes remained fixed on hers. "If you had been born a noble..." He smiled. "I probably would have spoiled you."
Alora froze.
Heat rushed to her cheeks as she lowered her eyes. Duncan gently lifted her chin with one finger until their eyes met.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke, their hearts beat faster. Duncan slowly leaned closer.
Alora could feel his warm breath.
Just as their faces drew close enough for their breaths to mingle, she suddenly came back to her senses.
"I... I should go."
Her face burned with embarrassment, without waiting for Duncan's reply, she turned and ran.
Duncan watched her disappear before smiling to himself.
"She's... different."
Hidden behind a nearby tree, a cloaked figure had witnessed everything. A slow smile spread beneath his hood.
"So... I've finally found the perfect weapon, Lord Duncan."