Duncan went to the dining room as breakfast was being served. He shared the table with Lord Skender, Althaia, and their children. The table was filled with scrambled eggs, rice, curry stew, baked potatoes, and grilled chicken.
"Looks delicious," Duncan said with a smile as a servant placed his plate before him.
For a while, they ate in silence before Duncan finally spoke.
"In our last conversation, you mentioned 'us.' Who exactly is us?" he asked.
Lord Skender swallowed his food before answering. "It was the Duke of Ashford and me."
"And what happened to him?"
"We stopped speaking. He believed I had willingly worked with Chief Zion, so he cut ties with me. I didn't bother defending myself."
"Isn't he in charge of the kingdom's borders?" Duncan asked.
Skender nodded. "Yes. An
yone travelling beyond Valtheris must pass through his jurisdiction and pay the required travel tax."
"So... he was deceived, too."
"I believe so."
Duncan rested his chin on his hand. "I'd like to speak with him. If he was one of Zion's victims, he might know something useful. But since the two of you aren't on good terms, I don't know how he'll react if I approach him."
"I know someone who can help," Althaia said.
Both men turned to look at her.
Later that afternoon, Ruby arrived at the Ashford Estate. A maid escorted her inside, where she was welcomed by Lady Helen Ashford.
"Good afternoon, Your Grace," Ruby greeted with a respectful bow.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Valcrest," Helen replied warmly. "It has been quite some time since we last met."
"It certainly has. Life has been busy, but when I heard your son was preparing for his engagement, I couldn't resist paying a visit."
Helen smiled. "That is very thoughtful of you. Yes, the preparations have begun."
"If you don't mind, I know a skilled jeweller who could take his measurements for the engagement ring."
"That would be wonderful."
The two women shared tea while chatting about family and recent events.
"How have you been managing since your husband's passing?" Ruby asked gently.
Helen sighed softly. "It hasn't been easy, but Marion's marriage has given me something to look forward to. At least this house won't feel so empty anymore."
"You deserve that happiness," Ruby replied sincerely.
As they continued talking, Ruby quietly observed the estate. There were far fewer servants than she remembered, and despite its size, the mansion felt unusually empty.
She kept her thoughts to herself.
Back at Skender Mansion, Ruby reported everything she had seen.
"The estate feels deserted," she said. "Very few servants remain."
"I heard Marion develop a gambling habit," Skender said thoughtfully. "Perhaps that's where his fortune disappeared."
"Then he's practically bankrupt," Althaia added.
"That isn't our biggest concern," Duncan replied. "We need to know what happened between him and Chief Zion."
Althaia nodded. "Gerald, you should accompany the jeweller back to the estate. Use the ring fitting as an excuse to speak with Marion."
"Good idea," Duncan agreed.
Skender smiled. "Then I'll go."
Maya couldn't bear the silence anymore. Duncan barely spoke to her, and every attempt to meet him ended in failure. The rumours she had spread had already faded, leaving her with nothing to gain.
She sat by the window, thinking about Lord William's words.
Keep Duncan busy... or everyone will know what you did.
She clenched her fists.
"There has to be another way," she whispered.
But no matter how hard she thought, none came.
For the first time in her life, Maya wondered if chasing Duncan was worth losing herself.
The following day, Skender returned to the Ashford Estate with the jeweller.
Just as Ruby had described, the estate looked quiet. Only a handful of servants moved through the large halls, making the place feel almost abandoned.
"His Grace will be with you shortly," one servant said before leaving.
A few moments later, Marion entered.
"Good morning, Lord Gerald," he greeted.
"Good morning, Your Grace."
"What brings you here?"
"My mother-in-law visited recently and offered to send a jeweller to measure your finger for the engagement ring."
Marion glanced at the craftsman.
"My mother mentioned it. Very well."
The jeweller carefully measured Marion's finger while the two noblemen sat in awkward silence. Neither spoke until the measurements were complete.
"All finished, Your Grace," the jeweller announced.
"When should I expect the ring?" Marion asked.
"Before the wedding," Skender replied.
As the jeweller packed his tools, Skender hesitated before speaking again.
"So... how has life been since everything happened?"
Marion's expression hardened.
"I heard the Crimson Lantern is thriving," he said coldly. "Business must be treating you well."
Skender sighed.
"You've misunderstood. Chief Zion deceived me too. I nearly lost everything."
Marion remained silent.
"I wanted to explain myself years ago, but you refused to listen."
"I did what I believed was right," Marion admitted after a long pause. "Chief Zion deceived me as well. I nearly lost my position because of him."
"Then let me help you."
Marion frowned.
"You're getting married, Marion. You need stability. Help us uncover the truth, and together ,we'll recover what Chief Zion stole from all of us."
"And why should I trust you?" Marion asked.
"Because this time, we're fighting the same enemy."
Silence settled between them.
Finally, Skender rose to leave.
"I won't force your decision," he said. "But think about it."
Marion watched him walk toward the door.
"...You'll hear from me soon, Gerald."
Skender nodded respectfully before leaving.
Left alone, Marion remained seated.
Memories of Chief Zion and Lord Skender flooded his mind. Years ago, they had stood together, full of ambition and confidence. Then everything had collapsed.
He had spent years blaming Skender.
But now...
What if he had blamed the wrong man?
The question lingered in his mind long after Skender had gone.