Thinking about the affairs of the kingdom, King Alexander assigned Duncan to investigate the mysterious ring and uncover every connection it had to Chief Zion, the other Lords were given different responsibilities throughout the kingdom.
Although Duncan accepted the mission, he had no idea where to begin, the ring was his only clue.
Determined to uncover its origin, he spent hours in the royal library, searching through countless ancient books and records, but every search ended in disappointment.
"Still looking into the ring, Lord Duncan?" Lord Matthew asked as he approached.
"Yes, Lord Matthew," Duncan replied tiredly, "The ring is rare. It feels like the answer is right in front of me, yet I can't reach it."
Matthew took a seat beside him. "Then perhaps you should rest. Sometimes the answers come when the mind is calm."
Duncan smiled faintly. "I wish it were that easy."
"You said the ring doesn't belong to Valtheris," Matthew continued. "If that's true, perhaps only someone from another kingdom would recognize it."
Duncan looked at him, "And who do you suggest?"
"I once knew someone from the Kingdom of Aerathia. It's been many years, so I don't know if the person is still alive... or if they would even remember me."
Duncan nodded thoughtfully. "If that's the case, then the mastermind may have allies outside our kingdom as well."
"Perhaps," Matthew replied as he stood, "But that's for you to uncover now. I've told you everything I know."
With that, Matthew left the library.
After several more hours of searching without success, Duncan sighed in frustration.
"There has to be something..."
Suddenly, another idea came to him.
Lord Skender traveled more than any other noble in Valtheris, if anyone had seen the ring before...it would be him.
Upon arriving at Skender office Duncan found Lord Skender buried beneath piles of documents while issuing instructions to servants.
After exchanging greetings, Duncan immediately presented the ring. Skender carefully examined it.
"No...I've never seen this before."
Duncan let out a disappointed sigh. "This is the only clue I have, yet it's leading me nowhere."
Skender handed the ring back, "Perhaps you're thinking too deeply about it. It's only a ring."
"I can't ignore it," Duncan replied firmly. "My instincts tell me this ring is connected to everything."
Skender chuckled. "Then your instincts are working overtime."
Duncan remained silent before changing the subject.
"Lord Skender... you're responsible for overseeing the commoners' district, aren't you?"
"Yes, what happened?"
"When I was there, I noticed how poorly the commoners are treated. They deserve better."
Skender's expression immediately darkened.
"Are you teaching me how to do my job?"
"No, my Lord."
"I'm only pointing out where things can improve."
"So now you're saying I'm incompetent? If not for the fact that you're my brother-in-law, I would disgrace you for such disrespect."
Duncan met his gaze without fear.
"Then do it, I'm not afraid of speaking the truth."
"Get out!" Skender roared.
"Gladly."
Without another word, Duncan turned and walked away.
On his way home, Duncan couldn't stop thinking about what had happened.
"That reaction..It wasn't normal." Lord Skender had always been calm and composed, why lose his temper over such a simple question? Something wasn't right.
Skender Mansion
After Duncan left, Lord Skender stormed into his chambers, his wife, Althaia, immediately noticed the anger on his face.
"What happened?"
Skender told her everything.
She listened quietly before sighing. "You shouldn't have shouted at him."
"I lost my temper," Skender admitted while drinking a cup of water.
"Duncan isn't the type to let things go," Althaia warned. "The more suspicious you act, the more he'll investigate."
Skender lowered his head. "I'll apologize."
"You'd better, If he uncovers the truth...we'll both be exposed."
Skender looked toward the window.
"He won't, I'll keep an eye on him if I have to."
The room fell silent as the two prepared for bed.
Ashbourne Mansion
Maya couldn't stop thinking about Lord William's threat, she had exposed herself without realizing it. If Duncan ever discovered she was responsible for spreading the rumours... Everything would be over, after hours of thinking, she finally made her decision, she would accept Lord William's offer.
The following morning, Maya dressed elegantly and headed for the palace, knowing Duncan would be there.
She soon spotted him speaking with one of the royal guards, just as she was about to approach him... Lord Skender stepped between them.
"Good morning, Lord Duncan, Lady Maya."
"Good morning, Lord Skender," they replied.
Skender asked Duncan to speak with him privately, leaving Maya standing alone. As she waited, she spotted Lord William. Not wanting to speak to him, she quickly turned to leave when a familiar voice stopped her.
"Running away from me?"
She turned.
Lord William leaned casually against the palace wall.
"I didn't see you," Maya replied coldly.
William laughed. "A poor lie."
"So..."
"What about my offer?"
Maya hesitated before answering. "...I accept."
A satisfied smile spread across William's face. "Excellent, now do your part, or you already know what will happen." He winked before walking away.
Maya closed her eyes in frustration.
"I can't stand that man...But I have no choice."
Meanwhile, Duncan and Skender finished their conversation.
"I'm sorry for the way I behaved yesterday," Skender said sincerely. "I spoke out of anger."
Duncan smiled. "I should have chosen my words more carefully too."
"Apology accepted."
Skender nodded. "Good, may I see the ring once more?"
Duncan removed it from his pocket and handed it over, Skender examined it for a second time before shaking his head.
"It's still unfamiliar, I don't think the ring alone will solve this mystery."
"So what should I do?" Duncan asked.
"Perhaps return to the commoners' district, there may be another clue you overlooked."
Duncan sighed. "The area has probably been cleaned by now, any evidence would be gone."
"Then get some rest," Skender replied with a smile before leaving.
Duncan watched him disappear down the hallway, a strange feeling settled in his chest.
"Something isn't right...Could Lord Skender be connected to Chief Zion?"
He immediately shook his head.
"No...But he's definitely hiding something, and I won't stop investigating until I uncover the truth."