Days passed, yet Irene's condition showed little improvement. To make matters worse, Mr. Benjamin announced that he would be selling the bakery. Having earned enough wealth over the years, he and his family decided to relocate to the Noble District. The news left every worker speechless, but none more than Alora. The bakery had been her family's only stable source of income, and now even that was gone.
Fortunately, Roxana had heard of another opportunity.
"I know a place in the Noble District," she said as they walked home together. "The pay is much higher than Mr. Benjamin's bakery. The only problem is the distance."
Alora thought about her mother's medicine, William's school fees, taxes and the growing list of expenses waiting at home. She didn't hesitate for long.
"I'll go."
The next morning, the two girls left before sunrise. Neither had eaten much, hoping to save what little food remained at home. After nearly an hour's journey, the carriage entered the Noble District. Tall stone buildings lined the streets, elegant gardens decorated every corner and noble servants hurried from one estate to another. Alora had visited the district before, but never long enough to truly appreciate how different it was from Stone Valley.
The carriage finally stopped before a massive grocery warehouse.
It was far larger than Mr. Benjamin's bakery. Workers dressed in matching uniforms moved neatly between shelves while others packed goods into wooden crates ready for delivery.
Roxana squeezed Alora's hand, "I hope we both get accepted."
Alora smiled, "So do I."
A middle-aged man soon approached them.
"My name is Nathan," he introduced himself. "I'm the supervisor here. Your duty is simple-pack groceries correctly and prepare deliveries. Nobles expect perfection, so mistakes won't be tolerated."
The instructions were clear, and before long both girls were assigned to work side by side.
Their first day passed surprisingly well. Better still, the company arranged a carriage every evening to transport workers back to Stone Valley, making the long journey much easier.
As they collected their wages, Alora stared at the silver coins resting in her palm.
It was more than twice what she had earned at the bakery. For the first time in weeks...
She smiled.
"Mother will finally continue her treatment."
Meanwhile, the investigation had reached another dead end.
Christopher Wilson remained nowhere to be found, and despite searching every lead they had, Duncan felt as though each answer only created more questions.
He sat alone inside his office when Lord Matthew walked in carrying two cups of tea.
"You look exhausted, Lord Duncan."
Duncan accepted one of the cups before leaning back in his chair.
"I am."
Matthew smiled knowingly, "So... any progress?"
Duncan let out a tired laugh, "Only more questions."
"I've noticed you've been spending a lot of time with Lord Gerald, Lord Zayn and even Duke Marion lately."
"Funny how fate works," Duncan replied. "Sometimes the people you least expect become your greatest allies."
Matthew nodded, "Perhaps." He took a sip of tea before asking quietly, "What about the rings?"
Duncan stared into his cup, "They've become more confusing than helpful. Every clue leads somewhere... yet nowhere at all."
Matthew placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "If you ever need another pair of eyes... I'm here."
Duncan smiled warmly, "I appreciate that."
The two men shook hands before Matthew excused himself.
Moments later another figure appeared at the doorway.
"Good afternoon, Lord Duncan."
Duncan immediately stood, "Good afternoon, Your Grace."
Nathaniel stepped inside calmly, closing the office door behind him. His expression remained polite, yet just as before, his eyes settled on Duncan with quiet curiosity. He wasn't glaring...
He was simply watching.
"I couldn't help overhearing part of your conversation."
"I hope we weren't too loud."
"You weren't."
Nathaniel smiled faintly, "But since His Majesty invited me here to assist with this investigation... perhaps I should begin by helping you."
Duncan chuckled awkwardly, "I wouldn't want to burden you."
Nathaniel slowly walked closer, "Duncan..."
He deliberately spoke his name, his gaze never leaving him, "...that is precisely why I'm here."
For a brief second, neither man looked away.
Duncan couldn't explain why...
But whenever Nathaniel looked at him like that, it felt as though the Duke could see straight through him.
He finally sighed, "Very well."
A smile appeared on Nathaniel's face, "When you're free this evening... shall we continue the conversation over a drink?"
Duncan nodded, "I'll be there."
That evening the two met inside a noble tavern.
Music drifted through the room while merchants and nobles laughed over expensive wine. Nathaniel had already found a quiet table near the window.
Duncan joined him.
"I hope you're enjoying Valtheris wine."
Nathaniel lifted his glass before taking another sip, "It's good... but Aerathia's is better."
Duncan laughed, "I won't argue with that. My mother and I loved it when we lived there."
Nathaniel looked up, "You miss Aerathia."
"Sometimes."
"Then perhaps you should visit."
"I intend to."
Silence settled between them, not an uncomfortable silence... Just two men sharing a drink.
Suddenly Duncan frowned.
His eyes wandered toward the crowded room behind him, then toward the entrance, then the staircase.
Nathaniel noticed immediately, "What is it?"
Duncan slowly shook his head, "I don't know..." He looked around again. "It feels like someone is watching me."
Nathaniel glanced around the tavern himself. Nothing seemed unusual.
"I don't see anyone."
"Neither do I..."
Duncan stood abruptly, "I'm sorry, Your Grace."
Nathaniel looked confused, "The investigation?"
"Another time."
Without another explanation, Duncan hurried outside. Nathaniel remained seated for several moments before quietly placing a few silver coins on the table.
As he stepped outside, Duncan was already riding away, Nathaniel watched him disappear into the night.
"He really is hiding something..."
He folded his arms thoughtfully.
"...and one day, I'll understand what it is."
Duncan urged his horse forward.
The strange feeling refused to disappear.
Instead...
His heartbeat quickened.
A sharp pain suddenly struck his head, he gripped the reins tighter, his vision blurred.
The road before him began spinning.
He barely managed to remain seated before another carriage rushed past.
"Lord Duncan!"
A familiar voice called out. He turned instinctively...
But before he could recognize who it was...Everything went black.
Back at Valcrest Mansion, Ruby sat with Helen Ashford enjoying tea while discussing preparations for Marion's upcoming wedding.
Their conversation ended abruptly when the front gates burst open.
"Call the healer!"
Skender's voice echoed through the mansion.
Ruby immediately stood, "What happened?"
She rushed outside just as several guards carried Duncan through the entrance.
Her face drained of colour.
"Duncan!"
She ran to him, gently holding his face as tears filled her eyes.
"What happened to my son?"
Skender shook his head, "I found him unconscious beside the road."
Lucas hurried forward, "My Lady... someone has already gone for the healer."
Minutes later, the healer arrived carrying a leather pouch filled with herbs and medicine. After examining Duncan carefully and forcing a bitter herbal mixture between his lips, he remained silent for several moments.
Finally...
He looked toward the family.
"My Lord... has been poisoned."
The room fell silent.
Ruby covered her mouth while Skender clenched his fists. Helen stared in complete disbelief. Fortunately, the healer continued.
"It was only a mild poison. Whoever administered it either used a small amount... or intended to delay its effects. He'll recover."
Everyone released the breath they had been holding.
The healer handed Ruby a small bottle.
"Give him this medicine once every morning."
She accepted it with trembling hands. After Duncan was taken upstairs, Ruby refused to leave his bedside.
Skender remained outside the room, his thoughts racing. Only one question echoed through everyone's mind.
Who wanted Duncan dead?