The guards brought three of the farmers. However, they didn't want to say a word.

" Shall I torture them, my lord? "

" No, don't! "

He suddenly approached one of them.

The noble man pulled off his shirt and then wiped the peasant's face from blood and patted his shoulder.

" My sincere apologies my dear people. My guards clearly have no idea of how to treat you. You are the working part of our hierarchy, the majority of our citizens, the robust pillar of our economical system, the essence of our society. You won't trust me if I say you are my favorite people and I would do anything just so you live in prosperity. There is no such thing as social discrimination against my people, everyone has his role. As for me, my role is to make sure you're living peacefully in my land. If you have any issues with anyone please tell me, gentlemen. I'm all ears for your complaints. "

The farmers were afraid to speak fearing his reputation: the genius warlord.

" Prepare a feast and a bath for my guests! "

The guards stood perplexed about the situation, the peasants were the despised part of the land.

How is the duke making the prestigious noble guards work for them?

" In the next three seconds, whoever disobeys me will be removed from his title. "

The guards rushed and served the guests, the maids prepared a massive feast for all the captured men.

After they took a warm bath and wear new clothes, they were prepared to eat. They never had this joy before and they wished if they could've brought their families with them, to see how generous and kind the duke of Landnor was.

The feast began, two large grilled sheep were cut to pieces and served to the guests on silver plates, they drank a warm soup of the southern rabbit: a rare type of rabbits that appear only on the high hills of the south. As for the dessert, crimson apples with a luxury white wine.

After they fulfilled their hunger, the man stood and began his speech:

" My dear people! Tonight I gathered you because I already know what the rumors are, that I am a cruel man who doesn't care about his people which is wrong. Do you see Landnor? It is the most flourishing land of all Nuabya. How can I take care of my land while not caring about my own people? "

He added:

" Also, I want to state the fact that we are all equals, I'm just like you. As long as we all share that same thing, which is death. Everyone shall die, noble, worker, me. We all are participants in this same race: Life!

Now that you've enjoyed yourself gentlemen, I would like to hear about your complaints. "

The eldest and probably the wisest of the farmers bowed at the duke and began speaking:

" My lord! The nobles are making us work morning and night while they keep the money for themselves and live a luxurious life. "

The duke answered his guests:

" I totally agree with you gentlemen that's why starting from today, you will be prohibited from work during the night ".

The guards and maidens bited their lips and gazed at each other in a dismay.

*murmure* ( Is my lord serious? He will cause a conflict against the nobles by doing that!)

The duke interrupted the awkward silence:

" However, if you do, and some of you will do, you will get 20 bronze coins per night straight from the palace as a token of gratitude. That makes it one silver coin for every week*. There's more, for every child you have you'll be added 5 bronze coins to that amount. This will help you properly raise your children. "

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Everyone exhaled from happiness, they were thrilled. Before the speech, they were complaining about excessive work hours and now they want to work even more. As for the guards and maids, they were amazed and also suprised from this decision. How can he grant his proper money to a bunch of peasants?

The duke added:

" I have to add one thing. I will send one of my council members once per week, he will be noting your complaints and sending them to me. But, if one of you decied to revolt against the palace, you will all lose this offer so make sure you obey your Lord because he knows your benefit and will make sure you all live in prosperity. "

" We truly thank you, my lord! Words can't describe our joy. Hail Eldirc Sum, the lord of the great Landnor! "

The farmers decided to leave but Eldric stopped them.

" My people! This is not the reason I gathered you. As you saw the circle is trying to destroy my reign and your lord will be murdered. "

" We want our lord wealthy and alive! He is very kind to us! "

" I need you to hold my hands as we both will defeat our enemy. "

" How can we help you, our lord? "

" My men informed me about the guy with a mark on his left arm. Can any of you draw me that mark? "

One of the men volunteered and wrote down the word:

<< μεράκι >>

The duke's face sweated, he learned the ancient language during his childhood and realised the meaning of the word.

" Thank you gentlemen for your big assist. My men will bring you back to your homes and ensure your safety through out the journey. Also, I have prepared some gifts in the carriages. You can now dismiss. "

" Hail Lord Eldric, Hail Lord Eldric! " The farmers kept shouting at his name.

A beautiful young lady wearing a skirt, a bra, and a veil hiding her nose and mouth approached the duke. Her eyes were hazel and sharp. Her silky long dark hair reached her tights.

" Clever as always my lord. I'm always impressed by how you control every situation, you didn't earn your title: the left hand of the king for nothing. "

" Esperanza. This can be one of my toughest periods. " said the duke with a serious tone.

The pretty lady felt the fear in her lord's heart, she fondled his arm and then clasped it to her:

" What made you say that my lord? "

" That guy who took down a whole town, he has an Auroreal. "

" How are you so sure my lord? " said the lady while caressing his brown-peanut-colored beard.

" That mark, it's an ancient seal, it goes to the great era. The word written is Meràki. "

" I'm afraid I don't know its meaning my lord. "

" It means love, passion, and dedication to do something. "

" It can't be! This is the second sign of the holy signs. The Flair Element! "

The lady at first didn't think of the severity of the situation but right after knowing that the culprit had the second strongest of the ten existing Auroreals, she realized this is a serious threat.

The duke however patted on his servant's head and spoke:

" That's why I'm entrusting you with this task. You will assist my brother in his raid for finding this man. "

" Am I worthy of this mission my lord? "

" Your ability is the most terrifying ability I've seen so far. "

The lady was moved by her lord's saying.

" I will always make sure to rise at your expectations my lord. "

" I'm sure you will! "

" My apologies my lord. I have one thing to ask. "

" What is it, Esperanza? "

" Why entrusting sir Baldric with this mission? You can just send the Ashflayers. "

" Although I hate my bother's way of doing things. Still, he is the best at finding people. "

" If it's my lord's command then I shall obey. I will assist sir Bladric and will find our enemy."

Lord Eldirc called his brother.

" Did you need me, little brother? "

A tall and bald guy appeared, his face had no facial hair at all, no eyebrows, no beard, no eyelashes. He looked like a ghost with a pale skin.

" Listen Baldric! You shall find the man who killed our cousin. Esperanza will be assisting you. "

" But brother, I can handle this on my own. "

" You will need her orb for intel. "

" But- "

" This is an order, Baldric! "

" Roger that, my lord. "

Eldric held his brother's hand before that he could leave:

" Listen, brother, this is a family matter. We can't tolerate that man. "

Baldric pulled away his hand and left. Clearly, he wasn't satisfied with his little bother's act.

As for Eldric, he was smiling. It was like he found something interesting. Esperanza on the other hand noticed him:

" You know he won't make it, my lord. "

Eldric answered:

" We all share the right of death."

At the top of a hill, a young dark haired man was watching the moon.

His moment of peace was interrupted when a knife was aimed at him.

He evaded it with ease.

" Sharp reflexes as usual Marbas. "

A feminine voice echoed from behind the trees.

" Just show yourself, Emma! "

" Well, here I am. No hiding. "

A red-haired lady wearing a black cape jumped in front of him.

" Did they send you to babysit me? " the young man asked.

" The circle doesn't trust you anymore, Marbas. " she replied.

" I don't care about the circle anymore. I already said this will be my last mission. "

" First, your mission was to capture the duke's cousin while not being spotted. You took down the whole fortress for what? Saving a kid's ass. "

" The circle mustn't judge my way of doing things as long as I complete the mission so now piss off. "

" Why are you so savage. It makes it harder for me to get over you handsome. " she playfully teased him but he turned her off.

She added:

" Anyways, you know the rules Marbas. Don't screw this up. "

Marbas showed a sign of disapproval.

The strange lady vanished in the obscurity of the silent night.

(What is he thinking? And why did he save that boy?) the thoughts remained unanswered.

Index:

*Ubrura: The diety of youth and beauty in Nuabya's mythology.

*A week in this world is the equivalent to five days while the day has 48 hours.