Chapter 6: Secret Strategies and Investigations
The grand celebration had come to an end, and the opulent halls of Seren’s castle were slowly emptying of guests. Alicia, Leon, and the Seren Lord made their way to a more secluded part of the castle, leaving the lively banquet behind. Alicia’s heart pounded with anticipation and unease.
They walked through the dimly lit corridors and finally arrived at the Seren Lord’s study. The study was spacious and bright, with shelves lined with ancient books, revealing the Lord’s keen interest in mysticism, alchemy, and lost histories. Various ancient instruments and manuscripts lay scattered on the desk, filling the room with a faint scent of ink and parchment.
The Seren Lord noticed Alicia’s gaze wandering around the study and smiled slightly. "Lady Alicia, in my spare time I ponder many questions about the truths and secrets of this world. It’s a hobby of mine, and I hope you don’t find it odd."
Alicia nodded, understanding that everyone, beneath their public persona, has private passions and pursuits. She herself, apart from being a ruler, was a member of a once-prosperous family seeking the truth behind their downfall. Even if she faced dire consequences in the future, she would relentlessly pursue the truth. She glanced at Leon, noticing his barely contained curiosity about the mysterious books and ancient artifacts. His gaze seemed to be searching for something as well.
The Seren Lord pressed a mechanism beside the bookshelf, causing it to slide open and reveal a hidden passage. "Please follow me," he gestured. At the end of the passage was a secret strategy room, its walls adorned with maps and strategic diagrams. A large table in the center held numerous documents and tools.
"This is our strategy room, only accessible to myself and my most trusted subordinates," the Seren Lord explained. " Advisor Arcana is familiar with this place. I want to assure you that there is no deception here; I genuinely seek your help."
"Recently, our trade routes have faced multiple disruptions," the Seren Lord began, pointing to several locations on the map. Alicia recognized Belgrave Village on the map and interjected, "I assume we’re discussing Belgrave Village. I’ve also received reports that the village suffered a significant attack."
The Seren Lord nodded in agreement. "Yes, this area is at the border of our two nations, and Belgrave Village is of particular importance due to the frequent trade between our countries. This is why I placed my most cautious and reliable man there to oversee it. While the area has often been visited by common bandits or international crime syndicates, these incidents were easily managed. However, the recent attacks have been too frequent and organized. Although the damage has been minimal with no significant casualties, it has raised my concerns. This is why I had Advisor Arcana begin an investigation."
"However, you understand that this area, being at the border, has many residents from Aisha who have moved here, and traders from both nations conduct business here. If Seren were to launch an overt investigation, it might provoke suspicion and political tension. This is why I propose that you, Lady Alicia, and Advisor Arcana conduct a joint investigation. By seeking the village chief’s authorization, we can proceed openly."
Alicia considered this for a moment. Any instability in Belgrave could easily spill over into her kingdom. Additionally, gaining favor with Seren was beneficial, and it would be an excellent opportunity to observe Leon further. She agreed, "Very well, I will support this initiative."
Early the next morning, Alicia and Leon set off for the border town of Belgrave. The journey took them through the majestic mountains and plateaus of eastern Seren, and into the fertile plains of central Aisha, dotted with crops and grazing livestock. The changing landscape and beautiful scenery made the journey particularly remarkable.
Alicia gazed at the passing scenery, her mind wandering back to her childhood days. "This land is so beautiful; it reminds me of my homeland," she remarked softly, trying to mask the turmoil inside her. "But is he really my Leon? Or just a stranger with a familiar face?"
She stole a glance at Leon, his profile illuminated by the golden light of the setting sun. His calm demeanor, his composed presence—it all felt so alien yet familiar. The conflicting emotions gnawed at her, doubt and hope warring within her heart. "If he truly is my childhood friend, why does he seem so different? So distant?"
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As they continued their journey, Alicia couldn’t help but probe further. " Leon, can I call you Leon? what drove you to serve Seren?"
Leon turned to her, a faint smile on his lips. "Duty, honor, and a desire to protect those I care about."
Alicia’s heart skipped a beat. "And do you ever feel like some faces are just... familiar, even if you can’t quite place them?"
Leon hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, my lady. There are times when I feel a connection, a sense of déjà vu, with certain people. It’s as if our souls have met before, in another time, another life."
Alicia’s pulse quickened. "Perhaps in a dream, or a past life," she whispered, more to herself than to him. The possibility that Leon might share her memories gave her a glimmer of hope, yet deepened the mystery.
Upon reaching Belgrave, the scene was not one of complete abandonment, but rather an eerie calm. The once bustling street markets and docks were devoid of traders, with many non-residents having evacuated. The village had suffered small-scale attacks, and while the population had decreased, essential economic activities continued, though the atmosphere was somber.
Alicia, puzzled by the situation, asked quietly, "Why does it look like this?"
Leon, noticing her confusion, explained, "I advised non-essential personnel to evacuate gradually. Those remaining were instructed to maintain their daily routines to avoid alarming the perpetrators before we uncover the truth."
Alicia nodded, appreciating Leon’s strategy. They wandered through the village, taking in the sights of the commerce-driven town. Despite the reduced number of traders and tourists, the highly developed market economy was still evident. Luxurious open-air stages and theater pavilions, numerous trade notice boards, various taverns, well-paved roads, and ports all indicated the village’s former prosperity.
A special envoy greeted them, saying, "The village chief is waiting for you inside." He then led them to the chief’s house.
The village chief welcomed them into his home, which appeared ordinary from the outside. However, inside, Alicia noticed subtle differences in the layout, suggesting discrepancies in the room’s actual size. A picture frame on the wall hung slightly askew, and several floor tiles appeared unusually worn, as if frequently moved. At this moment, the chief, having heard the commotion, emerged from behind a door to greet them.
After Alicia introduced herself, the chief smiled and said, "Lady Alicia, what a coincidence. You share the same name as my childhood friend." Alicia took a moment to assess the chief. He seemed a few years older than herself but appeared to be of the same age group. His kind yet serious demeanor, combined with his handsome features, made him approachable.
Leon chuckled at the remark.
"How is she doing now?" Alicia asked, intrigued.
The chief’s eyes gleamed with nostalgia. "I haven’t heard from her in a long time. I miss her dearly."
Alicia nodded, deciding to pay closer attention to the village and its chief. After exchanging pleasantries, the chief said, "The recent attacks were quite unusual—swift and silent, executed with remarkable precision. By the time anyone heard noises near the warehouse and rushed over, the goods were already gone."
The chief led them through the village to a ransacked warehouse. The door had been violently forced open and the contents looted. Alicia crouched down to inspect the remaining traces.
"It looks like they didn’t leave much behind," Alicia said, frowning. "Even the footprints have been mostly erased. It’s clear this person is very cautious and professional."
Leon examined the area closely and nodded in agreement. "It seems we’re dealing with a very meticulous and experienced opponent. They didn’t leave much evidence."
Alicia noticed several scattered parchments among the debris. Picking one up, she saw that it listed trade routes and goods exchanged between Belgrave and neighboring towns.
"These documents... they’re trade routes," Alicia said, her brow furrowing. "Why would the attackers take these?"
Leon looked over her shoulder, his expression darkening. "If they control the trade routes, they control the flow of resources. This isn’t just a raid; it’s a strategic move."
Alicia’s mind raced with the implications. The Shadow Kingdom had long sought to interfere directly or indirectly in the economy and politics of other nations, aiming to weaken or control them. Controlling the trade routes would clearly provide them with significant advantages in future schemes. "This explains why they are so desperate to obtain this information. We need to investigate further. This might be part of a larger plot. We need to understand the true motivations behind the Shadow Kingdom’s actions. What exactly are they trying to achieve?"
The chief, overhearing their conversation, nodded gravely. "We’ve had rumors of the Shadow Kingdom’s involvement, but nothing concrete until now. If they’re targeting our trade routes, we’re all in grave danger."
Just as the group was feeling at a loss, a shout echoed from the distance, "Who are you? Why are you sneaking around?"
Alicia, Leon, and the chief quickly reacted and ran towards the source of the voice.
A villager pointed to a shadowy figure in the distance, shouting, "I saw a suspicious figure eavesdropping outside the chief’s house. When I called out, he ran away."
Alicia’s eyes narrowed with determination, her mind racing. Why would a careful criminal suddenly take such a huge risk? But in that moment, she knew they had no choice but to act quickly.
"We pursue!" she ordered Leon.
The group followed the trail and the direction the shadowy figure had taken.