Javier kept hold of Liana's hand, half-dragging her along as she smiled faintly at his persistence. They wandered through the town, heading toward the place where Buddy and Pikko were supposed to be stirring up chaos.
Until the noise ahead made him slow. The crowd had clustered around a narrow lane, all eyes fixed on a single point.
A fat noble boy stood there, red-faced, barking at a woman in a refined noble dress.
"You wrench! I said buy that, buy! Don't ask stupid questions!"
The woman's answer was calm, almost weary. "Lower your voice. We are in public."
"Shut up! Do as I say!" He jabbed a finger at her, spittle bright on his lip.
"You should know I'll be the next heir, you ugly hag! That gold pouch was supposed to be my money, not you, you ugly bitch!"
Behind the boy, several household guards watched with stiff backs, a butler standing just behind his right shoulder, face empty, eyes calculating. The woman faltered a step, clearly flustered, but she held her chin steady.
