One Hour Before the Duel
In the city leader's house.
"What are you talking about?" Lucy asked, shocked by what she had just heard.
She wasn't the only one; the three others looked equally stunned.
"My people have no trust in the Order. We've always handled our own problems, and that's not about to change."
"We're talking about a duchy. You can't handle this alone. You'll have to put your people before your pride," said Elizir, trying to change his mind.
Renard remained silent, until the clinking of armor echoed through the room.
"Father, I'm ready."
He nodded before turning to the four enforcers.
"However, Eternit has laws I am obliged to follow. Since you fought alongside us, I cannot dismiss you as mere bandits."
The four enforcers saw a glimmer of hope in those words, but they weren't prepared for what came next.
"If Eternit's laws constrain me, then let these same laws decide how I deal with you..."
He paused before declaring:
