"This escalated more than I thought," the feudal lord said, his eyes on the dead city lord. His tone, however, was laced with relief.
"But it's better he died. Who knows how many more people would have suffered." He included himself in that thought, knowing he had almost lost his own life.
Ray, with no regrets about the killing, asked, "What now, my lord? He's dead, and his men have been arrested. What do you suggest?" He hoped his question wouldn't lead to more chaos.
However, the feudal lord's words stunned him. "This city simply needs a new city lord. Someone who can look after the people. So, young man, how about taking up a challenge?"
Ray's eyes widened. "You don't mean..."
"Yes," the feudal lord nodded. "As a feudal lord, I have the right to choose the new city lord in the absence of the old one, and I choose you, Astban."
Ray had not expected this outcome, but his life had taken another unexpected turn.
