"All right, young one, what are you talking about?" Devon asked collectedly, placing his hands on the boy's shoulder.
I wouldn't normally call a kid 'young one,' why would I do that all of a sudden?
"Master Devon, I was at the local pub past the lake." He pointed behind him to specify. "The one with the worn-out roof and the big metal grape for a sign." His hands stretched to show the size.
[memory restoration 26%]
"After you beat their leader to a pulp and sent some of his members to the town's jail for harassing the folks in the area, I had to make sure I did the job you asked me to do." His shoulders rose in a quick little shrug; he flicked his hand open, palm up, as if offering the final piece of an explanation.
I have memories of putting some miscreants in their place.
"Okay, what did you find?" Devon inquired.
He edged his shoulders sideways upon hearing the latest question. "I don't really know what happened next, I was hungry at that time, and I am a bit tired since I ran all the way here." His gaze shifted to the floor as he tapped his foot, trying to ignore the question.
[new mission: find all information from Luka]
[mission class: resourceful]
[points will be earned upon completion]
Devon flinched as he saw the notification. His eyes widened briefly in reaction to what Luka said, but he regained his composure instantly.
"So, you are hungry and tired? That's not a problem, kid, the chefs should have a platter ready," he replied.
"Don't forget a little coin for a loyal squire," he said as he ran off.
Devon followed behind.
"System, who is this kid?"
[subject identified as Luka: age 11]
[Role: irregular servant duties and town spy for Devon]
[loyalty: 90%, as long as food and coin are involved]
"That explains it."
[Host is advised to take caution with information delivered from Luka]
Devon took long strides to his chambers. "What do you mean by caution? I thought you said money buys his loyalty?" Devon asked, fondling the brown satchel of coins in his hand.
***
He raised a finger, signaling a maid to hold a serving. Luka blinked, lips parting into a brief, hopeful gasp that died as soon as the maid obeyed; his face went flat.
"All right, young one, tell me everything you know before I make you polish my boots a thousand times." He dropped a few silver and copper coins beside his plate.
Luka's eyes sparkled anew, the sound of the coins rekindling his joy as though someone had flipped a switch inside him.
"After you led your team on an expedition to supervise the gold miners at work in the newly discovered caves by the border of the town," Luka began.
I can't remember leading any expedition. My memory hasn't been fully restored. I should find a way to follow up without sounding entirely clueless.
Devon's brow arched slightly. "Really?" he asked, trying to sell the act. "How did you know I led the expedition? Is such an operation not meant to be kept secret to avoid uninvited parties?" he questioned.
"What was the color of my robe on that day, and what time did I leave?" he pressed on.
Luka stared in disbelief, shrugged his shoulders, and then stretched his palm outward in a calm, conclusive motion. "Master Devon, I couldn't possibly remember such numerous details from two weeks ago," he replied.
"I was here in the manor doing some work for you the day before you left. The servants were asked to prepare the best horses, and the craftsmen were at work creating a new wagon with the best materials. The best mahogany, like the men said. It was a road mastery; I have seen nothing like it. The craftsmen said it was strong enough to withstand major impact." He drew shapes in the air as the sparks of excitement grew in his voice.
"I left that same evening; no one told me, but I knew you would be leaving as well," he said with a wide grin that exposed his teeth, gesturing the satisfaction from his accomplishment.
[memory restoration 30%]
Devon could recall his father saying how proud he was of him because he was chosen by the elders to lead the trip despite the presence of other candidates. His father was a noble with superior authority, but he didn't stop his son from performing good deeds for the village folks.
His father didn't rule sovereignly in the village; matters would still have to be discussed among the elders and merchants, but most times his decision overruled due to his power and influence.
It had been like that since past generations, and that power dynamic gave the small village the name Traventis Land.
His mother only feared for his safety as she urged him to come back in good condition.
The system interrupted his thoughts with a message.
[mission: find all information from Luka]
[time left: 30:00 minutes]
Devon now gazed upon the setting sun, and goosebumps crawled over his skin as the evening air coated his body. His expression grew stern.
"Tell me everything," he demanded.
"When you got to the site, there was an ambush on the third day. The rumors say that you were killed, some said that you were badly injured, but soon it was clear that you were here in the manor," Luka explained.
"How was it clear? Did anyone come and find me unconscious?" Devon questioned.
"W, ell," Luka's words prolonged.
He tapped his feet unconsciously while scratching the back of his head, one side of his jaw stuffed with air as he forced a half-smile. "That's the point. No one entered the manor, or no one was allowed to enter, at least."
Devon's gaze steadied, as if attempting to shoot a dangling fish with a crossbow.
"Your father, his lordship Traventis the Third, stopped the villagers from harvesting crops from the manor's farms, and the free milking from his vast herd of cows stopped as well. All that raised suspicions, and naturally, gossip spread.
"But it wasn't long before the guards doubled around the manor, and people soon concluded that you were indoors recovering from your wounds. Traders you have saved from bandits, innkeepers your team stood guard protecting at night, all sing your praises in the streets," Luka continued.
"So how do you know that the foul knaves plan to break into the manor tonight? You never told me you worked there," Devon asked with furrowed brows.
Luka hugged one of his elbows, hesitating for a second upon hearing the question. "It w, was th, that time," he stammered.
Devon inhaled deeply with clenched jaws that loosened in an instant. "Tell me the truth, Luka. How do you know about the plan?" he asked, his palm resting on the boy's shoulder.
A loud shriek approached where they stood. Devon took long strides to the door, tackling through the long kitchen tables, eyes twitching to follow the sound.
"It was my brother! He works at the pub! He overheard them say they were going to pay the young noble a bloody visit, that was all he said, I swear!" the boy shouted in a desperate plea.
But it was too late, because Devon had just collided with Valia's chest. Her cleavage pressed on him, the soft impact freezing him in place, but the warmth soon vanished when he noticed the fresh bloodstain in her hands.