Duncan woke up very early and headed to the palace to attend to a few duties. Once he was done, he decided to go straight to Lord Skender's mansion for the celebration. He did not want to arrive late.
After reaching the mansion, he went to the stable and tied his horse. As he turned to leave, he suddenly noticed a middle-aged man gripping a young woman's arm roughly.
"What is going on here?" Duncan demanded, his voice cold and firm.
"U-umm… my lord, welcome," Benjamin stuttered nervously.
"You haven't answered my question," Duncan said sharply. "And why are you holding a woman like that?"
Benjamin froze. Realizing his hand was still gripping Alora's arm, he released her abruptly. She stumbled forward—but before she could fall, Duncan caught her.
"Are you alright?" Duncan asked, concern clear in his eyes. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," Alora replied softly. "Thank you for helping me." She gently pulled away from him.
Benjamin, realizing the seriousness of the situation, hurriedly stepped forward and pulled Alora toward him again.
"Oh, I'm sorry for pushing you," he said sarcastically. "Please don't be offended."
"Thank you, sir," Alora replied quickly, lowering her head.
Duncan stared at Benjamin for a long moment, his gaze heavy and unreadable.
"My lord, please forgive me," Benjamin said hastily, clasping his hands together. "I acted out of anger. I didn't mean it."
"Very well," Duncan said calmly. "But it is wrong to handle a woman in that manner. You may leave now."
"Thank you, my lord," Benjamin said quickly, hurrying away before any further trouble could arise.
Alora bowed slightly toward Duncan. "Thank you once again."
Duncan nodded in response.
They walked away in opposite directions—but after a few steps, both turned back briefly. Alora lowered her head again, and Duncan acknowledged her with a silent nod before entering the mansion.
Inside the main hall, the celebration was in full swing. The occasion was the birth of Althaia's son—a male heir. Duncan greeted his sister warmly and admired the newborn. Music filled the air, servants moved about with trays of delicacies, and laughter echoed throughout the hall.
Among all the food, the bread caught Duncan's attention.
He was not particularly fond of bread, yet something about it felt… different. He could not explain it, so he dismissed the thought and continued enjoying the celebration.
After several hours, the party came to an end. Exhausted, Duncan decided to spend the night at Lord Skender's mansion since they would both be heading to the palace the following morning.
Duncan went to the guest room prepared for him. After bathing, he placed a knife beneath his bed out of habit and quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, he bathed again and changed into black trousers, a gray top that complemented his complexion, and black boots. His hair was still damp, so he left it loose. He slipped daggers into each boot, ever alert to danger.
He then made his way to the dining room, where Lord Skender was already eating. Duncan sat down, and a maid served him food. He ate only a little.
Lord Skender noticed.
"What's wrong?" he asked. "Did you not like the food, or are you already full?"
"I'm full from last night's feast," Duncan replied. "The food is fine." He paused, then added, "May I have some bread?"
"Yes, Sir Duncan," the maid replied, hurrying away.
"It seems you really liked the bread," Lord Skender said thoughtfully. "That's unusual for you."
"Perhaps it's the way it was prepared," Duncan replied.
After finishing their meal, they headed to the stable. As Duncan reached for his horse, the sleeve of his shirt caught on the door. He tugged it free—and his thoughts drifted back to the previous day.
The way the man had grabbed the girl. The fear in her eyes. The anger that rose within him without warning.
He did not understand why it affected him so deeply.
"Duncan! Duncan!"
Lord Skender snapped his fingers.
"Yes, my lord," Duncan replied quickly.
"I've been calling you," Lord Skender said, concern in his voice. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes," Duncan said after a brief pause. "I was just lost in thought."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Then let us go."
They mounted their horses and rode toward the palace.