Chapter 3: Angry Town folks
’He knows.’
Kaelor’s eyes narrowed. The Town Head hadn’t asked for proof, not really. His words, the mockery, the pointed jab about his mother... they confirmed it. Ned knew exactly who he was.
And he didn’t like him.
’Another hater,’ Kaelor thought, breathing out slowly as he reached into his cloak. "This," he said, producing a folded parchment stamped with crimson wax, "bears the seal of Duke Leo Dravion. This town has been assigned to me. I’m not here to argue, I’m here to rule. And I could use your help."
Ned raised an unimpressed brow. "Anyone can steal a letter," he scoffed, waving a dismissive hand.
Kaelor frowned.
’So that’s how it’s going to be.’ This wasn’t about proof. Ned was antagonizing him deliberately. Perhaps Kaelor’s presence threatened the little power he held in this forgotten town. ’He’s stalling... maybe even hoping I’ll give up and turn around.’
With a silent sigh, Kaelor reached beneath his collar, unclasping a thin silver chain. From it hung a small locket. He opened it with a flick of his thumb.
Inside was a miniature portrait, faded by time but unmistakable. A younger Kaelor, smiling awkwardly beside his noble father, and his mother, elegant even in ink.
This wasn’t just jewelry. This had been the real Kaelor’s only effective weapon against disbelief. A defense forged in desperation after too many taverns, too many lies, and too many accusations in dim-lit brothels. He had been scorned everywhere he went. And often, he deserved it.
Fang Yun’s lip curled into a bitter smile. The man whose life he now wears... was the kind of person anyone would walk away from in disgust. And perhaps his end had been earned. But his mother... she didn’t deserve what she got.