“That’ll be fifty dollars and forty-five cents,” the cashier said to Dario.Dario reached for his pocket and brought out a hundred dollar note, “you can keep the change, thank you.”“Thank you, sir. Thank you for patronizing Beamers, we look forward to seeing you next time.”Dario thanked the cashier and carried his bought goods before walking towards the exit. Dario wanted to see Lord Wilson today so he decided to come get him a gift to properly thank him for literally saving Maria’s life. So he stopped by at Beamers to get the gifts before heading to Lord Wilson’s house.“Dario! Dario!”Before Dario could reach the exit, he heard his name from a distance but when he looked around, he didn’t see who was calling.“Dario!” Alicia shouted as she came running to him. Dario sighted Alicia and his face broke into a radiant smile. It’s been ages!“Heyy Alicia! How have you been?!”“Oh my god! It’s been so long. Where have you been? How have you been?!” Alicia was very excited to see Dari
Dario arrived at Lord Wilson’s house by noon. He lived at the outskirts of the city. Lord Wilson’s house exceeded Dario’s expectations but he wasn’t surprised.The house was a large mansion perched on the top of a hill overlooking the ocean. The air smelled and tasted natural. The cool breeze was incredibly refreshing.As he stepped inside, he was greeted by uniformed servants awaiting him. They led him inside the house respectfully and when Dario got inside, he was not surprised by the luxury he met.He was greeted by a grand lobby with a sweeping staircase adorned with a big crystal chandelier. Everything around was giving luxury. The servants showed him to a seat and served him tea while he waited for lord Wison. “Welcome!” A distinct voice filled the air. It was none other than Lord Wilson’s.“Welcome to my humble abode!”“You call this humble?” Dario said to Lord Wilson playfully.“Hahaha, please feel at home.” They both exchanged a handshake and sat on their respective seats.
“You wanted to give me something the other day at the Cellar, but you couldn’t give it to me because of the pressing situation. What was that?”“Yes that is true, give me a minute,” Lord Wilson said before leaving the room.After a moment, he came back with an old box crafted from polished wood and adorned with ornate carvings. The wood bore the marks of age, hinting at the box's long and mysterious journey through time.Lord Wilson placed the big box on the table and said, “Here.”Dario studied the box, tracing his fingers on its ornate carvings and the edges of the box. There was this sense of curiosity and wonder emanating from the box, enticing Dario to unlock it and discover thr treasures within.“What is this box?” he asked.Lord Wilson took his seat and answered, “Your father asked me to give it to you.”Dario’s forehead immediately creased in confusion. His father asked lord Wilson to give the box to him?Months before Lord Reynolds died, he handed over this mystery box to Lor
Dario arrived at the mansion with the mystery box Lord Wilson gave to him. Quickly, he wanted to follow the lead of the note and search his father’s desk, hoping to find the key.As Dario entered the mansion, he was welcomed by his royal guards and servants as usual. “Your majesty! It’s good to see you!” Bruce exclaimed, bowing slightly. It’s not been long since Dario visited the mansion but everyone missed his presence. Including Bruce.“Thank you, Bruce.” Dario replied. “How is everything going on around here? “Very well your majesty.”“And how about the empire as a whole. Any reports?”“Yes. Some spies were caught yesterday. Spies from the Beth empire, they have been hiding here for years.”Dario became annoyed instantly, “So, why am I just getting to know about this?!”“Pardon me, your highness. I was going to inform you about it today, your majesty. It happened late at night yesterday.”“I need to be informed about everything that goes on in the empire, on time. Moving on, plea
After a long time of searching for the key, Dario’s efforts were in vain. He resolved to be patient and keep searching regardless. He also took his time to read a few books from the shelves before going downstairs.At this time, Bruce was already waiting with the spies.On getting downstairs, Dario decided to have a conversation with the spies before passing out judgements.He took his seat on the plushly cushioned royal chair. The chair was made from ebony and adorned with intricate designs. Lord Reynolds used to sit on it to to pass out judgements and also while attending to other royal affairs. Gemstones were inset into the arm rest and along the edges while the chair itself was covered in sumptuous fabrics woven with intricate patterns and embroidered with symbols of the Persian empire heritage.Dario took his seat and began, “Spies from Beth empire!” He chuckled then continued, “so you all stand accused of treachery against the Persian empire.”They were four of them with guards
“…except Ruth.”“Uh,” Ruth said, raising her head to meet Dario’s gaze. Her brows furrowed in fear. Why not kill me? She wondered.She knew he’d probably torture her till she confessed but she was still determined not to confess her deeds. She wanted to die instead so her daughter wouldn’t be killed. She knew she would be killed regardless if she confessed or not, so what was the point?“Please kill me. Kill me instead!” she screamed.After Dario’s order, two guards came and carried the other three spies back to the prison to be executed by dawn. They didn’t bother to struggle or plead because they understood the gravity of what they had done and the consequences, even before they agreed to it. So, they followed the guards out peacefully.Dario’s expression was grave as he gazed upon Ruth who had her face down as she thought and decided firmly not to budge. “Now let us begin, Ruth,” he said, walking slowly to her.“I ask you again, did you have anything to do with the death of my fat
Dario woke up the next morning feeling disoriented and. He couldn’t sleep a wink as his mind kept replaying the horrific incident from yesterday, throughout the night.Seeing Ruth stab herself to death was very unexpected and sudden. It was tragic.Why did she stab herself? Was she trying to protect something or someone? Was she trying to escape further torture? He pondered on these questions throughout the night that he couldn’t sleep a wink. Everything that happened certifies one fact. Which is, Lord Reynolds didn’t die a natural death and Elizabeth has a hand in it.But there was not so much he could do without solid evidence. What he got from Ruth yesterday, was not strong enough.This woman is a literal devil!After the incident, Dario ordered for an investigation to begin. And Bruce was in charge of this investigation. Would more spies be rooted out?Would they be able to unveil the secrets around lord Reynolds death?“Heyy my boy! Slept well?” Maria asked, as she dug into he
“I’m famished!” Maria said as the fit into the car. “Let’s have lunch here before going home,” she suggested.“Of course,” Dario said before drifting to the finest restaurant in Galleria district.Maria loved her new life. While she shopped earlier, she unconsciously tried to be mindful of the prices of items and was going to the cheapest. Until she remembered her son is now the wealthiest man in the country. It still felt surreal!She shrugged the normal economical version of herself and put on an entirely different personality as she shopped and she did it to the fullest. She picked the finest item and the finest clothes. She also remembered to do a little shot for Dario even if he didn’t ask.After parking in the underground parking lot, they both walked towards the entrance of the restaurant when security guards politely stopped them from going in. “Good day sir, please can I see your membership card?” the security guard asked.This restaurant was also called Galleria Restaurant.