Knights of The Dauntless Princess

Chapter 22: New Laws in Priya

Dravis and Cyrus went down to the town to observe like others; they also brought their weapons to the shop to sharpen, repair them, and buy some supplies.

As they walked through the town, they saw how difficult life had become for the people of Priya. Dravis furrowed his brow as he remembered that the place was not like that before. Back then, the townspeople lived simple lives, but it wasn't as difficult as they were seeing at that time. People used to have cheerful faces and were content with their lives even though they were going through hardships, but now, everyone walks with their heads down, seeming scared and exhausted from their work.

Dravis and Cyrus looked around and saw guards scattered everywhere, seemingly monitoring every move of the people. The people wore worried expressions and were very cautious in their actions.

"What happened to this town?" Cyrus asked.

They saw an elderly man struggling to work despite his frail body. Cyrus and Dravis watched him pushing his cart full of goods momentarily. A soldier approached him, and they thought he was going to help, but to their surprise, the soldier kicked the cart, causing the products to spill on the ground.

"My goods! No! No!" the old man exclaimed, devastated by what the soldier did, while he picked up his wares from the mud.

"You're so slow! You're blocking my way!" the heartless soldier yelled and callously left the poor old man.

"That scumbag—" Cyrus wanted to confront the soldier out of sheer sympathy for the old man, but Dravis stopped him.

"Don't. We can't create trouble that will draw attention to us," Dravis said. "We need to be cautious."

Cyrus clenched his fists, trying to suppress his anger, but he understood what Dravis meant and knew he was right. Instead of confronting the soldier, they approached the old man and helped him pick up his goods.

"Oh my, thank you!" the old man smiled at them, tears welling up in his eyes. "Thank you."

"It's nothing," Cyrus replied. "Are you alright? Please stop crying."

The old man wiped his tears, "Yes, I'm okay."

Dravis glanced around, "What happened to this town? It wasn't like this before."

Dravis' eyes reflect a mix of anger and compassion for the place. He recalled that he and his father often visited the central town when they went to the vast lake of Priya. It was as if that sight had destroyed his last memories of his father in that place.

The old man's eyes were filled with sorrow as he looked at Dravis, "This town is not the same as before. In the past, we lived peacefully, and even if we lacked money, we never went hungry. My sons used to work in our fields while their wives wove fabrics. My grandchildren used to study without needing money, and our household was harmonious, as was the entire town. But, a month ago, everything changed after a new ruler took over. We thought things would improve under his rule because of his new laws, but little did we know... those very laws would be our downfall!"

"What laws?" Cyrus asked.

"Those laws will kill us! The taxes were one of those that tortured us," the old man's tears fell again. "They said they needed to raise taxes to build new infrastructure. They claimed it would create more jobs and better wages for the people here. The taxes almost doubled, and they even forced the poor like me to pay. Unlike before, during Lord Lennox's time, only the wealthy or those who had a nice income were taxed, and they used to help us by providing water and fertilizers for our crops! But now, instead of helping us, they're doing this!"

The two young men's hearts were filled with pity for the poor old man. They could not fathom that those like them, who were less fortunate, could still be exploited by the kingdom.

"Those soldiers are heartless!!!" exclaimed Cyrus, his heart burning with anger.

"That's not all," the old man added, trembling. "The new school, the clinic we were expecting for free medical treatment, were never built. Instead, they constructed a massive building, but only the wealthy or those who can afford it can enter."

"What's that for?" Dravis asked.

The old man shook his head, tears welling up again. "I don't know, but the young women with beautiful faces in this place are forcibly taken there. We can't refuse because General Desmond's soldiers will punish us. They claim it's for work, but we never hear news of what happens to them! M-My granddaughter! She was taken there when she was eighteen, and it's been two weeks, but she still hasn't returned!"

The old man buried his face in his hands and sobbed. Cyrus and Dravis exchanged worried glances, sensing something ominous about what they had heard.

"General Desmond?" Cyrus asked again.

"Yes, he's the new ruler of this town. The once honorable General Emery is gone. Some say his house burned down, and he was never found. But we know they orchestrated the fire to replace him!" the old man cried. "S-Since they took my granddaughter to that place, they give us money every end of the week and say it's her earnings, but I never accept it! I told them to keep the money and bring my granddaughter back to me, but they wouldn't listen!"

Dravis clenched his fists. He didn't like the fate of the town of Priya falling into the hands of Lord Laxus.

Frowning, Dravis tried to remember where he had heard the name Desmond before. Even though he couldn't recall, he had a gut feeling he wouldn't like this person's character.

****

"Noreen, Nube, I'm here!!!" Nina cheerfully called her siblings as she visited them at their home.

The two and their father, Henry, immediately turned toward the door. Their faces lit up when they saw Nina entering with food and gifts. Henry stood up, using his cane, as he couldn't walk properly due to having only one leg. Nina and Nube ran and welcomed her with a tight embrace.

"Big sister! You're finally here!!!" Nube said happily.

"Yeah, I thought you wouldn't come," Noreen added tearfully.

Nina kissed their foreheads and chuckled softly, "Of course, I'm here! I wouldn't forget your birthday!"

Noreen's smile widened as she noticed the food Nina had brought prepared for her birthday.

"Happy birthday, Noreen!" Nina said, hugging her younger sister tightly. "You're turning eighteen now! You are finally a young lady!"

"Thank you so much!" Noreen giggled.

Henry's forehead creased with worry. It was his second daughter's birthday, but he was anxious about what might happen. Like Nina, Noreen was also beautiful, and he feared she might face the same fate as other young women in their town. He really wanted to celebrate her birthday, but that thought bothered him.

"Nina," Henry called.

Nina turned to look at him, smiling. "What is it, Father? Look, I brought your medicine too!"

"Listen to me first, Nina," Henry said seriously, immediately silencing his daughter. He clenched his fists and trembled in his place. Nina sensed her father's concern and held back her emotions. "T-Take Noreen, bring her to Devil Wolf's den!"

"Dad!?" Noreen exclaimed.

"You're turning eighteen now, and if General Desmond's men find out, they'll surely take you too," Henry explained. "Go with your sister; you're not safe here, my child."

Tears welled up in Noreen's and Nube's eyes as they listened to their father, while Nina, though surprised by his request, remained calm and understanding.

"But, father, what about you? And Nube? Nube is only twelve; he can't handle everything here alone! You're still sick; what if you have an attack, and Nube isn't here? I'm worried about you, Father!" Noreen sobbed, hugging Henry tightly.

Henry's heart ached, but he wanted to ensure his children's safety, so he suppressed his emotions.

"When your mother passed away, I promised her I would take care of all of you," Henry said, hugging his daughter back. "Please allow me to fulfill that promise. I don't want you to be in danger! If you have to be separated from me, that's fine, but I want to make sure you're in a safe place!"

"Dad, no! Please, come with us! I don't want to be separated from you!!!" Noreen pleaded to him.

"I'm sorry, but I can't leave our house. Your mother's memories are here; if I leave, they will take over the land I worked hard for, and our memories will forever be gone!" Henry explained. "Be strong, my child! Everything will be fine!"

"Noreen," Nina called, and her sister turned to look at her. "Pack your things. We're leaving now!"

"But, big sister—"

"Don't be stubborn! Just follow Father's instructions!" Nina firmly said, holding back her emotions. "We need to leave as soon as possible!"

"And where are you going? Hm?" a gruff voice spoke, causing them to shiver in fear.

They turned towards the door and saw a frightening man entering their home. Their eyes widened in terror as they noticed several soldiers outside guarding them.

"Y-You..." Nina stammered while looking at the man dressed in a military uniform with five stars on his shoulders, seemingly scrutinizing her as if undressing her with his eyes.

"General... D-Desmond," Henry said, hugging Noreen and Nube tightly due to fear.

"How are you, Henry? Hmm? So, the rumors were true— you have two daughters," Desmond grinned, and Nina glared back at him. "Hm? Besides being beautiful, it seems you're quite courageous, my lady. You know, women like that are my type. Hahaha!"

"I didn't ask!" Nina retorted. "What are you doing here? Leave our house!"

"Why? Aren't we invited to your sister's birthday? She's turning eighteen now, right?" Desmond's demonic smile grew wider. "You should be glad; I personally paid you a visit! I'm one of the bravest generals in our kingdom!"

W-What? How did they know it was Noreen's birthday today? No!!! Does that mean they keep records of every young lady's birthday in this town? T-They are crazy!!!

"I don't care who you are! Leave us alone!!!"

"Nina!!!" Henry restrained her, fearing for her safety.

"Don't resist anymore. What we're doing is for your own good," Desmond said as he grabbed Nina's hand. "We will pay you in gold. Don't you want that, my woman?"

Nina tried desperately to break free from Desmond's grip, but his hold was too tight to release her hand.

"Let me go! Take your gold, and leave my family alone—" Nina attempted to kick Desmond, but he preempted her attack. Without hesitation, Desmond punched her in the stomach, causing her to double over in pain and lose consciousness.

"Nina!!!" Henry shouted, but he was powerless to fight back. He had only one leg, and his two other children were crying beside him. "You merciless people! Leave my daughter alone!!! Nina!!!"

Desmond turned to Henry, his grin seemingly reflecting pleasure in their suffering. "I'll take your other daughter as well. We have been eyeing her ever since we came to this town. Don't worry, I'll send you half of their earnings every week, and I'll pay double for this lady. It seems I have taken a liking to her."

Desmond carried Nina's body and took her outside the house. He then signaled his men to take Noreen, and that's precisely what they did. They forcibly dragged Noreen away from her father, grabbing her out of the house.

"Father!!! Father!!!" Noreen cried and screamed as she pleaded.

"Noreen! Nina—" Henry shouted, wanting to chase after them, but Desmond's men overwhelmed him and beat him until he was half alive.

"Father!!!" Nube outcried.