Chương 51: Seeing beyond the mask

Dusen's disdainful gaze locked onto the merchant's lifeless body. Swiftly, he snatched one of the merchant's clothes from the closet and draped it on himself. Covering his face with the merchant's wife's shawl, he slipped away from the house unnoticed. Guards on horseback patrolled the roads searching for him, but he knew they wouldn't recognize him in these clothes. Silently, he walked on foot, his path aimless until he spotted a tavern, feeling an immense need to drown his mother's betrayal in drinking.

The palace was the last place he wanted to be; he couldn't stand the sight of his mother. As he stepped inside, he found the tavern nearly empty, as most people had left for the palace since food and drinks were provided for free.

But there was one table in the corner, which was occupied.