Once all three of them were inside, they finally had time to continue their task. Kin pulled his hood back over his head, and all three of them walked into the city. They needed to gather information about the rebels and their possible locations. With a bit of luck, they might find the rebels, although it was unlikely. Their best option was to learn more about the group first; then they could decide how to proceed with locating them.
As the three men walked through the city, they moved alongside various people displaced from the outlying villages. Although not everyone could enter the city, many still managed to find their way in. However, entry didn't guarantee a better life. The sights around them painted a bleak picture. Beggars lined the streets, while countless others camped in open spaces due to a lack of shelter. The overcrowding left the city disorganized, with soldiers struggling to prevent people from camping on the streets.
Kin glanced to his side and saw a pair of soldiers dragging a man who begged them not to throw him out, pleading that he was only trying to get food for his children.
Sanjay started to intervene, but Commander Lei stopped him.
"Control yourself, Lieutenant, and stay mission-focused," Lei said firmly.
"Have you ever met Lady Ri before?" Commander Lei asked.
"Yes," Kin replied. "She's close to Lord Viran and Lord Burak's daughters. All three of them used to follow their fathers when they visited the capital."
"Yes, I know her quite well, too," Lei added. "She's quite a troublesome one—restless and reckless, but quite brilliant, even for her age. She would even challenge Lerd Farouk on board games just to entertain herself and she usually won. The General had taken quite a liking to her. Commander Lei added.
Her father though, could barely keep up with her. He had no sons of his own and was preparing to pass the mantle of Sulten to her. At least, that's what the rumors said. But she was also betrothed to Rashid's son, Majeed."
"Oh, that guy," Kin said disdainfully.
"You know him?" Commander Lei asked.
"A bit," Kin replied. "Very unpleasant fellow."
"Probably, but he's to succeed his father as Sulten of Bintan. It would have been difficult for Lady Ri to inherit Dura while married to him, but her father was going to do it anyway," Lei explained.
"Too bad," Kin muttered. "I doubt even Majeed will remain Sulten when all this is over."
"You're probably right," Lei admitted.
"Why would the Sulten choose someone like that for his daughter?" Kin asked.
"He didn't. As I said, she was difficult to manage. She fell in love with him," Lei said.
"What? How could anyone fall for that man?" Kin scoffed.
"I don't know what you think you know about Lord Majeed, but he is one of the most respectable and capable scions in Wize. He was even more capable than you were," Lei said with a small smile.
"Hmph, flatter that man one more time, and I'll shave your hair," Kin retorted, silencing Lei.
"You seem to know a lot for someone in Dire. Are you sure you're not a member of Sum instead?" Kin asked suspiciously.
"If I were, I wouldn't have allowed General Farouk to go to Jubai," Lei replied.
"True, but what if you've sworn secrecy?" Kin pressed.
"It wouldn't help anyone to keep unnecessary secrets now. The reason I know all this is because I'm also from Dura," Lei revealed.
"Oh..."
"Yes, I was a guard for the Sulten before I joined General Farouk. That's why he asked me to accompany you. Didn't he tell you this?" Lei asked.
"No," Kin said, annoyed. He had almost refused useful help from Farouk.
"Now, where do we begin searching for information about this young lady?" Kin asked, shifting the conversation.
"I have just the place," Lei said confidently.
Dura was a large city divided into three zones. The first was the Common Zone, where most of the city's ordinary citizens lived. The second was the Trade Zone, home to the markets and traders. The third was the Celestial Zone, where the nobles, wealthy, and the Sulten resided.
"We're in the Common Zone now. I have a contact in the Trade Zone who gathers information from all over. We can start there," Lei said.
Kin and Sanjay nodded, and Lei led the way. They boarded a carriage to the Trade Zone's entrance, where they were stopped for another inspection. They considered using the monk disguise again, but Kin refused. Instead, Lei claimed that Kin was a slave boy he was delivering to the Red District.
And so, Kin went from monk to slave—a familiar downgrade for him, having gone from prince to slave before. He played along, and the three of them were allowed into the Trade Zone.
The streets were lively, with women openly displaying themselves to attract customers for the brothels. Men who could afford the services eagerly entered.
"For a city with so many problems, those guys don't seem affected," Lieutenant Sanjay remarked, watching the bustling activity.
Despite the dire conditions in the Common Zone, the Trade Zone was mostly operational, save for a few closed shops.
"We're here," Commander Lei said, stopping in front of a brothel called Smile.
When they tried to enter, the guards blocked them. Sanjay reached for his weapon, but Lei stopped him and addressed the guards.
"We're here to meet Madame Bin. Tell her Wu Lei brings business."
The guard scrutinized them before whispering to his companion, who went inside. Minutes later, the second guard returned and motioned for them to follow.
Inside, Kin was stunned. He recognized some of the men lounging inside—powerful figures tied to the royal family. Those he didn't recognize were clearly influential as well. The air was filled with laughter and flirtation, the men completely engrossed in their indulgences.
Kin's stomach churned. These men, he thought, cannot possibly be part of this country. While Wize burns, Bintan crumbles, and countless lives are lost in Dura, they sit here laughing and whoring.
He clenched his fists. I don't consider men like this part of my people.