Ethan opened the door to the captain's cabin, finding several individuals lounging around a fire, making tea, and laughing as if they were the masters of the place. The floor was a mess, tea and documents scattered everywhere, soaking the carpet and being trampled underfoot. A female mage, who appeared to be the leader, sat in Ethan's usual chair, having pushed his belongings off the desk to make room for her hat.
Seeing this, Ethan frowned deeply. But knowing they were from the Duke of the North, he held his tongue. The mage, seeing someone enter, leaned back with a mocking smile and asked, "Ethan Lawson?"
"Yes," Ethan forced a smile. "Who are you people?"
"You don't need to know who we are," the mage replied disdainfully. "I'm asking if you killed Darican?"
Ethan placed a hand on his sword, a standard knight's longsword left by Darican, and smiled. "Please, answer my question first."
The three knights tensed, assuming defensive stances. The mage remained relaxed, sneering, "Do you want to start a fight in the North?"
Ethan knew mages often looked down on knights, relying on their own power. He decided to create a sense of danger. "This is my territory. You come here without announcing yourselves, making a mess. I have reason to suspect you're bandits. Killing a few bandits shouldn't be an issue. I'll let you in on a secret: within ten steps, my sword strike is fatal, and you're within six steps."
Hearing this, the knights drew their swords, protecting the mage. Her face turned livid with rage, eyes burning with anger. "Do you know who you're threatening?" one knight shouted.
"I asked you, but you refused to answer, so I'll treat you as bandits," Ethan replied innocently.
The knight gritted his teeth. "You see the eagles outside and still don't know who we are?"
"A thief is a thief. I suppose the Duke's household lost some eagles. I have an obligation to return them," Ethan smiled.
"You…"
"Enough!" The mage cut the knight off. Realizing intimidation wouldn't work, she had the knights sheathe their swords and smiled. "I'm Amy, from the Special Military Discipline Investigation Team. We discovered a mage from Baren Fortress went missing, and someone told us he died in your territory. We need an explanation."
Hearing "Special Military Discipline Investigation Team," Ethan's eyes lit up. It wasn't the name that excited him but the implication. They identified themselves with an official title rather than the Duke's private knights, indicating they were acting independently, likely sent by someone within the Duke's circle. This meant no need for courtesy.
Ethan realized these people were probably trying to avoid direct association with the Duke. They were sent by someone with a vested interest in Darican, likely connected to his secrets. Ethan decided there was no need for pleasantries.
"If you want an explanation, follow me," he said, turning to leave.
Ethan led them out of the ship to an open area. There was no special significance to this place; he simply didn't want to discuss matters in the warmth of the cabin, preferring the cold to sharpen their minds.
The four followed, puzzled. The mage stopped ten steps away and demanded, "You can explain now."
Ethan smiled, noting her cautious distance. "You want an explanation? Fine. You should know Darican, real name Brison Pierre, attacked my territory and was killed. He was a traitor. Why was he at Baren Fortress? Why did he disguise as a bandit to attack my land? Perhaps you should explain that."
The mage frowned. "I don't know what you're talking about. All I know is you killed a loyal mage. You must explain and return his belongings."
Ethan, suspecting these people were mere pawns, probed further. "I told you, the traitor attacked my land disguised as a bandit. All that's left is his body."
"Lies!" The mage was furious. "My superior told me Darican had important equipment. He didn't say what, but you better return it. It belongs to the North."
Ethan studied their expressions; they seemed unaware of the armor. "Who is your superior?" he asked, smiling.
"You don't need to know. Just return the equipment, and this ends."
"No, it won't," Ethan said. "Your superior is involved in treason. I figured anyone investigating would be a co-conspirator. You came here, proving you're connected. That staff is evidence of your superior's treason. You'll all be implicated."
Ethan deliberately misled them about the armor, calling it a staff. Their calm reactions suggested ignorance of the true situation. Seeing their nonchalant demeanor, Ethan decided to up the stakes.