Liliana gave Ria's arm a sharp pinch. Ria winced, catching the warning in Liliana's eyes, and quickly cleared her throat.
"Yes... as my sister said," Ria forced a smile, "is there anything we can help with? We have traveled far and seen much."
"No, thank you. Everything is fine," the woman said, though her hands trembled as she smoothed her apron. "But please, let me invite you in. It is not often we have travelers in this part of town."
"We would be honored," Liliana replied.
They followed her into a modest but impeccably clean home. As they sat, Liliana's eyes scanned the room, noting the empty spaces where valuables might have once sat. She was already mentally connecting the dots.
"Please, call me Jemma," the woman said, placing a simple meal of bread and stew before them. "Eat. You are guests, and you look like you've been through much."
"Thank you, Jemma. My name is Lil, and this is Ria," Liliana said. "I don't mean to pry, but Will mentioned men forcing people to pay for 'protection.' Korellia is known for its safety and its King's justice. Why haven't the authorities intervened?"
Jemma sighed, sinking into a wooden chair. "It wasn't always like this. It started when a new group of merchants arrived. Soon after, things began to vanish from our homes. We told the soldiers, and they patrolled for a few days, but they found nothing. They claimed it was just children playing pranks and left."
She leaned in, her voice dropping. "Then those same merchants offered to 'protect' us—for a price. At first, it was small. But the payments grew every day. Our husbands' businesses began to fail under the weight of it, and they had to leave to find work elsewhere. Now, these men pester us daily, even when we have nothing left to give."
"Did you try to petition the Palace?" Liliana asked, her royal instincts flaring.
"We sent letters. We even walked to the gates," Jemma said bitterly. "But the guards turned us away, and our letters were never answered. It is as if we don't exist to the Crown anymore."
"I see," Liliana murmured. She turned her gaze to Will, who was hovering by the door. "Jemma, you have a brave son, but you must watch him. These men forced him to steal today. If he is caught by the wrong person, he will end up in a dungeon."
Jemma gasped, pulling Will to her side. Before she could speak, a heavy, rhythmic thumping echoed through the house. Knock. Knock. Knock.
Jemma turned pale. She stood up slowly and opened the door. Three men stood there—tall, broad-shouldered, and wearing mismatched pieces of old military leather. Swords hung prominently at their hips.
"We're here for the collection, Jemma," the leader demanded, his voice a gravelly rasp.
"I have nothing for you today," Jemma said, her voice shaking. "I told you yesterday. My husband will send word soon—"
"That's not good enough," the man barked. "You're weeks behind. Don't blame us if things start disappearing again. Or worse."
The leader turned to leave, but the third man—a fellow with greasy long hair—paused. His eyes raked over Ria, who was standing tall by the hearth, her hand resting visibly on her sword. He let out a low, mocking smirk before following his companions into the twilight.
"What will we do?" Jemma whispered, collapsing against the doorframe.
"We will stay with you tonight," Liliana said, her voice ringing with an authority that made Jemma look up in surprise. She drew her blade just enough for the steel to catch the lamplight. "If there is a thief, we will catch him. Do not worry."
"But... how?" Jemma stammered. "You look like noble young ladies. Can you truly fight?"
"We have survived much worse than common thugs," Ria said, stepping outside to scout the perimeter.
Liliana took Jemma's hand. "I understand your fear. We cannot stay forever, but we can end this cycle. If we catch the people behind this, you and your neighbors will be able to breathe again. Trust us."
Jemma looked into Liliana's hidden eyes and felt a strange sense of peace. "Thank you," she breathed. "You have the heart of a warrior, Lady Lil."