The eastern road stretched for miles.
Dante rode in a carriage with two guards. Outside, poor villages passed by. Children with empty bellies. Women washing clothes in dirty rivers.
The east is poor. But their lord is rich.
He'd seen the numbers. Eastern region paid less tax than any other. But the eastern lord's palace had gold roofs. Paid for with money that should feed these children.
One guard spoke. "We should reach by evening."
Dante said nothing.
---
Evening came.
The eastern lord's palace rose from the ground like a dream. Big gates. Soldiers everywhere.
Dante's carriage stopped.
A soldier stepped forward. "State your business."
"Royal Tax Collector. Here to audit."
The soldier's face flickered. Just for a second.
They were expecting me. And they're not happy.
"Wait here."
Ten minutes passed. Twenty. Thirty.
Dante didn't move. Just watched. Counting soldiers. Noting positions.
Finally: "The lord will see you now."
---
The eastern lord was fat.
Fat from good food. Fat from stealing from poor people.
He sat in a huge chair, smiling. "Welcome, Tax Collector! I hope you enjoy your stay. Beautiful country. Beautiful women. Whatever you need, just ask."
Dante stood in the middle of the room. Didn't sit. Didn't smile.
"I'm not here to enjoy. I'm here to audit."
The lord's smile tightened. "Tomorrow morning. Tonight, you rest." He clapped. "Show our guest to the best room!"
Dante followed the servant.
But as he left, he glanced back.
The lord's smile was gone. His eyes were hard.
He's planning something.
---
The room was beautiful.
Big bed. Soft sheets. Fresh fruit. Wine.
Dante didn't touch any of it.
He sat on the floor. Back to the wall. Facing the door. Eyes open.
Waiting.
---
Midnight.
Footsteps outside. Quiet. Trying to be silent.
Dante heard them anyway.
The door handle moved. Slowly. Carefully.
Then the door burst open.
Men with knives. Three of them. Fast.
Dante was faster.
First man got a knee to the stomach. Second got an elbow to the throat. Third got a lamp to the face.
They fell.
Dante stood over them. Breathing normal. Face calm.
"Tell your lord," he said quietly, "that I don't sleep."
He dragged them out. Left them in the hall.
Locked the door.
Sat down again.
Back to the wall. Eyes open.
Waiting for morning.
---
Dawn came.
Dante walked to the lord's hall. Found him at breakfast. Eating like nothing happened.
The lord looked up. Fake smile back in place.
"Good morning! Did you sleep well?"
Dante sat down across from him.
"Three men tried to kill me last night."
The lord's eyes widened. Fake shock. "What? Here? Impossible! My palace is safe—"
"I didn't kill them."
The lord stopped.
"I left them in the hall. For you." Dante leaned forward. "Next time, I won't leave them. I'll send them back to you in pieces."
Silence.
The lord's face changed. Smile gone. Eyes cold.
"You're making enemies, Tax Collector."
"I already have enemies." Dante stood up. "Now take me to your accounts."
He walked out.
Behind him, the lord's hand shook with rage.