The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 126: War Clouds

Jessamyn’s mind raced. Could someone have been impersonating her? But who? The Purple Hood was her secret identity, known to very few.

She saw suspicion and whispers beginning to ripple through the assembly as they murmured about the notorious Purple Hood, the mindless killer.

Is this an attempt to ruin the name of the Purple Hood further? Is this a plan against the council? Did someone pay him to say that?

Jessamyn stared at the merchant who appeared to be speaking the truth.

Archon Erlan’s gaze was piercing as he addressed the merchant, "Are you certain of what you saw?"

"Yes, Archon," the merchant replied, his voice steadier now. "The hood was distinct. I couldn’t mistake it."

Jessamyn’s heart pounded. Someone was trying to frame her, or it might have been a ploy to weed out the real Purple Hood. She felt a stare at her and looked to see Jerrick observing her.

Jerrick’s eyes met hers from the platform, a silent message of support and determination. She knew he would back her up, no matter what, but this was a delicate situation. One wrong move could lead to disastrous consequences.

She decided to keep her calm and stay silent for now and investigate it deeply later. She couldn’t stand by and let the real criminals go unpunished. She wasn’t even sure that she was the only "Purple Hood" the council employed. What if there was someone else? But she felt that they shouldn’t have allowed this slaughter to happen. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Did you see the Purple Hood slaughtering those girls?" Jerrick questioned. "Was he holding any weapon? Did you see any blood stains...anything?"

"No, Your Grace. I merely witnessed that person running away from a distance. The girls were all dead when I saw them."

"You didn’t send your guards to catch him?" Jerrick probed further. "Oh, you tried to protect your cargo first," he added, seeing the guilty appearance on his face.

"I was shaken and guarded the bodies of the girls," the merchant said, hearing the murmurs against him.

"You guarded the dead, allowing the potential killer to escape?" Jerrick raised his brows.

"Oh, go easy on him, Your Grace. Not everyone is experienced like you," Archon Erlan interrupted. "Anyone would be shaken when they come across such a ghastly sight..."

"I found this... dagger..." The merchant approached Jerrick with reverence, his voice trembling slightly. Jessamyn strained to see the dagger but couldn’t get a clear view. Jerrick took the dagger from the merchant. Though he tried to remain expressionless, Jessamyn noticed a flicker of shock crossing his face. Even Archon Erlan’s eyes widened in surprise as he saw the weapon. Clearing his throat, Erlan waited to see what Jerrick might say, all while trying to maintain a calm facade for the crowd.

"It was stuck in one of the girls’ necks... covered in blood..." the merchant continued, his voice growing steadier. "The symbol... could the Purple Hood be from Alt~"

"Let’s not jump to conclusions!" Archon Erlan quickly interjected, cutting off the merchant.

Jessamyn’s heart skipped a beat. The dagger must bear the symbol of Altania for the merchant to reach such a conclusion. With the hatred people have for the Purple Hood, if rumors spread that the Purple Hood might be from Altania, it would be disastrous.

Even Archon Erlan didn’t want such speculations to circulate.

Public relations between the two countries were non-existent. Only smugglers and robbers from both lands interacted. Ever since the kingdoms separated, the war over borders had been a constant source of tension.

Jessamyn’s mind raced. This was more than just a personal attack—it was a political ploy that could ignite further conflict between the kingdoms. The stakes were higher than ever. If the public believed that the Purple Hood was an enemy agent, it would not only tarnish her secret identity but also jeopardize the fragile peace.

She really didn’t want another war.

Jerrick, holding the dagger aloft, glanced at Jessamyn, his eyes filled with unspoken concern. She felt a surge of fear mixed with determination. This was not just about her reputation; it was about preventing war, protecting innocent lives, and finding justice for the murdered girls.

The real culprits must be found.

She sensed a burning gaze on her and looked at Archon Erlan. His lips curved in disgust as he turned his face away. Jessamyn knew what he was thinking—her upcoming wedding with the Archduke of Ayberia must have angered the gracious goddess, prompting her to remove the protective shield around Ayberia, thus causing war clouds to gather. She could only sigh, her eyes unconsciously landing on the gracious goddess who had allowed her to suffer all her life. Why would the gracious goddess punish others for her transgressions?

Why not just kill me? Wouldn’t that be easier for you, huh, Oh, Gracious One? Jessamyn scoffed in her heart.

The crowd likely didn’t hear what the merchant said and was mumbling among themselves. An old woman spoke loudly, claiming that ever since the King stopped valuing the church and pushed them aside, which was akin to pushing the goddess aside, the Kingdom had been in ruins. Many agreed with her, while some youngsters didn’t. They just wanted a resolution to these murders and the rampant crime happening in and around the Great Green Forest.

"Ayberia didn’t have these problems when the Theodulfs were the Theodulfs..."

A voice rang out from the crowd. As if the person had said something blasphemous, everyone else fell silent. The comment brought up the inability of the Theodulf family to shapeshift anymore. Jessamyn looked at Jerrick. He must have heard it too.

Jerrick stood up, drawing the crowd’s attention to him. "I assure you," he said, his voice steady and authoritative, "the one who committed this abominable act will be found and brought to justice."

Archon Erlan stood beside him, his expression serious. "I will personally conduct the funeral services for these girls," he announced, "and ensure they are rewarded in their next life."

The Archon’s words were meant to placate the crowd, but they did little to address the real issues. And yet, his words were respected by the masses and they dissipated.

Jessamyn knew that finding the true culprits behind the murders was the only way to bring peace and justice. The stakes were higher than ever, and failure was not an option.

She didn’t know what, but something must be done. She needed to contact the Council. She decided to send a message through Lynae.

Her eyes landed on Jerrick as he held out his hand. He was insistent on her meeting the Archon.

Do I really have to do this?