I was taking a walk through the Fortress of Meropide, when I saw a new inmate arrive.

She seemed young, and looked very nervous. So I decided to go and talk to her.

"Greetings", I said as I walked up to her "You must be new here? Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Wriothesley. I am 'the duke' of the Fortress."

"Oh", the girl said, suddenly becoming very nervous. "It's…it's very nice to meet you, sir! My…my name is Alaina."

"It's very nice to meet you as well, Alaina", I greeted. "There's no need to be nervous. All things considered, I hope that your stay at the Fortress of Meropide will do you some good."

"R…right", Alaina said. "Thank you, sir."

After hearing this, I took a closer a look at Alaina.

I couldn't put my finger on it, but there was something familiar about her.

"Have we met before", I asked.

"I don't think so", Alaina replied.

"Huh", I said. "Must be my imagination. Anyway. I'll leave you to settle in. If you need anything, please feel free to come and ask me."

A Few Weeks Later

I was in my office, having tea with a familiar face.

"So", I started. "How's life in the over world, Clorinde?"

"Nothing too out of the ordinary has happened", Clorinde replied. "Which is probably a good thing."

Before this conversation could continue, there was a knock at the door.

"Your grace", a voice called out. "May I come in?"

"Please do", I replied.

Then, Alaina walked into the office.

"I'm so sorry to disturb you, your grace", she apologized, before noticing Clorinde. "And you have a guest over! I'm so sorry!"

"It's fine, Alaina", I reassured her. "How can I help?"

"It…may be nothing", Alaina started. "But, I saw some suspicious looking guys go to what seemed to be a hidden area within the production zone."

After hearing this, I sighed in annoyance.

"Note to self", I started. "Have the entrances to those hidden areas blocked up."

After saying this, I stood up from my seat.

"How many people did you see, Alaina", I asked.

"Only about three people", Alaina replied. "And, even though they looked suspicious, they didn't seem like fighters to me."

"Then I'll probably be able to take care of them myself", I stated.

"Are you sure, Wrothesley", Clorinde asked in concern. "I can go with you, if you want?"

"I…I don't think that's a good idea, Ms", Alaina revealed. "If everyone sees you and his grace going off somewhere, they may think that the situation is more serious than it actually is and begin to panic."

"Alaina has a point", I agreed. "Don't worry, Clorinde. I should be able to handle these guys by myself."

"If you say so", Clorinde said. "But, be careful, okay?"

"You worry too much, Clorinde", I stated. "I'll be fine. I promise."

After I said this, I turned to look at Alaina.

"Ms Alaina, please show me where those people you saw went off to."

Alaina and I were now in the secret area she had led me to.

"Strange", I stated. "There doesn't appear to be anyone here."

"Maybe they're deeper in", Alaina suggested.

"Good point", I agreed. "Let's go further in, but stay behind me, okay?"

With that, Alaina and I began walking deeper into the secret area.

However, as I was looking around for any signs of people…I suddenly felt something being jabbed into my shoulder!

Before I could react to this…I suddenly lost all feelings in my limbs…and fell to the ground.

I then looked up…and saw Alaina glaring down at me.