The people were shocked and dumbfounded as they heard the news that each household would be given one piece of gold every week. It was a shocking revelation for them, as some of them had never even laid eyes on gold before. They had been familiar with silver, but gold was a completely different realm of wealth and luxury.

"So, are you guys satisfied with this offer? It is an open one. If any of you wish to engage in business, you are welcome to do so, but in order to do so, you will have to leave my city," I stated, my voice firm and commanding as I observed the expressions of shock and disbelief etched on their faces. It was as if they had seen a ghost. People started whispering among themselves, each one contemplating the offer, weighing the pros and cons. They were all ready to accept the offer, for who could refuse the allure of gold? The weapon maker, who was representing the group, stepped forward and said, "We accept it, my lord. We will do as you say. We will make things for your lordship, and whatever you pay us, we will take it with gratitude."

"So, if you have anything else to tell me, please do so now," I said, my mind racing as I was eager to meet Chloe. She had been upset with me since the attack, and now I didn't want her to stay upset anymore. She had been a friend of mine when there wasn't anyone else there for me. So, I didn't want to lose my friend.

The people said that they didn't have anything else to say and left, their expressions still reflecting the shock and awe of the news. After they left, I made my way to Chloe's house. I knocked on the door, but there was no response. I knocked again, but there was still no sound from the other side. I knocked for the third time, but there was still no answer. I decided to enter the house and to my dismay, I found it to be empty and abandoned.

I stepped out of the house, my eyes scanning the area for any sign of her. I thought she might be practicing in the morning, so I quickly made my way to the training ground. I walked around the vast expanse of the training ground, searching amongst the lines of minions, but she was nowhere to be found. I asked the minion manager to bring me my horse, as I was determined to find her. He lurked around the barracks and quickly brought my horse to me.I mounted my horse and set off towards the residential area, my eyes scanning every street, searching for her. I asked people in the streets if they had seen her, but no one knew where she had gone. My worries began to mount as I remembered how I had shouted at her badly and I feared that she might have left the city. After searching the inner area, I decided to venture to the outside settlement. I dismounted my horse and made my way through the back door, an entrance reserved for peasants, but at that moment, my only concern was finding Chloe.

I went through the door and mounted my horse once again, scanning every street and corner of the city in search of her. I couldn't help but think she might have left the city, and so I ventured outside its borders, scouring the countryside for any sign of her. But, my search yielded nothing and I returned to the city, my worries mounting with each passing moment.

I made my way to the high tower, thinking that perhaps from its vantage point, I would be able to spot her. As I approached the tower, I saw an intelligence minion standing outside, who was supposed to be stationed at the top. I went up to him and asked, "Why are you standing here?"

He replied, "My lord, Miss Chloe has instructed me to stay here as she has gone to the top of the tower."

Relief washed over me as I realized she was safe and still within the city's walls. I looked up to the top of the tower and made my way back to my home, exhausted from my fruitless search. I lay down on my bed, but my mind couldn't shake the feeling of unease.

As it turns out, Chloe had been watching my search from the top of the tower, her smile betraying her amusement at my efforts. She knew I cared for her, but she had no idea the extent of my affection.

A knock on my door jolted me from my thoughts, and I allowed the visitor to enter. To my surprise, Chloe walked through the door, her smile still present.

"So, you were watching me from up there?" I asked, my voice tinged with a hint of annoyance.

"What are you talking about? I don't know anything about it. What were you doing?" She replied, still smiling.

"I know you were looking at me from up there. I was searching for you all around the city. I went to every street and every corner of the city to find you. I shouted at you yesterday, so I thought you had left the city." I explained, my frustration evident.

"Oh, so you were searching for me. I didn't know. I was just looking around. I didn't see you." She said, barely able to contain her laughter.

"Now you're laughing. You were watching me and running around. I'm sorry for what I did." I apologized, feeling a sense of embarrassment.

"But I'm not talking to you about what you did." She chuckled. "I'm not going to talk to you."

"I'm sorry for what I did. There was something inside the palace that I didn't want you to see." I explained, hoping to make amends.

"Okay, don't worry about it. What's done is done," she said, her tone forgiving.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Chloe, for her understanding and forgiveness. I realized then that my search for her was not just about finding her physically, but also about finding myself and my true feelings for her. From that day forward, I made sure to always let her know how much she meant to me.