The House of Control

Apprentice Harry's Involvement

Master Jacob was reviewing his notes in the cramped office within the barn when the door creaked open. He looked up, mildly surprised to see Apprentice Master Harry entering the room. Harry's posture was confident, his expression composed but with a faint tension in his jaw.

"Master Jacob," Harry greeted with a small nod, a hint of authority in his tone. "Mother is concerned. She's noticed that the laborers have been on lockdown, and the work in the courtyard has stopped. She sent me to understand the situation."

Jacob stood, bowing deeply. "Apprentice Master Harry," he replied, choosing his words carefully. "There has been... an unfortunate incident that required my full attention. I believe an act of sabotage has occurred within the ranks of the laborers. Someone—" he paused, his eyes flickering with cold anger, "—destroyed Ty's new overseer uniform. I cannot, in good conscience, allow work to resume until the culprit is found."

Harry's face hardened, his expression growing stonier. "An act of sabotage," he repeated, his voice low. "Someone dared to undermine the authority of The House?"

"Yes," Jacob confirmed, his eyes darkening. "And I assure you, this will not go unpunished. I've narrowed the suspects, but it has taken time. Yesterday, I questioned each laborer and assessed their loyalty, but I still have several possibilities. I believe with your assistance, we could finally expose the one responsible."

Harry nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. "Very well. I'll help."

Jacob inclined his head, feeling a glimmer of satisfaction. Harry's involvement would add a weight of authority to the proceedings that might make someone slip. He picked up the list of names, handing it over to Harry.

"These three are our primary suspects," Jacob explained. "Ron, Jet, and Wenley. Each of them has a potential motive."

Harry glanced at the list, his eyes narrowing slightly at Ron's name before he returned his attention to Jacob. "Tell me about each of them."

Jacob's mouth set in a thin line. "Ron, as you know, has been difficult since he arrived. He's stubborn, with a temper that doesn't fit well with the discipline we require here. He was visibly unsettled by Ty's promotion, which could have triggered a reaction."

Harry's gaze didn't waver, but his expression grew colder. "I know Ron. He can be... prideful." He paused, considering. "But he also knows when not to overstep." He looked at Jacob. "Still, we shouldn't rule him out."

"Indeed," Jacob agreed. "The second suspect, Jet, is a different case. He's been here even longer than Ron. A quiet type, generally obedient. But he has a strong sense of pride in his work and resents anyone who rises through the ranks too quickly. Ty's promotion, I believe, bruised his ego."

"Does he have the temperament to act on it, though?" Harry asked, studying Jacob's face.

"Possibly," Jacob replied, folding his arms. "Jet hides his feelings well, but his silence can be deceptive."

Harry nodded, his gaze returning to the list. "And the last one, Wenley?"

Jacob's lip curled slightly. "Wenley is... volatile. An unpredictable sort. He's obedient enough, but he's not a favorite among the overseers. Easily overlooked, and I wouldn't put it past him to lash out in a way that would hurt another servant rather than face an authority figure directly. It's possible he felt resentful of Ty's success and saw this as a chance to sabotage him."

"Sounds like Wenley could be a likely culprit," Harry murmured, tapping the list thoughtfully. "How do you propose we narrow it down?"

Jacob's eyes glinted with a hint of satisfaction. "I believe each of them has an identifiable weakness. They all react differently under pressure. If we can bring them in, one by one, and ask the right questions... I think the true culprit will reveal themselves."