On the outskirts of the city.

"Looks like they came out to meet us," said Nasser, turning a corner.

Ian gave a small nod.

Somewhere in the distance, he spotted a heavily armored Northern warrior standing with his arms crossed before a familiar manor, enclosed by its outer walls.

Bor noticed them approaching in only a few seconds. Startled, he quickly uncrossed his arms, turned, and lowered his head, clasping his hands behind his back.

"Great Warrior," he murmured, low enough only for Ian to hear.

Without slowing his pace, Ian said, "You must’ve been waiting a while. Thanks."

"Not at all. Thanks to you, I was actually able to rest," Bor replied respectfully.

Stopping in front of him, Ian tilted his head. "Rest?"

"The Elder requested that the cargo wagons and crates be swapped out as soon as she arrived. It’s been quite busy inside ever since."

"So she’s being picky again," Ian muttered, shaking his head.

Well, considering she believed they were heading to the Platinum Dragon’s treasure vault, it wasn’t surprising.

Nasser chuckled beside him.

Bor stepped aside and continued, "It should all be finished by now. A servant of the count came recently, and Priest Miguel came out with him to relay what’s going on inside."

"So he didn't just send word through a servant, but went to receive it at the manor himself?" Ian asked, stepping toward the gate.

Bor nodded. "Yes. He said there was something to collect."

"So he intends to hand it over personally, just as I asked. As thorough as ever..."

Smacking his lips lightly, Ian glanced at Nasser as he came up beside him.

"Since things turned out this way, head to the mansion before Miguel gets back. Gather the equipment, bring Nila and Moro, and we’ll depart straight from here."

"If we don’t want the priest’s trip to go to waste, we’d better hurry. Understood," Nasser answered readily and turned on his heel, striding away at a brisk pace without a hint of complaint.

"I'll escort you inside, Great Warrior," Bor said as he approached the closed gate. Though large enough for wagons, he pushed it open effortlessly.

"What else did they pass along?" Ian asked as he entered the courtyard, where the mansion’s outer walls extended inward like a grand entrance.

After closing the gate, Bor quickly fell in step beside him. "They’ve gone to meet Fael in the reception room. There was likely an insignia-bestowing ceremony."

"The Elder seemed pretty excited about it. Do you know what color she got?" Ian asked, a faint curl on his lips.

Bor nodded at once. "Yes. A silver insignia was issued."

"She must be disappointed, then," Ian murmured, shaking his head. The smile on his lips deepened.

Ahead of them, at the center of the mansion, the wide, square courtyard came fully into view.

"They really dragged everything here," Ian murmured, sweeping his gaze over the row of more than ten wagons, each differing in size and shape, lined up along the outskirts.

"Well, it was the demigod’s command," Bor replied as if it were natural.

He has really become a proper merchant.

Ian nodded faintly as he turned his gaze to the two separate cargo wagons parked across from them.

"Those must be the ones we’ll be taking out and bringing back."

They were reinforced with iron plating along the axles and outer frames, making them so sturdy they looked downright heavy. The square wooden crates stacked on top were just as large and solid.

Just how many did they load? Even Nila and Moro might struggle to pull all that if it were fully packed.

Ian swallowed a chuckle.

Bor stepped toward a staircase that ran along the corridor wall and answered, "Yes. Originally, we had prepared smaller, more agile wagons for quicker travel. But they were replaced at the Elder’s request."

"You must’ve had a hard time putting all this together so quickly. I should at least treat the porters to some meat," Ian said, following him up the stairs.

The courtyard was already filled with the rich smell of food, likely from the porters and guards who had finished their work and were eating.

"They’re probably already eating. The caravan master may cut costs elsewhere, but never when it comes to feeding the workers," Bor replied as they stepped onto the upper hallway.

From the railing, the entire courtyard and its rows of wagons were clearly visible below.

Glancing down, Ian let out a chuckle. "Doesn’t look like they’re enjoying it much. They seem to be eating on edge."

"That was also the Elder’s request. She said the demigod dislikes noise and unnecessary attention."

"So it’s because of me." Ian clicked his tongue awkwardly, then looked down the corridor stretching along the wall.

Just beyond a right-angled corner, a familiar voice pierced through the closed door.

"Let’s move. It sounds like he’s in a difficult situation," Ian said, quickening his pace.

Keeping stride beside him, Bor glanced at him. Ian gave a slight shrug. "The Elder’s insisting they change her insignia."

Only then did Bor raise an eyebrow and look toward the door. Moving swiftly, Ian reached it first and flung it open wide.

At the center of the sunlit room, the group seated around a large oval table came into view.

"So what exactly are the qualifications required to—" Thesaya, who had been speaking fervently without even noticing Ian’s approach, trailed off

"Oh, you’ve arrived, Agent of the Saint!" Across from her, Fael shot to his feet, his expression practically screaming relief.

Mev, seated with a space left beside Thesaya, looked much the same. Though her face remained composed, the fatigue in her eyes was unmistakable. As she rose, Ian gave her a faint, reassuring smile before stepping inside.

"You should mind your dignity a bit, Elder," said Ian, his gaze briefly sweeping over the two guards standing behind Fael.

One appeared to be a northerner, the other a beastfolk. He looked away just as quickly; both were staring at him far too intently.

"I am exercising restraint, Your Grace," Thesaya replied after a pause.

With her left hand, she gently stroked Lily’s hair, all while continuing to cast a sharp gaze at Fael.

"That’s because the master issued me a silver banner instead of gold."

As Bor quickly shut the door, Ian walked toward the table and said, "The Erenos family hasn’t properly conducted trade with the Hexagonal Alliance yet, has it? As transactions accumulate, the day will come when that insignia turns gold. Wouldn’t you agree, master?"

Meeting Ian’s gaze, Fael hurriedly bowed his head as he answered, "O-Of course! And the Elder will surely become someone even more esteemed in the future."

Judging by the cold sweat on his forehead, he had clearly been having a rough time dealing with Thesaya.

"If you insist that much, then fine. I’ll wait and see," Thesaya replied, clicking her tongue. It was obvious she was only backing down because Ian had intervened.

"Please sit, Your Grace." Mev stepped aside and gestured to the empty seat at the center with both hands.

Ian motioned for her to sit instead, then stood before the chair and faced Fael again. "Now then, introductions. Before their stares burn a hole through my face."

"Ah, yes, of course. These are some new hires since our return from the frontier." Fael answered quickly, turning his gaze as he raised a hand to his right. "This is Hallig. As you can see, he’s a Northerner."

"It is an honor, Demigod! I have long awaited the day I would meet you."

As Ian looked past Fael’s right shoulder, Hallig bowed his head deeply and spoke.

He was tall, with a lean yet sturdy build. His long black hair contrasted with a neatly groomed Imperial-style beard.

"Good to meet you. Doesn’t seem like you’re a barbarian." Ian nodded casually.

Without lifting his head, Hallig replied at once, "I’m from Ninglosth."

"He’s lived on the mainland for over seven years now. Even so, he claims his heart has always stood with you, Agent of the Saint," Fael added with a light laugh.

Behind Ian, Bor let out a quiet snort.

Hallig continued, "I believe every Northerner living on the mainland feels the same. You are our pride and our honor, Demigod."

"That’s good to hear," Ian replied indifferently.

At this point, it didn’t even surprise him. To the northerners, he was little different from a walking legend.

Hallig thumped his fist against the breast of his armored vest. "I mean it. You are the greatest Great Warrior since Karha. I’ve heard of your legendary battles beyond the Black Wall and even in the inner sea!"

"Sounds like the stories have spread far and wide," Ian muttered, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Unaware of his thoughts, Hallig nodded. "Yes. Until recently, you could hear tales of it everywhere."

"That would be thanks to Young Lord Simon, who’s been spreading the stories throughout high society. I hear nobles have been lining up just to hear his vivid accounts." Fael added, his tone openly proud.

Meeting Ian’s gaze, he wore his usual warm smile. "It's partly thanks to that we were able to sort through all our goods quietly and prepare for the coming turmoil without drawing too much attention. We even made sure to send him a modest sum in appreciation."

"Well... that’s fortunate," Ian muttered, clicking his tongue.

He’d known that chatterbox would go around talking, but he hadn’t expected it to work out this well. Then again, that same man was the reason Ian was now called a demigod in the first place.

Ignoring Thesaya, who was barely holding back her laughter, Ian added, "Let’s move on."

Hallig straightened and stepped back, and Fael raised his left hand to the side. "This is Oscar. As you can see, he’s a beastfolk warrior."

Ian’s gaze shifted to the beastfolk, who stood a head taller than Hallig. With gray stripes and yellow eyes, he carried the air of a seasoned fighter.

"It’s an honor to meet you, Great Warrior." Receiving Ian’s gaze, Oscar bent one knee in the imperial style.

Ian briefly glanced at the armored tail rising subtly behind him before replying, "So you’ve heard the news about Maro Tel."

"Yes. I learned of it a few months ago." Oscar straightened as he answered.

Meeting his yellow eyes, Ian added, "Then you must also know what happened between Kruxica and me."

"I’ve heard. And that Karha took in Great Chieftain and our tribe as well." Oscar hesitated for a brief moment before bowing his head. A faint growl laced his voice.

At that, Hallig and Bor’s attention subtly shifted toward Ian.

"Do you believe it?" Ian asked.

"Yes. I do. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be standing here, speaking like this." Oscar answered without hesitation.

It was more than enough to earn a small nod from Ian.

"Though it seems the Northerners here still haven’t cast aside their doubts." Oscar’s voice dropped as he swept his slit-pupiled gaze across Hallig and Bor like a blade.

Ian let out a short chuckle and shrugged. "It’s true. The Great Chieftain of the beastfolk stands as a Great Warrior, just like me. The barbarians have already begun calling them brothers from across the sea."

Only then did Hallig and Bor’s expressions twitch as they turned toward Oscar. Oscar crossed his arms deliberately, as if to make a point.

"I apologize for doubting you all this time, Oscar."

"From now on, I will treat you as a brother as well."

Hallig and Bor spoke in turn.

Oscar gave a short, rumbling breath and tilted his chin slightly, ears and tail stiff.

"You should have mentioned something like that earlier, Oscar," Thesaya said lightly.

As Oscar turned toward her with a slight furrow in his brow, she continued, gently stroking Lily’s hair. "You may or may not know this, but I’m a friend of your Great Chieftain and the one who saved her life."

"E... about Erenos... I also know—" Oscar began, a beat too late, forcing the words out with effort. But before he could finish, he clenched his teeth, a low growl escaping as his eyes shut tight.

It was clear he hadn’t fully accepted the alliance. That was likely why he hadn’t brought it up to Thesaya in the first place.

"That’s an interesting reaction. And here we were just speaking of irreverence... Okay, Agent of the Saint. I’ll stop." Thesaya said teasingly, cutting herself off the moment she caught Ian’s gaze—though the mischievous smile never quite left her lips.

Ian clicked his tongue.

"These are the ones we carefully selected from among the applicants." Fael smoothly interjected, reading the mood.

Facing Ian, he bowed and continued, "Not only their skills, but their backgrounds have been thoroughly verified. I put my name on it, Agent of the Saint."

"I’m sure you did. And with Bor at your side, no less." Ian replied without hesitation, glancing back at Bor.

Bor kept his lips tightly shut and lowered his head, while Fael let out a chuckle. "You’re absolutely right. He was so strict about it. Even the slightest doubt, and he’d send them away."

"As we should, master. We are those who serve the demigod," Bor said calmly.

Fael let out a low sigh. "Right...There’s no point pretending we’re just a merchant group. We’re a community bound to the Agent of the Saint by fate—"

"Let’s get to the point. You’ve been told where we’re headed, haven’t you?" Ian cut him off. He was still standing, not having taken a seat.

As Fael hesitated, Thesaya spoke up instead, "I told them. That we’re heading to a mountain filled with mist and wraiths. That’s why they look so tense." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Good. Priest Miguel and Nasser will be back soon. We’ll make our preparations and depart immediately."

"I-Immediately?!" Fael’s eyes widened at once.

Ian glanced briefly between Thesaya and Mev before nodding. "That’s right. Immediately. Just the people here."

"Wh-What?" Fael’s eyes widened even further. Clearly, Thesaya hadn’t explained why they were going.

Mev rose at once, followed by Thesaya, who took Lily’s hand and stood as well.

Ian tilted his head slightly. "I’ll explain the details on the way... over a meal."