Sean's sunny mood soured at the sight of Anduin's flower-laden desk—not a single bloom for the lord? He quickly turned away, chatting briefly before leading his companions south. Windsor clapped his shoulder awkwardly: "Stay strong?"
Sean: "??? "
…
At the town gate, Lucio chatted with Captain Olga of the Blazing Cross Mercenaries, whose 20-strong team stood ready to enter the Elven Forest.The Mercenary PactPer their contract, the mercenaries paid no hunting tax, keeping all spoils in exchange for a discounted rate: 1,500 gold for six months. Market rates would've cost 4,000 gold—too steep for Sean, too urgent for Olga, who owed massive debts to Wolfpack Mercenaries. Half his men stayed to aid Anduin; the rest hunted deep in the forest.
Olga's daughter, Sophia, lingered at the rear, a tulip tucked in her hair—its scent reminded her of her mother, lost years ago. When she saw Sean, she panicked, hiding behind her father.The Question of Faith"Morning, Sean Highness," Olga bowed. "We're ready to depart."
"Let's enter together—safety in numbers." Sean smiled, joining the procession.
Sophia watched Sean's back, then steeled herself, approaching hesitantly. "Lord Sean… yesterday, the girls said Anduin called you the Church's Son. Is it true?"
Sean's eye twitched at "flower offerings" but kept his tone light. "Benjamin, Bishop of Yorn, confirmed it himself. Ask him if you doubt me."
Sophia relaxed. "Then do you know my mother—"
"Sophia!" Olga snapped, pulling her back. "Forgive her, My Lord. She speaks nonsense."
Sean waved it off, intrigued. A family secret? Perhaps Olga had a past with the Church… His mind raced with drama—Olga x Holy Maiden: A Tale of Love and Exile—perfect for Lodin's next novel.The SplitAs they entered the forest, Sean and Lucio stayed in the outer ring, while Olga led his men deeper, into the 10km zone. Sophia stole one last glance at Sean, the tulip's fragrance mixing with the forest's earthy scent—a fleeting moment of courage, and curiosity, in a world where secrets bloomed as easily as flowers.
The two groups parted ways, each heading for their own hunt: one for experience, one for survival, and one for answers buried in the Elven Forest's shadows.