I Was the One Who Came First!

Francesca Findabair instinctively let go to catch it.

Her messenger bird immediately beat its wings and flew high, passing through gaps in the lush leaves and disappearing into the sky.

The barren woodland fell silent in an instant.

Everyone held their breath, staring fixedly as the other messenger bird slowly landed on Francesca Findabair's slender, pale index finger.

Its tiny head tilted as it gently pecked at the back of her hand, urging her on.

Francesca Findabair glanced back and met the eyes of Margarita Laux Antille, who had raised her head while panting, before calmly looking away.

After exchanging looks with Adda of Vengerberg, Lady Vesemir, Vesemir, and the others, she stated the obvious—"Ailin's messenger bird..." Then she took a deep breath and raised her finger, pressing the bird's beak against her forehead, where scattered dark golden hair clung to her skin.

The barren woodland became even quieter.

Adda of Vengerberg leaned casually against the trunk of a fallen-leaf maple, but her gaze kept drifting toward a figure nearby.

Vilgefortz, Vesemir, Dante, and Geralt Moru watched without blinking.

Standing close together, Lady Vesemir and Mary clenched their dirty fists, their delicate skin creases packed with mud and moss. They nervously watched Francesca Findabair's thin red lips, afraid that some terrible news would emerge from them the next second.

"Ailin is alive!"

Knowing what everyone cared about, Francesca Findabair's first words upon opening her eyes soothed their tense, panicked hearts.

A joyful curve appeared on her thin, beautiful lips as she continued,

"The letter says he is currently on the Old Road between Temeria, Brugge, and Amelia."

"Let me see!" Supported by Mary, Lady Vesemir hurried over.

Francesca Findabair looked at the Sorceress's outstretched hand, hesitated, then glanced at Mary, who was holding the Sorceress's right arm. She nodded and