Ang frowned slightly as he looked at the well-dressed "mother and son" before him.
His tone was calm, yet carried a hint of probing. "It seems your caravan has run into a water shortage?"
The noblewoman's expression tightened, but she quickly composed herself. She gave a slight bow and replied sincerely, "Yes, my lord. This is our first time taking this trade route, and we did not conduct sufficient geographical research beforehand. We never expected there to be no natural water sources nearby. Our waterskins have long since run dry, so we were truly... caught unprepared."
"First time?" Ang's gaze sharpened slightly, as though he had sensed something amiss. "Where are you planning to go?"
The noblewoman answered without hesitation, "We set out from Baron Plaza Territory and intend to expand our business to the southern side of the Milaginbi Mountains. The newly opened trade station there is highly appealing to us. This route is also relatively flat, making it safer for carriages to travel, unlike the rugged mountain roads on the southern side, where accidents are common."
Hearing this, Ang nodded slightly. He then took out a parchment map from his waist, spread it open, and carefully studied the mountain range's contours.
He usually traveled by railcar or airship, so he had never paid much attention to ground transportation routes.
Only after hearing her explanation did he realize that this road might indeed be a reasonable detour for carriages.
"You intend to avoid that steep southwestern stretch of mountains and cut in from here?" Ang asked.
"Exactly, my lord. Our carriages cannot make it through that mountain road, so we can only take the longer route." The noblewoman remained focused, and her answer was flawless.
Ang pondered for a moment, then nodded gently, a trace of apology appearing at