On the other side, the Witcher took Kelvin to Spansom to investigate.
The Northern Kingdoms' cold wind was painfully sharp, and the village chief of Spansom stood at the entrance, shivering.
When the white-haired dwarf came into view, he immediately bent nearly forty-five degrees at the waist, his face crinkling with a smile like a dog welcoming its master.
"Lord Kelvin, welcome to Spansom. It is truly our village's greatest honor to have you here."
As he spoke, he gestured ahead and led the two men into the village. When Kelvin, at the head of the group, passed by him, the chief warmly grabbed his fleshy, black-haired hand. Kelvin barely touched his in return, then quickly pulled his hand back behind him.
The Witcher saw the dwarf wipe his hand on his clothes with obvious disgust.
Cassili chuckled ingratiatingly. His tone was still full of deference, with a hint of nervousness.
"My lord, have you come to deliver good news? Has the culprit in the mountains been caught?"
"Are you questioning our abilities?"
Kelvin lifted his chin and glared at him. Though he only came up to the village chief's chest, his expression and posture made him seem like a towering giant looking down on everyone with contempt.
"Enough nonsense. This is Master Letho, the Witcher hired by Carbon Mountain. He has some questions for you. Answer them honestly!"
"Of... of course... We'll carry out your orders to the letter!"
Cassili turned and saw the Witcher emerge from the dwarves' group. His eyes immediately turned strange; he recognized this oddball who had coldly refused his commission back then.
The man had been so cold and merciless, treating his pleas with utter disdain. Now Cassili's lips curled, and a trace of smugness flickered deep in his eyes.
It was as if