The sound echoed through the mountain ravine and eventually reached the tower opposite.
About three or four minutes later, the tightly shut door on the tower's side slowly opened, and a slender figure in a dress stepped out.
Qin Ran froze when he saw her.
Although she had disguised her face, she still looked unmistakably young. Judging by her height, she could not have been more than twelve or thirteen.
"Are... are you 2567?"
The girl was not exactly shy, but neither was she brave. She had simply gathered enough courage to ask.
"Are you the master of Swote Castle?"
Qin Ran nodded, asking in a tone that suggested he already knew the answer.
"Yes!"
"Could you do me a favor?"
"Galeat is badly injured. He needs treatment, but there's nothing I can do!"
As she spoke, a side quest notification appeared.
[Side quest discovered: Healing!] [Healing!: The master of Swote Castle's attendant has suffered severe injuries. He is an admirably loyal guard. If you can successfully treat him, you will surely earn the favor of Swote Castle's master!]
"Please lead the way!"
Faced with a side quest, Qin Ran naturally would not refuse.
Still, looking at the "master of Swote Castle" mentioned in the background information felt rather strange.
Although the talk of a "witch" he had heard in Tita Town had more or less confirmed her gender, he had never imagined she would still be a child.
Her perception, however, seemed exceptionally keen.
She actually noticed Qin Ran sizing her up and the strange look in his eyes.
"Mary, master of Swote Castle. I inherited the title from my mother a week ago. I'm thirteen this year!"
Mary introduced herself and offered an explanation.
"Hello. I'm 2567. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Qin Ran