When Cui Ciyou returned to the inn with detailed information on the three routes and the Green Ore Coins,
the excitement and pride in the room had reached their peak.
Alice was excitedly polishing her new Team Badge, her little face brimming with pride and joy.
It was as though that tiny badge were the highest honor bestowed by a king.
"Ciyou, we're A-Rank now... A-Rank!"
Alice held the mithril badge high and shouted excitedly.
"Yes, I know."
Cui Ciyou smiled and set the money pouch on the table.
Then he took the information he had received from Guildmaster Beiga
and relayed every detail to his companions.
As Cui Ciyou spoke,
the excitement and joy in the room gradually gave way to solemnity.
When she heard that the safest route would take a full three years,
Alice's face fell at once.
When she heard that the fastest route was practically suicide,
Sylphy's little face filled with worry.
"All right, that's the situation."
Having finished his explanation, Cui Ciyou looked at their differing expressions
and posed the crucial question that would determine their future.
"Which of the three routes do you think we should take?"
Yet what answered Cui Ciyou was almost unanimous, unhesitating trust.
"It's too much trouble. I don't want to think about all that."
Alice was the first to speak, tucking her treasured A-Rank Team Badge against her chest.
She looked at Cui Ciyou and said, as though it were only natural,
"Ciyou, you can decide."
"Whichever route you choose, I'll go with you. I trust you anyway."
"I... I'll listen to you too, Ciyou."
Sylphy spoke right after her.
She tilted her little face up, her crimson eyes full of pure trust.
"Whatever you decide will be best."
Finally, even Rujierd spoke.
His deep, icy-blue eyes rested