"We're going to take care of something important."
"And I'm not going for fun."
Brino Jana eyed Annan's apparently sincere expression with suspicion.
Annan looked perfectly upright. "If I come along, I can keep you safe."
"No need," Brino Jana refused. "We're all girls. No men allowed."
"Girls...?"
Annan looked at Tasia, who stood nearly two meters tall and was built like a slab of steel, then at Brino Jana, whose biceps could crush his skull.
"What are you looking at?" Brino Jana folded her arms and flexed.
"Nothing... If you won't agree, I'll have to exercise my authority as City Lord of Free City and order you—"
"I'll go with you," Illymoyas murmured suddenly from outside the window.
This time, Brino Jana didn't object. A female Young Dragon was about the best companion they could ask for.
"No!"
Annan refused outright. If Illymoyas went with them, would he get a share of any relics they found?
He spoke with feeling. "You're all important to me. I couldn't bear it if you ran into danger in the Snow Mountains..."
Illymoyas fell silent, and Tasia hesitated. Only Brino Jana, who wanted to haul Annan into the Bedroom, resisted his appeal. "Think carefully before you say that... Are we the ones who'd be in danger?"
A Master Level Warrior, a Young Blue Dragon, and a Minotaur... Even if they encountered a Master Level Mercenary Company, they could get away unscathed.
Annan could hardly stop them now. "Fine... But remember, we won't stay in the Northern Frontier long. You have four days at most."
"Got it!"
Brino Jana waved, hefted her Greatsword, and headed out.
"Illymoyas..."
Annan called to the Blue Dragon outside the window and gazed into her beautiful, amber-like eyes in the sunlight. "Don't push yourself. Stay safe..."
"I will."
"And