Earlier that day.
Late at night, in the Gold Diggers' Camp, a figure in classical dress swept into the tavern. Her arrival drew plenty of eyes.
The woman approached the counter and settled her full hips onto a wooden stool. She cast the server a flirtatious look. "A glass of red wine."
The wine soon arrived. She took a stalk of wheat from her dress and slipped it into the glass. As the patrons' breathing quickened, her red lips closed around the stalk. She raised her head and licked the wine from the corner of her mouth. "This won't be the only thing I suck tonight."
The Gold Diggers could contain themselves no longer. Scarlet flashed in their eyes. "She's a vampire! Burn her!"
The Musketeer Corps and the Count's men would stand out too much. Annan brought only Femi and ten Earth Elementals. Those elite elementals should be enough to make the Gold Diggers wary.
Femi also gave Annan someone to talk to on the road—and a chance to gain more experience.
The Count had also placed his chief mage at Annan's disposal. Farias was only a level-eight elite mage, but his real value lay in what he knew: he could guide Annan to the legacy of Sorlen Heights.
"Are you bringing that cat too?" Farias's way of addressing Annan had changed without either of them noticing.
Annan held Lily in his arms. "I'd rather not, but..."
But Lily had insisted on coming with him.
Who could refuse a Calico Cat rubbing against their legs and staring up with bright eyes?
Anyone could be a Gold Digger—a mercenary, a member of the Foreign Races, a Magic User, even a farmer. There was nothing wrong with Annan playing a Noble with two cats in tow. It might even make