Section 75: Mercenary Squad

At dawn, a Mage Tower Carriage rolled into the estate.

Michael had come to see Annan—and to invite him along. "An interesting commission has appeared at the Mercenary Hall. I'd like you to join us."

"Now?"

After the conspiracy he had just endured, Annan was suspicious of everything that came his way.

"Don't you want to make a name for yourself? Where better than the Mercenary Hall?" Michael said eagerly. "Professionals' lips are as loose as a lady's dress."

Michael sounded nothing like a Mage when he spoke so crudely.

Then again, a Mage would hardly keep an ugly scar across his forehead and take pride in it like a Warrior.

"What's the commission?"

"A Stephen Lesser Giant somehow made it to the Outskirts of Breeze City. It tore through a stretch of farmland, smashed up a farmhouse, then ran into the woods. But the reward isn't the valuable part. Stephen Lesser Giants like collecting spellbooks."

"I have a special source: Andrew Luna, who wishes to remain anonymous, says this one has a spellbook on it."

"Will it be just us?"

"My teammates are coming too. They'll help spread your name, and they're as reliable as I am."

Annan accepted. Last night's fright had not scared him into hiding, and he could not stay on the estate forever, waiting for the day his identity was revealed.

Becoming known to more people was a goal he shared with Augusta Olmedo.

Before leaving, though, Annan asked Della, "Are you coming with me?"

"Where you go, I go."

No man could resist an Elf's loyalty—even if Della answered to Lady Fine Wine.

After telling the head maid that he would be away for a while, Annan took a small pouch of gold coins and boarded the Carriage with Della. They set off for