It seemed things were going well in Lesao Valley.
Annan thought of Tasia. She had retreated to the Dimon Kingdom's fortress to continue fighting the demons... If the Snow Mountain Fortress had pulled back, perhaps he would see her in Lesao Valley.
Annan offered the man money, but he waved it away and raised his glass. "You've already paid me."
Annan liked the man's personality. After a moment's thought, he placed a gold Kinnar on the table.
"I don't—"
"This is for something else. I'm going to keep adventuring, so go to Free City in my place. When I get there, tell me the stories of what you encountered."
A gold Kinnar was valuable, but keeping a warrior in Free City was worth more.
The man wanted to denounce Annan for insulting his integrity, but that was a gold Kinnar—
So many mercenaries had poured into Gray Silver Fortress that prices were in chaos. Food cost more, while contract fees had fallen. Some damned mercenaries had even offered to work for free as long as they were fed.
His gaze settled on the gleaming gold coin, and his throat bobbed. Then a slender, fair-skinned hand covered the coin and took it back.
The man looked up. He and Annan watched Illymoyas pocket the money.
She put a coin back on the table, but this time it was a silver coin.
"You..."
"This is enough!"
The man snatched up the silver coin. Perhaps he was genuinely satisfied, or perhaps he feared she would swap it for a copper coin next.
Well, a silver coin was enough to live on for two days in Free City.
Annan paid the bill and left the tavern under the women's regretful gazes, ready to head straight for Lesao Valley.
On his way out of the