Hafra turned to glance at the sky outside the shop, a trace of worry crossing his face.
Prado had been summoned by the City Lord shortly before lunch. Lunchtime had long since passed, and it was almost two in the afternoon, yet he still had not returned. It was truly strange.
Even if the City Lord had shown Prado special favor by inviting him to stay for lunch, he should have returned once the meal was over.
Surely the City Lord could not have taken such a liking to him that he wanted to keep him for dinner too?
"Uncle, what are we going to do now?" Nethers asked from beside him, letting out a bored yawn.
Hafra glanced at him and waved a hand. "You don't need to keep waiting here. Go out and check the Magic Locomotive. If things go smoothly, we'll be leaving tomorrow or the day after. We can't afford any problems with it."
Nethers curled his lip. "What's there to check? The Xinfei Merchant Guild's products have always been good quality. Nothing's going to go wrong."
"Just go when I tell you to!" Hafra snapped, glaring at him.
Nethers could only mutter helplessly, then get up and head for the door.
Just as he reached it, several tall figures suddenly entered from outside, blocking the doorway completely.
Nethers froze. Looking closer, he saw that all these unexpected visitors wore the uniform armor of the City Defense Army, and his heart lurched.
Then, to his surprise, he realized he actually knew the soldier leading them. It was Captain Wien, who had been guarding the city gates when they entered two days earlier.
Captain Wien's gaze swept over Nethers's face before settling on Hafra, who had just risen inside the shop.
After looking Hafra over, he nodded