The story begins in the morning in Pero City, with Yoka conversing with customers. He inquires about other cities, particularly any new spells, merchants, or products entering the market. As adventurers, it was common to come across new information while travelling between cities.

Yoka nodded and said, "Thank you very much, kind lady."

The lady smiled as she walked away. Yoka then glanced at Dam, who had a black eyepatch over his swollen eye. Dam was chatting and smiling with customers, expressing gratitude to those who inquired about his injury.

Yoka then walked to the second floor to retrieve a new type of magic scroll. He carried the heavy box, thinking to himself, "That's the first time I've seen him use that cold, emotionless smile—just for show."

Three hours later, it was noon, the time for shops to rest for an hour. Dam and Yoka closed the shop to eat a meal before reopening.

Yoka drank water and enjoyed Dam's soup, having stopped drinking alcohol since that day. Dam ate slowly, his eyes fixed on the door as if expecting someone.

After eating, they were resting when a knock sounded at the shop's door. Yoka was about to get up, but he saw Dam already running toward the door.

Yoka got up and reached the door to find a civilian scout—a type of military worker who performs low-level jobs due to not having special magic, coming from a poor family, or having an average body build and skills.

The scout nodded as he handed Dam a letter and left. Dam walked behind the counter, sat on a chair, and opened the letter to read it.

Yoka looked at Dam and asked, "Did something happen?"

Dam looked up and replied, "My sister is in training to join the witch's school. She doesn't even know about Grandma Mia. I need to talk to her, but..."

Yoka knew the rules of Argandia, the witch's school. They wouldn't allow the girls' progress to be disrupted. As Yoka had heard, after the first day, they would expel all the girls who weren't ready and accept the remaining ones. Then, they would have a week of exams to exhaust them and assess their capabilities, skills, and talents.

"They didn't allow you to meet her," Yoka said.

Dam nodded, throwing the letter into the trash. He crossed his fingers, deep in thought, then laughed mockingly. "You know what kills me?"

Yoka didn't respond, just sat on a chair in front of Dam, who continued, "Maybe Mother Mia is already dead. And the look on Lifa's face when she discovers what happened to Mia while she was away."

"Hahahahahaha..." Dam laughed, covering his face with his hands. "That face she will make, THAT FACE!"

He lifted his head to meet Yoka's gaze, mocking, "That face will be what kills me!"

Yoka nodded and placed a hand on Dam's shoulder. Dam continued to laugh, but tears streamed down his cheeks. He was deeply hurt.

After that, Yoka watched as Dam opened the shop and settled behind the counter with a smile, ready for customers. Meanwhile, Yoka searched upstairs for his old debt book.

Turning page after page, he finally found a card. With a grin, he picked it up—it was his adventurer certification.

Returning to the first floor, Yoka walked towards the entrance, opened the door, and said before stepping out, "Take care of the shop; I'll be back."

Dam nodded silently as he started cleaning the counter, appearing distant in thought.

After walking for half an hour, Yoka arrived at the adventurers' guild. Upon entering, he recognized several familiar faces, many of whom frequented his shop.

They greeted him with nods, and he responded with a smile as he approached the reception.

The receptionist, a tall man with broad shoulders, greeted him. His physique often led people to speculate that he was better suited for a guard or knight rather than reception work.

Yoka greeted him, displaying his adventurer card. "Good day. I'm an adventurer searching for a witch named Reyanna Girish. Could you inform me of her whereabouts?"

The man shook his head slowly. "There are two witches named Reyanna Girish. Which one do you mean?"

Yoka specified, "I mean the one with scars and blue hair, not the doctor—it's the adventurer I'm looking for."

After eight minutes of waiting and observing the man's unhurried pace, Yoka thought to himself, "He can't possibly be an adventurer; he's too slow for such a fast-paced and life-risking occupation."

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Eventually, the man lifted his head from the book and addressed Yoka, "She resides in Geto City near the market. We will send her a letter informing her of your inquiries."

Yoka nodded in acknowledgement, "Thank you."

As Yoka headed towards the entrance, a woman entered the guild. His eyes widened as he recognized a young adventurer who bore a striking resemblance to his former companion Lyra. He couldn't help but call her "young Lyra."

With her light armour and fiery sword, the young adventurer reminded Yoka of Young Lyra, his former companion who had joined his party to support her father. She had been a kind-hearted warrior, bright and brave during difficult times.

He looked at the young adventurer, who bore a striking resemblance to his former companion, and smiled. The young adventurer, noticing his gaze, bowed her head slightly and asked, "Are you Yoka, the shop owner?"

Caught off guard by her words, Yoka momentarily snapped out of his reverie about Lyra. Yoka, shaken from his memories of Lyra, nodded in affirmation and wiped his eyes. "Y-yes, I am... sorry for staring."

The girl smiled and shook her head gently. "No problem. Why are you here? Are you an adventurer?"

"I used to be," Yoka replied softly. "I needed some information about an old friend."

The girl's smile widened. "I hope you find them safe and at peace."

Yoka offered a slight bow. "Thank you, and may peace be with you."

As Yoka left the guild, thoughts of young Lyra lingered in his mind. He closed his eyes briefly as he walked towards the road leading to his shop.

He recalled her smile in the tavern, her serene demeanour by the campfire, and the moments of singing with Qira during their travels with Yoka and the party.

Upon reaching his shop, Yoka gazed at the door and spoke to himself, his voice heavy with regret and introspection, "W... why did I start drinking? To forget you? Such... such a kind soul, why would I want to forget you?"

Lost in his thoughts, Yoka continued staring at the door until it opened. Dam appeared, looking at Yoka with concern. "What happened? You look... distant."

Dam observed a tear slipping down Yoka's cheek. Yoka swiftly brushed it away and managed a smile. "A dear old friend of mine passed away. I... I was just reminiscing about her and..."

Dam nodded in understanding. "Come inside. Let's talk."

After they had finished their tea, Yoka looked at Dam earnestly and said, "From now on, you'll live here, Dam. You already understand why, but I need to be sure you won't leave this shop unless it's absolutely necessary, alright?"

Dam nodded in agreement. "Thank you for looking out for me."

Shaking his head slightly, Yoka replied, "No, you're a good friend. But here in my shop, you're safe. I have connections with some witches who know influential people. The Three Knights won't return, but Safle might still be a threat, so it's best if you stay here until we figure something out."

Dam inquired, "But, where did you go?"

Yoka, sipping his second cup of tea, replied, "I went to the guild. I'm searching for an old friend. I need to find him, so I'll be away this week. Take care of the shop and stay out of trouble until I get back. Understand?"

Dam nodded firmly. "As always, your shop is safe with me."

Yoka smiled warmly and gently patted Dam's head. Looking into Dam's eyes, he added, "Remember, Dam."

Dam gazed at Yoka, who continued with a reassuring tone, "Remember, times of darkness are always followed by light. We were adventurers facing death's doorstep, scared and hopeless, yet we survived. Some of us settled into shops and businesses. Understand? No matter how harsh the world may seem, we will endure and thrive."

Yoka's words resonated deeply with Dam, though the weight of darkness still felt overwhelming.

Yoka smiled warmly, gently patting Dam's head. He spoke softly, "I know change doesn't come easily. It takes time and experience to shift perspectives. So, Dam, live for tomorrow and face whatever comes your way, alright?"

Unconsciously, Dam nodded, a genuine smile spreading across his face—a sight that warmed Yoka's heart, seeing Dam genuinely smiling.

Returning the smile, Yoka said, "Prepare a meal for me. I have a long journey to Geto City ahead."

Dam walked to the kitchen, starting to prepare a meal for Yoka, who sat lost in thought, gazing at the ground.

Meanwhile, at the adventurers' tavern, patrons discussed a recent tragedy involving Fur's family.

One adventurer, drinking, received news from the serving women, "A thief broke into their mansion, stole jewellery, killed two guards, and took Fur's debt book!"

Another adventurer sighed, "Such a tragic turn for that poor family. It hasn't even been a week since his death, and they're already facing more hardship."

In the kitchen, the chef exclaimed, "The thief took the debt book! It contains records of everyone Fur owed money to—noble families, merchants, even some major businessmen! Imagine the value of that book!"

Outside the adventurers' guild, a female archer discussed with her friend, "There's a rumour circulating that they killed him and framed the old lady to absolve noble families of their debts!"

Her friend chuckled, stroking his beard. "That's absurd! Fur was wealthy, but that's a stretch, he wasn't that rich to lend money to multiple noble families."

The archer smiled knowingly, "People gossip and speculate, that's true, but this one caught my attention. Perhaps there's some truth in it."

"Perhaps?" Her friend appeared intrigued. "But if it were true, who would have orchestrated it? Even if a noble family were involved, others would retaliate, considering how many influential people benefited from Fur."

Rumours and speculations circulated, their elusive truths waiting to be uncovered.

Night had descended upon the bustling city of Pero, yet life continued unabated with people conversing, drinking, and bustling about as if it were day—always active and vibrant.

On the balcony of the Daekrahm mansion, Safle reclined comfortably, enjoying her wine and immersed in a book as she awaited someone.

An hour later, a man knocked on her door. Safle glanced at him and casually invited, "No need for permission, come in."

The man entered the balcony. A fat man in his thirties with big arms, a small brown beard, and piercing blue eyes, he wore a slight, pleasant smile as he knelt before Safle and greeted her, "Lady Safle."

"Hello, handsome," Safle greeted in return. "Did you bring it?"

The man nodded and handed her an old book. "That's Fur's debt book. Everything is recorded in there."

Safle smiled as she took the book and inquired, "And the others?"

"They've been burned, just as you ordered," the man replied.

"Thank you, Mouse. You may leave now," Safle dismissed him.

Mouse bowed respectfully and exited the balcony, leaving Safle to peer out over the city, her eyes glinting with ambition. "Once I conquer this city, the goblins will be next. I'll wipe out those filthy abominations with my own hands. Then, no one will ever dare to challenge the Daekrahm family. No one will ever dare to touch... ME!"