The boss, an average tall man with tanned skin and slightly unkempt brown hair, stood inside the cottage. His reddish-brown eyes reflected deep concentration as he peered over a worn-out map spread across a small wooden table. He was dressed in simple commoner's clothes, a loose, dark tunic with a brown leather belt and rough trousers. Beside him, Stubby—a stocky man with a scar running down his cheek—stood with a gruff expression, his arms crossed over his chest. He was wearing a thick, short-sleeved shirt that strained against his muscular build, paired with old brown pants that had seen better days. Two other men flanked them, each different in demeanor and appearance.

Angelo, a sharp-eyed man with short black hair and striking green eyes, fiddled with his belt as he studied the map. He was lean but wiry, wearing a gray shirt and light brown trousers, his boots muddied from travel. Across from him stood Toru, a lanky figure with a mess of dark blonde hair and brown eyes. His loose, sleeveless vest and simple pants gave him the air of someone more used to running errands than standing in a strategy meeting.

Between them all, the map laid out, detailing the layout of their location and the surrounding roads leading to Balmount Kingdom. The boss’s brow furrowed, and with a serious face, he began to explain the plan.

“This is where we are,” the boss said, tapping the side of the map that showed their encampment. “And this,” he pointed to a winding path leading to the kingdom, “is the main road the knights have claimed is being hit by bandits.”

Angelo, eyes still fixed on the map, suddenly frowned and spoke up. “Boss, something doesn’t add up.”

The boss turned his gaze to Angelo, curious. “What is it?”

Angelo gestured to the map. “The knights say there’ve been robberies along this road,” he pointed again at the pathway, “but they haven’t taken any real action to stop it. Doesn’t it seem fishy? If it’s such a big problem, why aren’t they doing more?”

Stubby’s gruff voice interrupted. “How do you know that?”

Angelo shot him a glance. “Before you, me, and the boss settled out here, the king ordered guards posted along this entire route.” He tapped the map, tracing the spots where knights should’ve been stationed.

The boss nodded, deep in thought. “That was back when the king issued a decree to protect travelers from the beasts that were appearing.”

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Stubby grunted in agreement. “That’s true, but none of us have been near the kingdom since we left.”

The boss added, “Only one person has.”

All eyes turned to Toru, who blinked in surprise. “What?” he asked, looking hysterical.

Angelo crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’re the only one who’s been making trips back and forth to the kingdom.”

Stubby chuckled, patting Toru on the back. “Yeah, visiting some lady, aren’t ya?”

Toru’s face reddened as he stammered, “I’m not with any woman!”

The boss raised an eyebrow, grinning slightly. “What about those letters we found hidden in your stuff?”

Angelo stifled a laugh. “Love letters, right?”

Toru glared at him. “You told them?!”

Stubby held his shoulders, leaning close. “I’d kill to get a love letter from a lady,” he said, his voice low and serious. Angelo’s chuckling only grew louder, and even the boss couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

Toru swatted Stubby’s hand away, shooting him a glare. “You’re one to talk! The only love letter you’d want is from Elara!” He turned to Angelo, accusing, “This was supposed to be our secret!”

Angelo could barely contain his laughter now, wiping tears from his eyes.

The boss cleared his throat, bringing the room back to order. “Enough. This isn’t the time for lovers’ squabbles.” He turned to Toru with a more serious look. “Have you noticed anything strange during your trips? Anything out of the ordinary?”

Toru shook his head. “No, nothing. I haven’t even seen a single knight around the path.”

The boss rubbed his chin. “That’s strange…”

Stubby, frowning, asked, “So what are we going to do about this? The knights aren’t lifting a finger. They’re just looking for someone to blame.”

The boss’s face grew stern. “We’re going to catch these thieves in the act. That’s the only way to prove we aren’t involved.”

Toru raised a skeptical eyebrow. “How are we supposed to catch them if they’re hiding in the bushes?”

Angelo shot him a sly grin. “Can you climb?”

Toru stayed silent, fidgeting.

The boss cut in. “We’ll need to set a trap. Just us and ten others.”

Stubby frowned. “That’s not many. What about the numbers the bandits might have?”

“We don’t know,” the boss replied. “But we’ll be ready.”

Angelo, still scanning the map, suddenly asked, “What about that beast kid? Rapheal. He’s strong.”

Stubby huffed. “We’re not bringing a kid along.”

The boss nodded in agreement. “He’s not joining.”

“But,” Angelo argued, “he’s no ordinary kid. He’s a beastkin—a fox, no less. He could help. He’s been training, and he’s skilled.”

Stubby was about to protest again, but Toru chimed in. “Why not test him first?”

Stubby shook his head. “We’re not risking it.”

The boss cut the debate short. “We’ll test him.”

Stubby looked shocked by the boss’s decision. Angelo grinned triumphantly, while Toru remained neutral.

“We’ll ask him if he wants to join us,” the boss continued. “If the boy wants to come, he can. But if he doesn’t, we won’t force him.”

Angelo’s smile faded slightly, but Stubby nodded in reluctant agreement. “Alright then…”