"It’s been a long time." Fenris held a cup of coffee as he sat beside Eyva. They both gazed at the garden where children played, and a small stall where a young dwarf sold cakes and candy.

After a moment, Fenris glanced at Eyva, then walked over to the dwarf, returning with a bag of candy and a lemon cake. Offering it to her, he said, "You look hungry."

Eyva smiled as she took the cake. "Thanks. Want some?"

Fenris shook his head. "Coffee’s enough for me. So, what’s next for you?"

Eyva thought for a moment. "I need to visit my family—it's a big one—and, of course, catch up with some old friends. They’d never forgive me if I didn’t."

Fenris nodded. "And I have to head to the borders. There’s a monster I need to take care of."

"As an adventurer should," Eyva replied with a smile. "I gave up that life after... that day."

"I understand," Fenris said quietly.

"It just wasn’t for me," Eyva continued, looking away. "I’m happy with my life now. As you can see, I’m a nun."

Fenris looked at her, then stared off into the distance. Eyva noticed and remarked, "You haven’t changed, Fenris. Even your injuries have healed. I’m impressed—who’s your healer? I’d love to take lessons."

Fenris thought for a moment, then replied, "I... have a healing ability."

"I know," Eyva interrupted.

Fenris looked at her with a calm yet surprised expression as she continued, "When you were near death, I used healing magic on you. It nearly killed you."

Fenris nodded slowly. "So, you know..."

Eyva smiled and gently took his hand. "You don’t have horns, so I take it you’re a demon."

Fenris sighed, looking away. "A demon, indeed."

Eyva laughed softly. "A demon and a nun—a strange friendship, wouldn’t you say?"

"I suppose so," he replied, holding her hand gently. "But one I cherish deeply."

Eyva blushed, glancing away. They sat in comfortable silence, watching the garden. Then Eyva teased, "Feel like helping me carry some gifts back to my house? Everyone will want something."

After a long pause, Fenris finally answered, "Why not?"

In another story, five months had passed since Yory reached the capital. As a travelling merchant, he spent his days journeying to and from small towns, cities, and villages—always exploring new places, meeting different people, and growing his business. Meanwhile, Lana stayed in the capital with Foty, Eli's daughter, as they prepared to start school together. Though young, Lana was mature and ready to begin her studies.

Lana and Foty quickly became best friends, studying and even living together at Eli's tavern. Joe had introduced the girls, as Yory didn’t want to leave Lana alone, and he paid Eli for her food and stay. On days when Yory couldn’t return due to weather or work, Lana stayed with Foty.

Meanwhile, Joe had returned to the Gostave region. On the day he was set to leave the capital with his family—except for Ilana, who stayed for school, and Jogo, who remained for his own reasons—Joe looked at his father and said, "Wait half an hour. There’s something I need to do first."

Urien cut in, "Be quick. We’ve got a journey ahead."

Joe chuckled. "With wizard teleportation, it’s hardly a journey."

Evangeline smiled and added, "But as a merchant yourself, when we reach home, my father and Jeffrey will need a few things done by you, son."

Joe glanced at Jeffrey, who grinned. "You’ll be paid, of course."

"And that’s what really matters," Joe teased.

With that, he hurried to the capital’s market, where he found Yory, Lana, and Foty waiting. As soon as he arrived, Joe lifted Foty into the air, shouting, "I’m going to miss you, little princess!"

Foty laughed and clung to his beard. Joe grinned, patting Yory on the back, then lifted Lana in his arms, teasing, "Maybe I should kidnap you from this monster over here."

Lana smiled and kissed his forehead. "I hope I’ll see you again, Joe!"

He grinned. "I’ll be working here and there, but remember—I’ll always come back for my little Lana, alright?"

She nodded, holding back a tear as she reached for his beard. "I’ll never forget you, Joe... I’ll always be waiting!"

Joe wiped her tears and hugged her tightly, then set her down. He pulled a small copper coin from his pocket. "See this?"

Lana nodded, taking the coin from him. Joe knelt down. "This was once the prized possession of a poor kid, alright? That kid grew into a big, bearded man with more coins than he needed. But this one—this one was his dearest."

Lana clutched the coin in her hands as Joe continued with a warm smile. "We should never forget our past—the bad and the good, the people we’ve met, the places we’ve seen, the meals we’ve shared... and, of course, angels like you and Foty."

Lana nodded, smiling as Joe patted her head. "Be a strong girl," he said, "and keep this sick guy alive. He can barely protect himself."

Lana laughed, and as Joe stood up, he looked at Yory and held out two gold coins. "For the road, as I promised."

Yory took the coins and smiled. "Pleasure doing business with you, Joe Gostave."

Joe grinned. "Same here, Yory the merchant."

With that, Joe left with his family back to his region, while Yory continued staying in the capital.

A month later, Yory found himself in Berezhka village, a small place about a day’s travel north of the capital by carriage. He spent the days shouting and promoting his work.

One night at the inn, he sat down, waiting for his communication crystal to light up. When it didn’t, Yory sighed. "Two weeks," he muttered. "What’s the delay?"

Finally, the crystal glowed the next night, waking Yory from an exhausted sleep. Groggily, he picked it up, looking into the mirror as he connected. Jane’s face appeared on the other side.

"Good evening, Yoranios. Did you call?" she asked.

"Two weeks," Yory replied, a touch of annoyance in his voice. "A bit late, don’t you think?"

Jane sighed. "I’ve been buried in work. This kingdom doesn’t run itself, you know."

"Last I checked," Yory scoffed, "it’s the people who built the city, not the queen. They’re following your orders; you’re not doing it yourself, so cut the bullshit."

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Jane smirked. "Rough day?"

Yory sighed heavily. "Why am I still in this damn land? My journey was supposed to take me away from this kingdom—to explore, to trade, not to linger in the lion’s den where Rolf could be lurking. I’m sleeping with one eye open here."

"Because I ordered you to stay," Jane replied coolly. "You’ll remain there until I say otherwise. We need that man dead, and there’s a good chance he’s watching you, so find him."

Yory put the crystal down on the table, then sat on the bed, muttering, "A year and a half, no more. I won’t stay beyond that, and if you don’t like it, tough luck."

Jane sighed. "Just remember—"

"I know," Yory interrupted, frustration in his tone. "I’m concealing my essence so well that even the most talented can’t tell I’m a demon. And those who know are few."

"And the two humans?" Jane asked.

"They understand, and no one is talking. I even spoke to a priest friend long ago and asked him to stop spreading my description," Yory replied.

Before ending the call, Jane added, "One last thing—I wanted you to know that all your lands, inns, and buildings have been claimed by the kingdom, given these hard times."

Yory closed his eyes, exhaling slowly. "Did you sell my cursed black sword, too?"

Jane shook her head. "Mother wouldn’t allow it. She considers it a family treasure."

"Keep it safe," Yory replied quietly.

Jane looked at him, puzzled. "Why?"

Yory replied, "So when I return, I’ll split your damn skull with it."

Before Jane could respond, he cut the connection, tossing the crystal aside as he lay on his bed, fuming. "Good thing tomorrow’s a day off," he muttered.

Meanwhile, at Eli's tavern, travellers packed the place. Eli bustled around, serving everyone quickly enough to keep up with the demand, but the pace was exhausting.

Outside, a small carriage pulled up, driven by the elderly merchant Din, who smiled as he parked near the other carriages and horses belonging to Eli’s patrons. Din opened his carriage door with a grin as Foty and Lana stepped out.

"Thank you, Uncle Din," Foty said with a nod.

Din patted their heads affectionately. "Run along now; I’ll see you tomorrow."

The girls nodded and made their way to the tavern, entering into a lively scene of merchants, travellers, elves, ghouls, and dwarves.

The place was bustling, and while Foty’s spirits were as high as usual, Lana seemed tired, not smiling as she typically did.

They made their way to the counter, where Eli was cooking and humming softly. She’d served everyone, but kept cooking in case anyone wanted seconds or more guests arrived.

The wood elf and ghoul guard stood at their posts as always, keeping the peace and quelling any fights before they erupted and endangered the tavern's business. It was a thankless job, especially with the rowdy merchants, but essential for any tavern outside the capital. They even paid taxes for the kingdom’s protection.

Foty and Lana slipped behind the counter. "Good work, Mother!" Foty greeted cheerfully.

Eli smiled as she continued cooking. "I may need an assistant after all. Girls, please wait a moment, and I’ll bring your meal, alright?"

Lana shook her head. "No, Mother Eli, take your time."

Foty added, "We’re not hungry!"

"Thank you, girls," Eli replied, touched. "That really helps me out."

She then looked at Lana. "Lana, is something wrong?"

Lana shook her head, replying, "I’m fine... sorry to worry you, Mother Eli."

"Never," Eli reassured her. "Go rest now, and I’ll bring you both some cake."

Lana nodded, and Foty smiled as they headed upstairs to the third floor. The second floor was reserved for guests, while the third was where Eli, Mofi the wood elf, Sika the ghoul guard, Foty, and Lana lived.

Once in their room, Foty closed the door and asked, "Lana, are you sure you’re okay?"

Lana shook her head. "I’m just tired."

Foty gave her a concerned look. "Today I studied in a different part of the school, so I wasn’t with you. Did something happen?"

Lana shook her head. "No, I'm alright. I’d tell you if something happened."

Foty nodded, unconvinced but not wanting to press. "Mother’s cake always helps. You’ll see."

Lana forced a smile. "That’ll cheer me up."

Later that night, after the tavern finally closed, Eli had fallen asleep at the counter, exhausted. Sika and Mofi were already in their rooms, resting. A small hand tapped Eli's shoulder, rousing her from her sleep. She looked up, startled, to see Lana standing beside her.

“Lana?” Eli blinked, looking around. “Did I... fall asleep here?”

Lana gave a faint smile, gently taking Eli’s hand and guiding her upstairs to the third floor, where she helped her into bed.

“Good night, Mother Eli,” Lana whispered, tucking her in.

Eli smiled wearily, patting Lana’s hand before drifting off to sleep. Lana quietly closed the door and returned to her own room, where Foty was already sound asleep. She opened her closet, looking at her dresses and outfits, her thoughts drifting to what had happened earlier that day.

That morning, Foty had been with her classmates in another part of the school, while Lana stayed with some younger children in the main area. As they were playing, a group of noble children passed by, sneering.

“Pigs! Dirty kids! Don’t you have any coloured coins?” they taunted.

Some of the common children lowered their heads or walked away, while others threw rocks at the noble kids, who retaliated, sparking a big fight. The scene grew chaotic as shouts and screams filled the air, and soon, the noble children called for the guards.

Two girls from the noble group surrounded Lana, one of them slapping her across the face. Lana held back tears, staring at the girl with long brown hair and an expensive dress, clearly the most elegant of the group. The girl smirked and taunted, “Why don’t you speak up, pig?”

Lana tried to walk away, but the girl grabbed her and slapped her again. Just then, a teacher arrived, shouting, “Stop this fighting!”

The children halted, the nobles laughing as they walked away, knowing a common teacher posed no threat to them. As they left, the girl threw one last insult, sneering, “Never ignore me, sewer girl, when I talk to someone as filthy as you!”

Lana stood silently, her cheeks red and stinging. The teacher looked at her sympathetically, then scolded the noble girl, “Slapping a little girl?”

The girl merely scoffed and challenged him. “And what can *you* do about it? Do you know who my father is?”

The teacher fell silent, ultimately taking Lana’s hand and gently leading her away.

Lana looked at her dresses, a single tear slipping down her cheek as she remembered: "My name is Ilana Gostave. My father would throw you in jail if I wanted!"

That night, she cried quietly, knowing there was nothing she could do to defend herself. She recalled Foty’s advice: "Lana, if you ever run into a noble, just run away like I did. They give up pretty fast."

She wiped her face as more tears fell, thinking of Foty's words: "It’s not perfect, but what else can we do? School is expensive, and Mother and Uncle Yory are paying a lot to let us study. We can’t make more trouble for them, right...sister?"

At the same night, at a small inn near the nobles' district in the capital, Rolf spoke with Rory, a female elf who had accompanied him during the witches' assault on the demon kingdom.

“This is my last mission,” Rory said firmly. “After this, I’m done.”

Rolf nodded. “You’re important to this operation, but I won’t stop you.”

Rory looked away as Rolf went on, "One of these demon merchants has to be Yoranios Gyovani. We’re keeping tabs on every demon merchant who’s entered the kingdom recently —I’ve deployed all my spies to watch them closely."

Rory frowned. “Why are we focused on this one? From what I’ve seen, he’s weak and lacks any real power or aura. Wouldn’t it make more sense to track someone else?”

"We don’t have a choice," Rolf replied. "We don’t know where he is—he might have even left the kingdom. But I have a hunch Yoranios himself will come looking for us in the capital. There are six demon merchants here right now, all concealing their identities to avoid trouble."

Rolf looked out the window and said, "If none of them are Yoranios, then our next option is that he's still somewhere in the kingdom."

Rory sighed. “And the frustrating part is we can’t even suspect a merchant just because they go by ‘Yory’—a shortened form of Yoranios.”

Rolf nodded. "Half the demon merchants we’re spying on have Yory as a middle or first name. After the war 300 years ago, people began naming their children after the royal family."

Rolf scoffed mockingly. "It became so widespread that Yoranios himself had to ask them to stop—too many children were ending up with the same name."

Rory sighed in frustration. “Why don’t we just kill them all? Why take the risk?”

Rolf shook his head, irritated. “The witches have already killed a handful of demon merchants. If this keeps up, the demon kingdom will start questioning Renolva, and it could escalate. I can’t keep pulling strings without facing consequences. Sooner or later, they’ll push back.”

Rory studied him as he went on. “The priests are mobilizing to stop Falkor from gaining more power. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Gostave is a stubborn man—we haven’t been able to make him alter the school teachings to align with our goals."

Rolf then added, “And let’s not forget Prince Riyo watching us, along with people like Hamell keeping an eye on our every move. We can’t afford any recklessness. We have to stay calculated, as always.”

With a hardened look, Rory replied, “Once this mission is over, it’ll be your problem, not mine.”

She glanced up at the sky through the window, her eyes glistening as she whispered softly to herself, *I lost him... and that will never change.*

She then began chanting a teleportation spell. Rolf watched her and remarked, “But I know you’ll be back.”

Rory didn’t pause her chanting, but turned to face him. He added, “You signed on to our cause. I just know you won’t walk away.”

Without replying, Rory completed her spell and vanished, reappearing in a room of a small inn in Berezhka village. Inside, a priest in white robes was seated near a window. He turned around, giving her a respectful bow.

“Rory, glad you’re here. I need to leave now.”

Rory nodded. “Where is he?”

"The sick merchant?" The priest replied, "He’s two floors below. You’ll take over for me. Just so you know, he’s weak—today he almost got trampled by a loose horse. He wasn’t fast enough to move and ended up injuring his knee."

Rory asked, "Did you help him?"

The priest turned to face her, and she caught the look of disgust on his face as he sneered, "Help?"

Rory fell silent as the priest continued, "And touch that filthy wretch?"