Morning sunlight filtered through the hut's windows, catching the dust in the air.
Ragnar leaned back against a beam, rubbing his jaw as the notification hovered in his mind.
[Quest received: Deliver Dragon Fang to the outcasted Princess. Reward: Rare Evolution Chance.]
"Dragon fang… outcast princess… Who is she? And why does she need this fang?" Ragnar muttered.
He looked around at the women scattered across the room.
Sarah, sprawled lazily on a mat with arms crossed, scowled. "Hmph. Don't look at me. I don't know anything," she said, clearly irritated.
Aria, leaning against the wall with her spear resting beside her, tilted her head slightly. "I don't know either. But if she tries to interfere with you… she'll regret it."
Kalia stretched a leg lazily, smirking at him. "No idea here, darling. But I can keep you company while you figure it out," she said, brushing a finger along the edge of the table and giving him a teasing glance.
Ragnar sighed and turned to Bella, sitting cross-legged with her ears twitching nervously. "And you?"
"I… I don't know," she admitted quietly, fiddling with her sleeve. "But if anyone tries to get close to you… I won't let them."
Ragnar pinched the bridge of his nose. "Great. No leads."
Suddenly, Sarah's eyes lit up, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "W-Why don't we ask the goblin and kobold tribes? They might know something," she said, proud of herself.
Ragnar blinked. "Huh… actually, that's not a bad idea. Let's check with them."
The kobolds and goblins were quick to share news once Ragnar explained who he was looking for.
Soon, Mia, the wife of the dead elder Bruuk, arrived in the hut.
"I might know what you're looking for," Mia said, bowing slightly, her posture elegant and confident. Her eyes flicked to Ragnar with a hint of mischief.
Ragnar raised an eyebrow. "Wait… don't you hate me? I killed your husband."
Mia shook her head. "No. He was… an asshole. You did me a favor."
Ragnar blinked. "Alright… go on."
Mia explained that before her husband's death, a group of orc elders had been taking orders from a stronger figure, calling her "princess." She could even turn into a dragon, and the orcs had been gathering slaves and resources to reclaim something she lost in a hidden cave. Bruuk had only cared about his own survival, hoping to gain favor with the dragon.
"So he was just thinking of himself the whole time?" Ragnar asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Exactly," Mia said.
Ragnar gestured toward Aria, who picked up a bag of gold and tossed it toward him. He caught it, then passed it to Mia, who smiled teasingly.
"If you want more… information," she whispered close to his ear, "you know where my bedroom is. I'm ready whenever you need me."
All the women froze, glancing at her with disbelief. Mia quickly gave a small bow and scurried out.
Ragnar shook his head, amused. "Alright, team. We have a lead. Now we trace it back to this princess' hideout."
For once, Sarah didn't pout. She straightened, pointing decisively. "We should start with the orc tribe."
Ragnar blinked. "Wait… you actually thought of something smart?"
Sarah's face flushed bright red. "W-What?! I… I just thought of it, okay? Don't look at me like that!"
Bella's ears twitched slightly, though she remained calm. "If anyone resists, I can handle it," she said quietly.
Kalia leaned in, smirking. "I like how our little genius is showing off. You're your mother's daughter, aren't you?" She patted Sarah.
Aria's eyes flicked toward Ragnar. "We need to move fast. It's already been two days since the orcs' extermination. She'll probably look for another target soon."
Ragnar exhaled quietly. "Alright, let's move."
The group straightened, gathering themselves. Bella bounced slightly, ears flicking with anticipation.
Sarah stomped her foot, muttering under her breath about her brilliance being ignored.
Kalia leaned close to Ragnar, offering a playful grin, while Aria stood firm, spear in hand, nudging him with a question no one had thought to ask.
"Guys, what should we do if she attacks us? By Mia's words, she's a dragon. Literally the strongest here."
Ragnar's eyes drifted to Bella. "Don't worry. Because I have a backup plan."