The golden rays of the morning sun spilled across the open courtyard. The calming scent of tea drifted through the air.
Loud, persistent footsteps broke the stillness as Kaiden paced back and forth, a hardened look set on his face.
"What is going on? We've been here for hours and the village head still won't see us!? Does he even realize who we are? I said we're from Calderalth clearly, didn't I? You heard me, right!?"
"Y-yes…"
The trainee shrank under Kaiden's furious gaze, nodding meekly.
Tch.
Kaiden clicked his tongue. A full day had passed since their arrival, yet they hadn't made any real progress on the mission.
After that first attempt, every effort to meet the village head had been shut down. It was almost as if they didn't want this place protected. It was maddening.
He paced for a moment longer before finally turning toward Zephyrion, who had remained completely silent throughout the entire ordeal. Unable to hold back any longer, Kaiden spoke.
