The next morning, Anna stood nervously in front of the inn, glancing around anxiously as if searching for someone. Her face was tight with worry, and she held a 500-gold credit note in her hand, tapping her feet nervously. Beside her stood Gordon and five other mercenaries.

She exchanged a few words with Gordon, then suddenly grabbed his arm and collapsed onto her knees, pleading desperately. But Gordon only shook his head repeatedly, unmoved by her tears. Finally, she broke down, sobbing.

Claude, hiding nearby, observed the scene with a bitter smile.

Belinda, furrowing her brow in confusion, asked, “Why …