Patricia persuaded her mother to keep quiet about the inspector's unexpected visit to avoid upsetting Patrick. Afterward, she decided to take a stroll outside to clear her mind and contemplate the recent turn of events.

"He wants to see me again! But for what reason? We could have settled matters today... Oh well, it doesn't matter. I'll make the most of this lovely day regardless."

Seated cross-legged beneath the sprawling oak tree, Patricia basked in the tranquility of her surroundings. Her golden locks tumbled down her back in gentle waves as she closed her eyes, inhaling deeply the crisp, clean air that enveloped her. When she opened her eyes again, the breathtaking vista of rolling hills unfolded before her, adorned with verdant fields speckled with colorful wildflowers and accompanied by the melodic symphony of birdsong in the distance.

"I wish this moment could last forever," she murmured, savoring the serenit. While lost in her thoughts, Patrick approached Patricia, settling beside her to share in the serene moment.

While lost in her thoughts, Patrick approached Patricia, settling beside her to share in the serene moment.

"I see you're enjoying the view," he remarked.

"Patrick! When did you come?" she exclaimed, startled.

"You should be more aware of your surroundings. What's occupying your thoughts so deeply that you didn't notice me?" Patrick inquired.

Patricia struggled to conceal the truth, knowing her brother could easily see through her facade. "It's nothing... I was just hoping for another mission. We could use some money."

Patrick leaned against the tree trunk, gazing up at the sky.

"There is another mission," he announced.

"Really!" Patricia exclaimed with excitement.

Patrick whistled, then raised his arm. Suddenly, a large eagle swooped down, landing gracefully on his outstretched arm.

"Thunder!" Patricia greeted the bird warmly. Thunder hopped onto her lap, nuzzling against her hands affectionately.

"I missed you too," she murmured, stroking the bird's feathers gently.

Patrick unfolded the piece of paper retrieved from the eagle's leg and began to read it, while his sister eagerly awaited details about their next mission.

"So, what is the new mission?" Patricia inquired.

"I don't know," Patrick replied cryptically.

"What do you mean?" Patricia pressed for more information.

"The one hiring us is asking for a meeting with the hunter without providing any other details," Patrick explained.

"This is weird! I don't like it..." Patricia expressed her unease.

"He said that he would give us one hundred golden coins," Patrick added.

When Patricia heard the mention of a hundred gold coins, her eyes widened with surprise, and she stood up abruptly.

"A HUNDRED GOLD COINS! ARE YOU SURE?" she exclaimed.

"Yeah," Patrick confirmed.

Without hesitation, she made up her mind to accept the job. "Let's do it," she declared.

"I thought that you didn't like it..." Patrick reminded her.

"Well, I find it weird that he wants to meet me, but I'll accept if he really will pay us a hundred gold coins," Patricia explained.

"What if it's a trap?" Patrick voiced his concern.

"If that's the case, it'll be his bad luck because I'll break all his bones if it turns out he was lying," Patricia replied fiercely.

"But there's still one problem," Patrick added.

"What is it?" Patricia inquired.

"This wealthy man lives in faraway kingdom. It'll take us about two weeks to reach his place, and that means we'll have to leave our family behind," Patrick explained.

Patricia's excitement quickly turned to concern as she considered the implications for her family.

"WE CAN'T DO THAT! THEY CAN'T PROVIDE MONEY OR FOOD ON THEIR OWN!" she exclaimed.

"I know, and because of that, I think we should drop this mission," Patrick suggested.

But Patricia's frustration grew as she weighed the potential benefits against the risks to her family.

"But this is our chance to gain so much money! We will be able to pay all our siblings' school fees, and we'll be able to take Father to the best doctor in the kingdom," she argued.

Patrick's calm demeanor contrasted with Patricia's frustration as he gazed at the sky, contemplating their dilemma. When he finally turned to address his sister, his voice was calm but probing.

"What about you? Don't you want to do something for yourself?" he asked.

Patricia paused, momentarily envisioning herself adorned in the elegant dress she had admired in town. But her selfless nature quickly prevailed, and she shook off the fleeting desire.

"I don't... I only hope to see all my family members smiling happily," she replied earnestly.

Patrick rose to his feet, stretching his limbs as he pondered their options, "I will think about it. Maybe we can find a solution," he suggested, offering a glimmer of hope.

As Patrick prepared to depart, Patricia caught hold of his shirt, halting his movement.

"WAIT!" she exclaimed.

Patrick turned to face her, curious about her sudden request.

"What?" he inquired.

"Can I accompany you to town tomorrow?" Patricia asked hesitantly.

Patrick immediately discerned her intentions, "You want to meet him again, don't you?" he surmised.

"What's wrong with that? I want to know what happened to that kid and make sure that he didn't suspect anything," Patricia explained defensively.

Patrick responded with a reassuring smile, gently patting his sister's head.

"You don't have to worry about that bastard. If he tries anything, I will take care of it," he assured her, his eyes glinting with determination.

Concerned about her brother's protective nature and his readiness to use magic to safeguard her, Patricia grew even more anxious.

"This is not good," she mused. "I must put an end to this with the inspector as soon as possible, without involving Patrick. He's so protective, he won't allow me to handle it on my own."

The following days passed without any notable incidents, and Patricia had hoped that the inspector would forget about their agreement. However, her hopes were dashed when Derrick remained fixated on their meeting and was eager to see her again.

On the fourth day, Patricia received a letter from the inspector detailing their meeting location.

"Dear Lady Patricia, I hope you share my anticipation for our reunion. Let's meet tomorrow morning at the abandoned castle. I'll be awaiting your arrival."

Although Patricia wasn't particularly excited about seeing him again, she sensed he was a decent man.

"He wants to meet me at the abandoned castle. Well, it's not a bad spot. Paige and I often gather mushrooms there, not far from our house. I'll go to meet him discreetly, trusting he'll honor his word and not trouble us again."

That was what the innocent Patricia thought, but what was waiting for her was the complete opposite...