After my companion entered, brushing the remaining snow from his boots, I continued the conversation.

"I've heard about this in the Near-Northlands, but I didn't think the events of a year ago would have such consequences."

"I wish it would all just disappear, but..."

The man paused, looking around.

He was probably worried about being overheard by someone present. All the assembled coachmen and patrons of the small tavern were chatting merrily, so I doubt anyone would hear us. Unless, of course, we raise our voices.

He could also be looking for Old Man Fose.

In any case, I have no choice but to wait for an answer.

And as soon as I waited, my nerves tensed.

"Rumor has it that the appearance of dragons and monsters in that part of the mountains is the work of a sorcerer."

"A sorcerer?"

"Correct. On the outskirts of the city, there's a so-called 'Shelter,' where a sorcerer lived who raised children for sacrifice. Rumor has it he wanted to bring the Cold Death witch back to life and made a deal with the Monster, offering children's hearts as offerings. The gods didn't accept this, and Kudai sent his servants to deal with the evil."

"Did the Lord of the North himself intervene?"

"Yes."

The man nodded.

But isn't the Northern Dragon God Kudai angry at the children of the north?

I'd love to ask that question, but I'm afraid I'll be misunderstood and closely watched. I don't want to attract suspicious glances for discussing some rumor.

Besides, this is an insult to the local deity, and therefore could end in a lawsuit. Even my position in the Unity Church won't help me here, since I'm in the territory of an entirely different faith. So I need to be careful.

For now, I'll just listen to the assumption, and I'll find out about its veracity once I'm in the city itself, since such stories are often embellished.

"And what happened to that sorcerer?"

"As far as I know, he was crucified and burned. Burned at the stake, another stain on the pages of our country's history."

"Witches and sorcerers who make deals with dark entities always leave behind a nasty legacy. Sometimes, such legacy never fades."

"That's true. The sorcerer left behind a rather unpleasant gift. Many beasts have abandoned their habitat and now pose a far greater threat. We can't do without an escort in the form of an army or experienced mercenaries and seekers."

"What? So the problem is that there's no proper security? So my sword is a joke to you?"

"With all due respect to you as a swordsman, I don't think a fragile lady is capable of fighting demons."

"I gathered enough information about the north before the trip. Besides, I'm not that weak."

"Aren't you worried about demons appearing on the route to Fal?"

"It saddens me to admit, but of all the candidates they were planning to send here, I turned out to be the most suitable.

Very, very suitable.

If a demon gets in the way, I'll undoubtedly deal with it. I won't even have to strain myself, but... if there's a beast invasion, that'll be more difficult."

"And where is Mr. Fose now?"

"Yes, there he is, sitting at the bar, drinking," Naglez answered without hesitation.

"Well, I found him quickly myself."

The man, in his fifties, smiled broadly at the waitress before taking a sip from his mug.

Well, after a long drive, it wouldn't hurt to have a drink to unwind. After all, traveling through these landscapes is nothing but tension.

Besides, as soon as I looked out the window, the wind began to pick up. The blizzard will start again, and then it'll be back to trudging through the snow dunes.

"Well, wish me luck."

"I hope you finally get out of here."

Smirking, I began to make my way past the tables and the men sitting at them.

If they'd just moved their butts a little closer to the tables, I could have walked past them without having to make all these movements. But no, they were laughing, having fun, chatting, and paying no attention to their surroundings.

The men of the North are no different from the drunks of the Central continent.

"Hey, lady, bring me another drink!"

With these words, the lout sitting next to me casually touched my butt. I flinched slightly, then gave him a resounding slap.

With a loud thud, the man fell off his chair, spilling everything he'd been eating on himself.

"Are you nuts?!"

"Shut up." If you're acting like a pig, you better get what you deserve.

- Ugh! Listen, that lady really gave you a good beating.

- And I told you it might not be the waitress walking by!

- So, did I jinx it?

- So, that's how it is, the ignorant drinking buddies began to say, while one of the companions examined the injured face, which was quite swollen.

In this world, you can get used to anything, but not to being touched without permission. Let him be thankful I didn't hit him with all my might. However, looking at how his nose was bleeding and how many teeth he'd already spat out, I gave him a good beating.

- What a bitch... you're fucking with Feb!

- Sorry, I don't understand pig language.

- Idiot! Can't you see who she is?!

- Huh?

"We apologize for the inconvenience..." the idiot who had come to the rescue immediately began apologizing.

And what's going on here? Why are they so horrified? Did she hit them so hard that even my companions' minds changed?

Anyway, ignoring the idiot and their concern for him, I continued on my way.

This time, the drunks who'd seen this scene deigned to move over. Besides, I heard a few words from the female employees.

"Did you see how she treated him?"

"Will there be any problems because of this?"

"Well, it wasn't us who hit that pig. I hope he learns not to hit anyone."

"I'm glad at least someone taught him a lesson."

"I hope Pendragon doesn't bring his punishment down on him."

"Pendragon?" Oh, right! I think they called me that at my last place, but I didn't think much of it. Do I really look that much like a member of that family?

Why bother with such nonsense? Even if it was just a minor annoyance, many should have learned a lesson.

Sometimes there are girls who can give you a good punch in the face. He was lucky he fell on the floor and not on another guy, or else there would have been a fight like in the last town.

Okay, enough of that distraction. My conversation partner right now is Old Man Fozé.

Approaching the bar, I casually said,

"Excuse me, can I sit next to you?"

"Well, sit down if there's no room. Although, after that show you put on, anyone would have given up their seat for you..." the old man remarked with a slight chuckle, the intense gaze of his eyes on his wrinkled face making me flinch slightly.

A keen, searching gaze, trying to discern what the conversation might be about. Quite an unusual old man.

Pretending not to notice, I sat down next to the bar.

"I was simply standing up for my maiden honor!"

"Maiden honor? Even the most beautiful animal becomes shabby and useless in old age. You should be glad your youth was at least appreciated."

"What a sight, Uncle Fozé!" "That guy deserved it, he groped so many employees!" the employee who brought me a mug of alcohol was indignant.

"But I haven't ordered anything yet."

"It's on the house."

"And me?"

"Your hand is covered in shit! You had a good time at our expense last time."

"That's true. But it's still offensive when such a lovely lady gets so angry."

"Yes, yes, yes!"

With these words, the employee disappeared into the work area.

I watched her go, only sighing before picking up the mug and hesitantly taking a sip. I don't want to get drunk, but still...

It may be a bit bitter, but it's much better than the ones in roadside eateries. I wonder what this ale was made with?

"Sir, what was it made with?"

"Mmm? Ah! What you're holding is a very ordinary amber drink." "An amber drink? Whiskey, perhaps? More like ale."

"Ha-ha-ha! That's right, this miracle is made with herbs that grow under the canopies of trees, small bushes, and the odd berry that grows here."

"A strange combination."

"Well, you can brew it with anything!"

"Brew? They brew it?"

"Well, how do you make a drink that's similar in structure to whiskey but tastes like ale? We don't have the same conditions as in those northern lands."

"Yeah, whatever the entities poison themselves with."

"Poisoned?"

"Well, alcohol is bad for a sober mind."

"But it's good for a tired mind."

"Having said this, Old Foze took another sip.

I followed his example, taking a small sip.

"You know, I'm actually here..."

"To persuade you to pick me up in Fal."

I just smiled awkwardly when he interrupted.

They'd probably already told him about me. So I suppose it's even better this way, and I won't have to explain myself.

"Yes, I need to go to that town."

"On the eve of the Feast?"

"The Feast?"

"That's what we call the annual descent of beasts and filth from the mountains to Fala. Generally, it's a profitable business for seekers, but it's best not to go to town during that time."

"I see... but even so, I need to go there."

"...

"I'm willing to pay any price you ask. I can also act as a sword."

"There's no point in such a sweet girl trying to persuade me."

"So the problem is the client?"

"Unfortunately. He's a very difficult client. Always grumbling, dissatisfied, and has no respect for the elderly. Who knew there were such people in the military..."

"Military..."

"Yeah, those same ones." "Old Foze replied without much interest, taking another sip of his drink.

I looked into my mug, where my face and tired gaze were reflected.

Say what you will, but the Army, the Church, and the Adventurers' Guild are a bit at odds with each other, even if they try to coexist.

This time, my opponent will be the sovereign's watchdog, who won't be easily persuaded. Usually, military personnel travel in specially prepared transport to stand out from the crowd. But there are cases when military personnel travel as ordinary civilians. And there are a few reasons for this, one of which is arriving at their destination incognito.

In such cases, it's even more difficult to negotiate with them for assistance along the way.

On top of that, he grumbles a lot, which means either he thinks too highly of himself or is simply prim. It's quite possible that the matter is urgent, and that's why his nerves are on edge.

Even among knights, there are those who are not quite right in the head simply because they're overexcited.

But it's still worth talking about.

If not, I'll take advantage of the fact that they're confusing me with a member of a certain Pendragon family. Maybe that will work.

- And where is your client based?

- Where... I think he was on his way to the inn. Honestly, I didn't ask that grumpy idiot where exactly he went.

- Aren't you afraid of losing clients after saying that?

- You shouldn't pry into a client's affairs. Where, where, and why they go is of no concern to me. The less you know, the healthier you'll be.

- Interesting words. But do you at least know his name?

- He introduced himself as Staff Officer Second Rank Hrut Becker.

- I see. Then all I have to do is persuade him to hire me?

- If I can, I'll lower the price. Still, you're in a hurry too. And I'll be several times more at peace.

Having said this, the old man chuckled once more before pouring himself another sip of his mug.

Well, I'll have to be patient if I want to continue my journey.