The First Heroine [2]

[is there really such a thing?]

Right now, the young woman had left Aden to rest in a quiet corner of the inn. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the worn wooden walls, a stark contrast to the vibrant tapestry of memories swirling in Aden's mind.

"No, there isn't," Aden replied almost instantly, his voice a low murmur.

[Then, why...?] A faint echo of concern resonated in his head.

"Because I needed a way to grab that Brocon's attention," Aden said with a sly grin. "Now that the groundwork's been laid, all we have to do is sit tight and watch the show unfold."

[What exactly are you planning, Aden? I have a bad feeling about this,] the voice pressed.

"Don't worry, everything will work out in the end. This, of course, is to ensure my fractured mana core doesn't remain in such a fragile state by the time I leave this town," Aden reassured, his voice laced with a hint of hidden motive.