Narara

Limon hadn't sensed anything unusual, but the petite figure beside him certainly had. She gazed at the fallen Stone Demon sprawled on the beach, her delicate face reflecting a mixture of understanding and pity. Murmuring softly, she said, "So that's how it is… you're truly fortunate."

Hearing her, Limon glanced down and asked, "What did you discover?"

The small figure waved a dainty hand toward the Stone Demon's severed neck. "Look at the wound—it exploded from within. Your strike happened to land right where its magical energy was concentrated. That destabilized the energy and caused it to erupt."

"Ah, so that's the reason…" Limon muttered, realization dawning on him. He now understood why his attack had been so effective.

The small figure wasn't done, though. She tilted her head to look up at him and added, "Luck aside, it also proves your strength. Without enough force in that strike, you wouldn't have been able to disrupt its magic. So yes, you're strong."

The compliment, coming from someone so diminutive, didn't fill Limon with pride so much as amusement. He chuckled, glancing down at her. "Shall I carry you back, or will you come along on your own?"

Annoyed, she jabbed a tiny finger at him, her small face flushing with frustration. "You… hmph!" She spun on her heel and stomped off toward the path back, her irritation evident.

Limon followed her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. How could such a tiny being be so endearing? Even when angry, she seemed more adorable than intimidating. Her huffing and puffing only added to her charm.

The forest surrounding the beach soon fell quiet after the pair left. From the shadows, a figure emerged. Draped in a flowing white robe, she had silver hair that shimmered faintly in the moonlight and a pair of soft, fox-like ears perched atop her head. Kneeling beside the Stone Demon, she examined the remains with sharp, golden eyes.

"This kind of power…" she murmured, her voice low and filled with unease. "Are those people active again? But this energy… it's darker, more chaotic. Whoever did this is no ordinary being."

Her golden eyes lingered on the severed neck of the Stone Demon, her expression contemplative.

The journey back to the Sand Fishery was uneventful. As they approached the wooden cabin, Laladoya, who had been anxiously pacing by the door, spotted them and hurried over, relief evident on his face.

"Miss Narara!" Laladoya called out, his voice trembling slightly. "Thank goodness you're safe! I wouldn't have known what to do if something had happened to you."

Narara waved him off with a casual flick of her hand. "I'm fine, Mr. Laladoya. No need to fuss. I promise I won't wander off again."

Laladoya's tense shoulders relaxed slightly at her reassurance, but he wasn't entirely convinced. "Miss Narara, this isn't the city. The wilderness is far too dangerous, even for someone like you. Please, be more cautious next time."

By now, the workers had returned from their day's labor, and several soldiers clad in gleaming silver chainmail stood nearby, their presence lending an air of authority to the otherwise festive atmosphere. Laladoya gestured toward them. "I've summoned the Silver Guard escort. Miss Narara, they will take you home safely. And don't worry, I'll send you the finest sand bonefish as promised."

Narara glanced at the Silver Guard soldiers with visible reluctance but nodded. She clearly didn't want to leave but seemed to have little choice in the matter.

At Laladoya's signal, three soldiers stepped forward. "Ensure Miss Narara's safety," he instructed. The soldiers saluted and moved to escort her to a luxurious carriage waiting near the fishery.

Before stepping away, Narara turned back to Limon. Her golden eyes softened slightly as she said, "Adventurer, you saved me today, and though your manners leave much to be desired, I won't forget your kindness."

Limon raised an eyebrow, unsure whether to take her words as a compliment or a rebuke. Before he could respond, Narara bowed lightly, then followed the soldiers toward the waiting carriage.

As the carriage rolled away, Laladoya let out a long sigh of relief. He leaned against the wooden fence near the cabin, visibly more at ease now that Narara was safe. After a moment, he straightened and turned to Limon, his expression serious.

"Sir, when you found Miss Narara, did anything unusual happen?" Laladoya asked.

Limon recounted the encounter with the Stone Demon, describing the battle and its aftermath in detail.

Laladoya listened attentively, his face growing increasingly solemn. When Limon finished, Laladoya sighed. "I think I understand why Miss Narara ventured into such danger. Recently, she lost a keepsake her late mother left her. It must have been weighing heavily on her mind."

After a moment of silence, Laladoya added, "Miss Narara has many enemies, but few would dare act so boldly here. Still, this incident cannot be ignored. I'll report it to the Silver Guard headquarters immediately."

Turning to Limon, Laladoya bowed slightly. "It's fortunate you were there, sir. Without your help, I shudder to think what might have happened. You have my deepest gratitude."

Limon shook his head, his tone calm. "I just did what anyone should. I couldn't stand by and do nothing."

Laladoya's expression softened. "If only more adventurers thought like you. Sir Limon, I have a feeling your future will be anything but ordinary. May I know your full name?"

"Limon Darwin," he replied.

Recognition flashed in Laladoya's eyes. "Ah, Sir Limon! You're the one who accepted my posted task, aren't you? That's wonderful! With you accompanying us, I have no doubt this journey will proceed without issue."

Glancing at the bustling fishery, Laladoya smiled warmly. "Today is Harvest Day, and we'll be departing early tomorrow. Until then, please rest in the cabin, Sir Limon. Tonight's bonfire celebration will be quite the spectacle—I hope you'll enjoy it."

With that, Laladoya gave himself a quick pat on the cheeks, his usual cheerful demeanor returning as he busied himself preparing for the festivities.