Shadowleaf Forest

As the three girls approached, Zarina scrutinized them with narrowed eyes. However, she shifted her gaze back to him and nodded in agreement. Seeing her response, Archer smiled and said, "Alright, meet us by the exit when you're ready."

He then walked away with the three girls trailing behind him. Nala asked with curiosity, "Archie, why did you ask her to join?"

Archer gathered the three girls aside, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I couldn't help but notice she seemed uncomfortable and no one was speaking to her."

Nala, with a sympathetic nod, stepped forward to explain. "Her family is from a Baron lineage that oversees some farms in the south. Unfortunately, there's a history—her family was once Marquess but was demoted many years ago due to an incident nearly wiping them out. Since then, they've faced prejudice within the Avalon Empire, and people tend to keep their distance."