"So, we are meeting them here." Anna looked around. They were in the middle of a grass field. She had a hard time looking around because the grass was tall.
Though, they were surrounded by a small hill. It wouldn't be hard for Damian to find them if he ever reached this place. They had even set up a tent and a campfire to give the signal.
"Yeah. We have to prepare as well. Because of the danger that awaits us, we can't bring any horses, so we have to go on foot. It will increase the travel time drastically."
"Since we only have less than six months, we are going to take one and a half months for the trip alone and use the rest to discuss everything with the hermit. Is that alright?" Noel asked, confirming their schedule.
"Yes." Anna nodded without hesitation. Dimitri remained by their side openly. Considering this was a mission in which Dimitri would be directly involved, he didn't hide himself when it wasn't needed.
"Still, we've been waiting for one day. I wonder if they are going to come…" Anna sighed. 'They' in her mouth were Damian and her father's disciple. She added, "Who would come first?"
Anna's doubts were answered a few hours later.
When they had just finished their lunch, they felt a presence coming toward them. It moved fast to the point where the trio were being alerted.
However, Anna soon smiled and said, "To think you would arrive first!"
"Oh! I rushed to this place as soon as I saw your message. What are you thinking, making me cover a trip that was supposed to last for two weeks in just one week? I had to use my power to reach this place." A female's voice echoed from behind the grass.
Noel and Dimitri lowered their weapons when Anna recognized her.
They stared at her figure. Dimitri had known about her, but he never saw her.
The woman had long, flowing brown hair resting on her back. Her attire was a reflection of her roles as a scout and a healer. She wore a flowing robe made of fabric to make it easy to move.
Around her waist, she wore a belt with small pouches containing a few medicines that would help her heal the injured.
Her temperament was gentle, yet energetic and easygoing. She raised her hand on top of her head as though she were greeting them.
"Hello, my name is Nicole. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Marquis Stargaze's disciple. You can consider me Anna's elder sister as well, since we have been together a lot in the past. No need for formality or anything since I'm not good at it." Nicole introduced herself while extending her hand to Noel and Dimitri.
Both of them shook her hand in succession. It seemed that Nicole was already aware of Dimitri's presence since she wasn't shocked by the power within him.
Anna looked at Nicole and said, "I'm sorry for calling you here. I've told you everything, so if you think it's too dangerous, you can back away."
"To be fair, I came here so that I could drag you back. Your father will surely not like it, you know." Nicole scratched the back of her head. "Well, even if I planned to do so, I wouldn't be able to do it as long as this gentleman is here."
Dimitri looked away. Since Anna was the one suggesting this idea, she had to take part in it. After all, she had to be responsible for influencing Noel with her idea.
"So, only four of us will be going this time?" Nicole asked.
"Not yet. There is supposed to be the fifth one, if he actually agreed." Anna sighed. "Sorry that I involved you in this."
"No. It's fine to be honest. Since you've told me about it, I can help you directly avoid most dangers. I will probably get slapped a few times if Master learns about this, so I hope that you can help me with that." Nicole winked playfully.
Even Anna shook her head helplessly. She knew that Nicole was always this playful, but it also made her feel bad for involving her.
"Besides…" As a scout, she could see the slight change in Anna's expression. So, she added, "…If I join you, I can witness your personal growth. Anna, you've been too extreme in the past and a bit cold. I've heard from Master that you have changed for the better, so I can't help but want to see you."
"In fact, I've been waiting for you to come to me so that I can watch your change. I guess you never need my help. Anyway, I'm just glad that you invited me."
Anna couldn't help but smile. There was an 'elder sister' that cared about her the whole time, but because of the brainwashing, she never cared about it in her previous life.
But before she could say anything, Nicole had already turned around and examined Noel.
"Ehm? What?" Noel felt a bit uncomfortable with her stare, especially with how she moved closer and looked upside down.
"No. I'm wondering what kind of man can change Anna and even make her put her life on the line. I see, so it's you. Well, I don't know who you are, but I don't think you are that bad. So, are you planning to marry her?"
"Huh?" Noel's eyebrows twitched. "We're not that close, to begin with. We are…"
Noel tilted his head in confusion, asking Anna. "What are we? Are we friends, accomplices, or what? I feel like we're as close as best friends but as distant as accomplices."
"I don't know." Anna shrugged her shoulders, looking a bit annoyed.
Nicole had a weird grin, as if she had found their interaction amusing. But she soon took a step back and turned around, saying, "Well, whatever. It seems that the fifth person is coming."
"!!!" Dimitri slightly furrowed his eyebrows as he hadn't even felt Damian's presence. To think she could sense Dimitri from that far, it seemed that she was the real deal.
