"Sir, welcome back."

Upon returning to the inn, Costate showed no concern for Xiesta's whereabouts and immediately spoke of Ronald:

"I've left a copy of the newspaper that was delivered to the inn for you; it's in your room along with some food. If the weather's cold and you need to rest, hot water has been prepared as well."

Ronald responded with a smile:

"Thank you, Costate."

"I'll just go back to my room to rest; you can chat with anyone around here. It's good for your character development."

"Sir, I understand." Costate promptly obeyed the order, nodded, and walked out of the inn.

Ronald then went upstairs alone.

He was pleasantly surprised to find that Costate had altered his food a second time, adjusting it to his perfect preference.

During their time together,

Costate, through her role as a maid, had completely figured out Ronald's habits, flawlessly catering to all his needs.

"That's nice..."

Comparing Costate with Xiesta, Ronald immediately praised the maid's thoughtfulness from the bottom of his heart.

He then enjoyed his meal while reading the newspaper on his table.

This local newspaper from North Quik devoted much of its space to boasting about the current government's excellent military and work capabilities—especially lauding the military prowess.

In a much smaller section,

Ronald saw some personal notices and hiring advertisements, the focus of the propaganda being blatantly obvious.

Moreover, in the later pages, Ronald read about the 'elimination of criminals.' It mentioned that the army had information about the criminals' leader coming to North Quik and expressed confidence in capturing him.

"Is this kind of content also reported?"

Ronald doubted whether there were systemic issues in North Quik.

Meanwhile, after finishing his meal, he lay down on the bed.

At this moment, Costate was outside talking to the locals, Lulaye was not detected by the Reconnaissance Spell, and Xiesta was conversing with the captives alone.

Ronald reasoned that none of these people would encounter any problems.

He allowed himself to drift into sleep.

"..."

Realistically speaking, the cult sorcerer was no less capable than a suitable companion.

The next day when they prepared to take the train, Ronald and the other two arrived at the station without catching a glimpse of Xiesta.

If Ronald hadn't confirmed through a spell that Xiesta was rushing toward the station, they might have ended up searching for this unreliable cult sorcerer in the city.

Thus, just as the train was about to depart,

Xiesta finally made it to their luxurious carriage just in time.

However, the cult sorcerer did not board the train alone; a young girl in a long dress followed behind her.

Ronald immediately recognized her as the girl previously abducted by Xiesta.

He didn't need to ask, for upon seeing this scene, Lulaye immediately approached and spoke:

"Xiesta, why have you brought another one?"

"Lulaye, this isn't me breaking our agreement, but rather a 'toy' Ronald wanted..."

Xiesta began explaining with a smile but was quickly silenced by Ronald:

"Shut your mouth! This girl was clearly taken by you on your own, don't drag me into this!"

Several people around immediately turned their attention to Ronald.

Ronald continued to explain:

"The other day when I went out with Xiesta, this person suddenly abducted the girl without any direction from me!"

Xiesta looked quite indignant:

"Ronald, you have to be reasonable!"

"Weren't you the one always looking at me and her? How could you have no intentions?"

Ronald gestured with one hand and magically grabbed Xiesta from mid-air.

Then with a bang, he slammed her onto the ground:

"Now that there are only a few of us in the carriage, I can smash your head into the floor, and soon you won't be seen with the eyes anymore—how do you feel about that?"

Xiesita responded quite quickly:

"So that day, was it because there were no other people in the alley that you saw me?"

"Wait! Ronald, just wait a minute!"

"If my head gets smashed and damages the train, it won't be good; think carefully!"

Ronald's tone didn't fluctuate at all:

"After thinking it over carefully, I also feel that pressing you down now is the most appropriate choice. Do you have any last words to leave behind..."

Clang—

Just then, the train's body suddenly shook.

—The train had started.

Ronald and Xiesita's actions didn't stop because of this, but the people in the carriage all turned their gaze in unison.

Because right at the door.

The girl brought back by Xiesita suddenly collapsed on the ground.

At the same time, her body trembling as she stared at Lalaiye, who stood by with an indifferent expression.

She had just heard Lalaiye's name from Xiesita's mouth, and then, combining it with the appearance and posture of the man in front of her, a terrifying thought surfaced in her mind.

—Lalaiye.

—The legendary head of the Entrode spies.

—An absolute devil who had killed countless of his own people and then oppressed others.

A name only heard in mission bulletins.

Its owner was now standing in front of her.

Not to mention that during the previous day, as a captive, she had fully experienced Xiesita's power.

And such a terrifying existence was related to the devil, Lalaiye.

Thinking further...

Was there really any hope for victory in their rebellion in the land of Entrode?

The train had just left North Quik as this thought crossed her mind.

Through the luxury carriage window, the girl saw the city being replaced by the relentless white of the snow.

It was as if she could feel the cold through the carriage.

"Hey, kid."

"Are you alright?"

In this fleeting moment of thought, the girl's icy gaze was blocked by a concerned figure.

Ronald noticed her condition.

Then he walked over and patted her shoulder.

"I'm really sorry, my companion scared you earlier."

"But I ask you to calm down and listen, we were not the informers at that gathering, we just happened to stop by coincidentally."

The girl's thoughts were very chaotic at the moment.

But amidst the chaos, as her thoughts drifted, she somehow understood Ronald's explanation and felt that the man in front of her was not deceiving her.

"Ah... I..."

"Sedir, my name is Sedir."

The girl... or rather, the girl named Sedir made an effort to speak, and then clung tightly to Ronald in front of her.

"Tell me, does hope really exist?"

Ronald was also stunned.

Although the girl's arms were slender, he seemed to feel a special strength from the hands gripping him—a final strength from this person's convictions.

He had to answer seriously...

Ronald's heart chilled.

So he nodded solemnly and replied earnestly:

"Yes, there is always hope."

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