Verlith's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

She lifted her head, gazing up at the towering man with pink pupils.

"Captain Horatu," she asked, "what brings you to me?"

"You're Vier, right? Perfect timing."

"Yes. What is it?"

"Go tell Lady Alyssa we can only stay one night at the Rest Station. We depart at five tomorrow—earlier than usual. Don't let youthful laziness delay the whole team."

Mercenary Captain Horatu crossed his arms, peering down at Verlith with a sidelong glance. His arrogant demeanor drew unwanted attention. Lady Alyssa sat just a few tables away, yet he couldn't be bothered to inform her personally—clearly, he didn't consider his employer important.

"Huh?"

Verlith blinked, tray of food in hand. Something felt off about Horatu compared to earlier that day. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

Mental files on Horatu flipped through her mind, analyzed in an instant.

"I'll relay the message," she replied evenly, hiding her suspicion. *What happened to him? Patience. The answer will come.*

"I suggest you, some backwater girl dazzled by the Rest Station's luxury, don't stay out too late playing around. If you make Lady Alyssa late tomorrow, I'll make sure you regret it!" His booming voice echoed through the dining hall. Patrons shot him dirty looks, ignored.

"Captain Horatu," Verlith countered coolly, "punctuality is basic etiquette for nobles. Are you implying Lady Alyssa—a paragon of grace—would be late?"

*He's rushing. Why?*

Horatu leaned forward, casting a shadow over her. An ordinary person would've frozen under that pressure.

Verlith didn't flinch.

Though shorter, her spine stayed rigid. Her quiet presence dissolved his bluster like mist.

It was a swordmaster's aura—unseen, yet undeniable.

Horatu wielded a greatsword, but he wasn't a true swordsman. He couldn't grasp that invisible force, yet his soldier's instincts prickled. *This girl... isn't ordinary.* He felt oddly restrained, as if she stood above him.

"Listen here, girl!" Horatu barked, scowling. "I don't know how you wormed your way into this team, but if you interfere with our mission? Pray your pretty face is as tough as buffalo hide!"

*Testing me. In public.* Verlith understood. A real expert wouldn't tolerate such humiliation. Even if she held back for some reason, he'd be watching her every twitch—ready to strike first. His mission allowed no mistakes.

But as he scrutinized her...

She caught his scent.

Overpowering tobacco.

Horatu rarely smoked around the team. Yet here, reeking of multiple pipes smoked alone in his room? *He's anxious. Something's wrong.*

Her pulse quickened. *The fox is finally showing its tail.*

A faint smile touched Verlith's lips. *Child's play. After my training? My cover won't crack that easily.*

Once, she'd have shattered his ribs for such insolence.

Now? True strength meant winning without drawing steel.

So—

"Wah!"

Verlith buried her face in her arm. A performance of tears.

"W-wahhh... Captain Horatu, you're so scary!" Her voice trembled with perfectly pitched sobs. "What can a clueless girl like me possibly do to ruin your *important* work?"

The Silverhaired Maiden's shoulders shook with theatrical sniffles.

"*Rude brute!*" a diner hissed.

"*Ugly face, uglier manners!*" another added.

"*Bet a silver coin he dies from running his mouth off!*"

Horatu froze. *Oh no.* Public opinion had turned. *Never make a girl cry in public. Never.*

Regret flooded him. *Since when do I suspect delicate maidens of being warriors? Stress is rotting my brain.*

He awkwardly patted the air near her shoulder. Withdrew. Couldn't flee under all those stares.

"Just—stop crying!" he stammered. "My words were harsh, fine! But tell Alyssa: five o'clock sharp! Why are you *still* crying?!"

Alyssa was already rising from her table. Two women plus a crowd of spectators? Disaster.

"*Damn it!*" Horatu thought, grabbing two bread rolls. "*This is why I hate girls. Cry at everything. Real women don't—*"

He fled to his room.

Verlith watched him go, eyes glinting.

"The advantage of this physique," she murmured, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. "Truly... unexpected."