If Caro were honest, she’d already braced for upheaval in Dermal City. She’d even placed her harp and luggage somewhere obvious—easy to grab the second chaos erupted. Ready to bolt at the first sign of a massive battle.

Instead, Arnold and Lucy returned, shoulders slumped and utterly dejected.

“I’d like a sweet smile from the shop girl, please.”

“…” If she could beat him, Caro would’ve punched him twice. Flaunting his strength like that… “That’ll be one gold coin.”

Arnold’s face twisted dramatically. “Why don’t you just rob me?!”

“Exactly. I *am* robbing you.”

They locked eyes—silent, stubborn—then burst into laughter.

Lucy blinked, utterly lost. Nothing urgent had happened, so no report was needed. Arnold clearly wanted to explain himself. She obediently vanished, awaiting Caro’s next summon.

Once the laughter settled, Caro tilted her head. “So… your plan didn’t go smoothly?”

Arnold’s smile faded. He sighed helplessly and summarized what happened.

“Wow. No wonder it’s the Ancient Spirit Tree. Pulling *that* off? Even you could only stand by.” Caro’s eyes held genuine awe. “But… if the Ancient Spirit Tree became human, what’s the downside for *you*?”

Arnold pondered seriously. “Honestly? None for me. For humans… probably minimal. Mostly symbolic stuff.”

“As long as daily life isn’t disrupted, who cares?” Caro shrugged casually. “Doing nothing’s actually a win-win. Only noble interests get touched. Deeper politics? Way above our paygrade.”

Arnold nodded. He wasn’t a statesman—just an adventurer. Strong, yes, but “big picture” thinking wasn’t his style. Adventurers *were* the impulsive sort. Too calm? Not a real adventurer.

“Actually…” Caro glanced past Arnold. The Blade Dancer stood far off, silently watching. “She’s here for *you*, right? Why not talk?”

Arnold hesitated. Seemed petty… but it was Caro. He rubbed his neck, flustered. “I’m still… uh… resistant?” His voice wavered.

“Oh! My bad. *I* told her where you were.” Caro’s eyes widened. She apologized instantly.

“No worries,” Arnold said quickly. “With Karin’s skills? She’d have tracked me anyway. She’s already in the city.”

“True.” Caro patted his shoulder. “But leaving her hanging? At this rate, she’ll watch you *while you sleep*. Awkward, no?”

“…You’ve got a point.” Arnold had planned to ignore it—but Caro’s words stuck.

*What a spineless man*, Caro sighed inwardly.

She checked the sky. Sun nearly set—closing time in an hour or two. *Rounding up? I’m off duty.*

She dashed to Ras: “A heartbreaker showed up with his ‘ex’ to discuss the future!” She pointed at Arnold and Karin outside.

Ras let her leave early, patting her arm. “Meeting a heartbreaker isn’t your fault. Don’t lose hope in life.”

“Let’s go!” Caro left her harp and luggage behind.

“Where?” Arnold frowned. “Wait… did I hear something *very* unflattering?”

Caro didn’t blink. “Your imagination. Come on—drinks.”

“Huh?!”

*She wants to drink?!* Arnold froze, memories of their first meeting flashing.

Caro shot him a look. “You love drinking, right? Grab two cups. ‘Liquid courage gives cowards bravery.’ Drink till the awkward fades—*then* talk.”

“…” Brutal. Simple. Maybe… effective.

“You’ve got a point,” Arnold admitted. “But tavern wine? Barely drinkable.”

Caro arched a brow. “Meaning?”

“Fanlin House! I deserve payment, don’t I?”

*Yeah, right—you just want to report in.* Caro smirked inwardly. *Typical Arnold. Scoundrel luck with women: both Fanlin sisters, Karin… Beauties like this? Even as a rich heir in my past life, I’d never seen two cluster around one guy.*

“Aren’t you informing House Valentin?” Caro asked lightly.

“Hua wouldn’t hide it. Facing the Ancient Spirit Tree? Noble houses share interests.”

*Huh. For an adventurer, he sees clearly…* Caro was surprised.

“You freeload fine. Me? Less so.” She tugged his sleeve, whispering close: “‘Three women make a drama.’ Blade Dancer, two Fanlin sisters… Drink at Fanlin House? You’re doomed.”

*…And you don’t count?*

Arnold’s chest tightened. *She doesn’t even see me as… male. Or maybe she just doesn’t side with ‘women’ at all.*

Still… she had a point. Memories of his old party surfaced—those rare, truly happy moments.

“Then… I’ll grab wine. Find a quiet spot?”

“The park where I slept! Has a lake. Can you fish?”

“If I want fish, I don’t *need* to fish.”

“…” *Right. Sword qi’d snag one in seconds.* Caro eyed him with mild pity. *Zero clue about fishing, grilling, drinking… Though… neither do I, really.*

They made a quick trip. Arnold took only a few bottles from Fanlin House—enough. Neither planned to get drunk. Caro’s tolerance was… questionable. She’d passed out drinking with him before.

As they left, Hua Fanlin seemed about to speak—but duties held her back. *Heartless guy!* Caro thought. *One invitation, and she’d have dropped everything.*

(Though Caro stayed hidden from the Fanlin sisters.)

The park wasn’t empty—post-dinner strollers dotted the paths. They walked until finding a secluded lakeside spot.

“…She’s *still* following,” Caro murmured. “Are all Heroic Rank adventurers a little… off?”

Arnold pretended not to hear. “No idea what she wants.”

“Mm…” *Affection meter at 59. One key event to 80—past “like,” straight to “really like.” Maybe even 90.*

But Caro stayed silent. This was Arnold’s life. As a friend, drinking beside him was enough. Pushing further? No boundaries. She had no right to decide—even if she secretly rooted for the story.

Arnold produced a blanket, spreading it smoothly.

Caro raised a finger. “So prepared~” *Thoughtful in little things… Note to self: learn.*

Arnold silently thanked *The Romantic Prince*. *Details decide success. Got it.*

They sat. Arnold uncorked a bottle. Caro snatched one, tipped it back—

“Gulp, gulp, gulp!!!” Half gone in seconds. “Ahhh! Perfect! *This* is when you drink!”

Arnold had meant to say “no atmosphere,” but Caro’s boldness left no retreat.

He grabbed his own bottle. “Glug, glug, glug!”