Chapter 75: From Preparation To Departure - Part 1

"And so, we're going to join the Annual Caravan Quest of the southern border group, Mr. Arezu." "And that is because of what reason, Lynn?" "Because Ms. Scary-Sylvia is at the northern border group... and so we can visit your hometown in the southern region." At a corner table inside the Adventurers' Guild hall—a spot already labeled by other adventurers and guild staff as the designated table of the infamous fearsome mage and her loyal follower—Lynn and Arezu were currently engaged in a crucial conversation. As usual, without even asking for Arezu's opinion, Lynn had registered their two-person party for the Annual Caravan Quest and selected the southern border group for the reasons she had stated. Despite the concerning mention of his hometown—and the fact that he was originally from the southern region, a detail he had casually shared during one of their late-night strolls, or rather, dates, on their previous bounty-hunting quest—Arezu was more concerned about something else. "Is anyone else we know joining the southern border group?" he asked, thinking it would be more convenient to have familiar faces during a quest that would last over two months. It would also be easier to rely on others if a troublesome situation were to arise. For example, dealing with someone's tantrum— "Just now, you were thinking something rude, weren't you, Mr. Arezu?" Lynn interrupted, glaring at him with full suspicion. "I was just thinking about us... Since it's just the two of us in our party, it would be convenient—" It was Arezu's way of dealing with Lynn's souring mood and impending tantrum: just give her some honest attention. That's why he used the word 'us' and began to explain his reasoning. And he was right. The moment Lynn heard that he was thinking about the two of them, everything else Arezu was saying no longer mattered. Her mood brightened, and a satisfied smile replaced her pout and threatening glare. "—you're listening to me, Lynn?" "My, my... Are you that desperate for my attention, Mr. Arezu?" This girl... he grumbled to himself while restraining his annoyance. After all, he would rather avoid another one of her tantrums or dramatic flares than get into another argument. Heaving a heavy sigh to dismiss what was making him worked up, Arezu repeated his question. "Who else is joining the southern border group, Lynn?" "I figured you might be curious, so I asked for a copy of the list from the receptionist." As if they'd just hand over that kind of information. She must have done something troublesome again, Arezu thought—only to be met with another threatening glare disguised as a gentle smile from Lynn. "I wonder why you're being so rude this early in the morning, Mr. Arezu?" "I'm not... If anything, I think I'm being quite patient with you." Setting aside their usual bickering—which, to the eyes of fellow eavesdropping adventurers, counted more as flirting—Lynn showed the list of participating adventurers in the southern border group of the Annual Caravan Quest. Reading it as best as he could with his still-improving reading skills, Arezu identified some familiar names. The leader of the southern border group was the temporary Guild Master, Kurea. Another familiar group was Rust and his party, including the archer Raven and the average mob-looking flame mage Blaze. There were other adventurers Arezu had temporarily worked with while Lynn had taken a few days' leave, like George and his party. Arezu even spotted Gwen's party on the list. Then, one particular group immediately caught his attention. "Lynn, why are Ms. Liz and Hannah—" "What about Hannah?" Arezu's question was cut short by Lynn's sharp, annoyed question. "And since when did the two of you become so close that you call each other by name?" Lynn asked—not really expecting an explanation, but clearly demanding he make amends. Despite her growing tantrum—something he wanted to avoid at all costs—Arezu found her line of questioning quite unreasonable. "You're being unreasonable again, Lynn," he said in a laid-back tone, voicing his complaint as gently as possible to avoid agitating her further. "Hmph!" Lynn just kept pouting, crossing her arms and looking away from him. At least she didn't cause a scene, Arezu thought, unaware of the faint smile that crossed his lips at her reaction. Damn! Handling the Lady Impaler like it's nothing? This guy's seriously good! thought everyone secretly eavesdropping on their conversation. After calming down, Lynn scooted closer and sat beside Arezu so she could answer his previous question. She leaned in to whisper softly—making sure no one else could overhear. Enduring his flustered embarrassment as Lynn whispered gently and sweetly into his ear—clearly teasing him to draw a reaction—Arezu listened carefully. "It seems like Liz and Hannah have formed a new party with a new hero candidate." That information was surprising—but what was more surprising, or rather alarming, was how Lynn had obtained such clearly classified information again. Seeing his anxious expression—though not quite the reaction she was aiming for—Lynn couldn't help but feel satisfied. And the moment he turned to face her, she flashed her usual mischievous grin, drawing even more unease from him and further brightening her mood. "Interested in knowing more?" Lynn said, unaware that not just her words, but all her actions were creating massive misunderstandings among the eavesdropping adventurers. "I'd rather not... Don't drag me into another troublesome matter, Lynn." "You're really being rude to me today, Mr. Arezu!"