The peaceful quiet of the rest stop didn't last long.
The sound of wheels crunching over gravel echoed down the path as another carriage arrived, flanked by two escort wagons and two mounted guards.
Hazuki glanced up mid-bite, chewing on his grilled meat skewer as the group rolled in with a puff of dust.
The adventurer escort party stepped down first—four humans, one dwarf, and a halfling.
Then the main carriage door opened, revealing an ornate design with silver trim and velvet curtains.
A girl stepped out, maybe twelve years old, wearing noble-trimmed merchant robes. Her arms crossed, her chin raised, and her face already scrunched in irritation.
Hazuki took another slow bite of meat, choosing a spot not too close, just near enough to hear.
"My father hired all of you!! Why can't we continue to our destination!?" the girl shouted, her voice shrill and impatient.
One of the adventurers rubbed his neck, clearly used to this.
