A while later, Lucien and Valerie headed out through the estate gate, walking past the garden outside the forest. Lady Varlyeth remained on her balcony, watching them until they left the garden entirely.
Her expression betrayed concern and doubt until they finally vanished from sight, and she retreated into her chambers.
Lucien and Valerie continued their trek. The young girl bounced energetically beside him, thrilled beyond measure for the adventure ahead.
Ten minutes passed—they were still walking. Twenty, thirty—still walking. They were, in fact, drawing closer to the canal docks now.
Valerie cast a worried glance at Lucien. After hesitating for some time, she finally asked:
"Adventurer Cien…"
Lucien looked down at her, his expression masked by White Crown.
"Yes, my lady."
"Do you perhaps not know where to find Caisson? If not, we could ask around?"
Lucien fell silent. When Valerie looked down in dejection, assuming he wouldn't answer, his voice came.
