The night air was crisp as Kale stepped through the doors of the inn, the weight of his new acquisition hidden safely within his coat. The dim lanterns flickered against the wooden walls, casting long shadows over the modest interior. It was quiet—too quiet.
Then—
"You're late."
Rei's voice cut through the silence as he leaned against the wall, arms crossed. His sharp eyes studied Kale, searching for something he wouldn't find.
"Did something happen?" Reina asked, concern evident in her tone.
Serene, sitting near the window, barely glanced up before remarking, "You're out in the middle of a plague-ridden city, and you took your time returning. Either you're reckless, or you have a death wish."
Kale merely chuckled as he removed his coat, hanging it over the chair before taking a seat. "I was shopping."
Serene raised a brow. "Shopping? At this time."
Kale "I found a open shop"
Serene scoffed. "And what, exactly, did you buy in a dying kingdom?"
Kale leaned back, his fingers lightly tapping the table. "A few things."
Reina's gaze dropped to his hand. "Then what's that?"
Kale followed her eyes before casually adjusting his grip. The inventory ring gleamed faintly in the candlelight. He had been careful to conceal the egg, but even a small detail like this was enough to draw suspicion.
"Ah," he said smoothly, turning the ring as if admiring it for the first time. "A gift."
Rei's frown deepened. "From who?"
Kale met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "A generous merchant."
Silence hung between them, thick with unspoken questions.
Serene was the first to break it. "You know it's still dangerous outside, right? The disease hasn't vanished overnight."
"Of course." Kale tilted his head slightly. "But danger has never been a reason to stop me before, has it?"
Reina sighed, shaking her head. "At least tell us next time. Disappearing in a city like this isn't exactly reassuring."
Kale offered a slight smile. "Duly noted."
They wouldn't ask further. Not yet. None of them suspected the extent of his influence in this kingdom, nor the bargain he had struck.
And that was exactly how he wanted it.