"Be careful out there, August," Kimberly urged, her usually vibrant face clouding with concern as she watched him and Larcade prepare to leave.
"This black mission does not require me to escort you or monitor your progress," she continued. "I have received a separate order from Lord Brenae to oversee the complete rejuvenation of this area. Since you have already done the heavy lifting, the rest should proceed without any issues. Your merits have been recognised, and things should be clear once you complete the quest. So, for certain, you will be on your own this time. I'm not worried about your performance."
August appreciated her faith in him, yet the gravity of her words settled like a stone in his stomach. He understood the unspoken dangers implied in her tone without her saying it twice.
"The conservatives are prevalent in the north; I am aware of this, Kimberly," he replied, his resolve firm.
