"I think he went into the forest," Old Buron said, scratching his chin.
"Not sure exactly, but… you can try asking that little elf over there."
He gestured toward the front step, where Elvia was quietly sitting with her hands folded on her lap.
"Okay. Thanks."
Gikan gave a nod and stepped away from the carriages, his cloak fluttering slightly in the breeze as he approached the girl.
"Little elf?"
Elvia looked up, startled. "Y-Yes?"
He crouched a bit, trying not to loom too much.
"Where's the human?" he asked simply.
"Miss Kisha?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Ah… no." Gikan smiled slightly. "The black-haired human."
"Oh… he said to tell you he went into the forest behind the orphanage."
Gikan stood back up, eyes flicking to the treeline behind the building.
"Okay. Thank you."
He turned to the group of guild staff and transport workers gathered near the carriages.
"All of you wait here."
Then looked at the two adventurers assigned to escort him.
"You two—follow me."
