They're loosing hope.
It's already the third day but they haven't found the L-gang members nor the young miss.
The members who took Yana didn't show up at their usual meeting place. Looks like someone had tipped them off.
On the other hand, Grace had been comforting the members and is encouraging the team to proceed to the other village instead.
"Don't you think it's time for us to move to the next village? I don't think they're here." She suggested again. Worry was also painted all over her face.
Cole blankly stared at the speaking woman. She seemed so concern but a bit of her anxiety can be seen on her actions and Cole can't say what she's been worried about since yesterday.
Liam heard Grace and it is indeed useless and hopeless at the same time for the team to stay in this village for another day. they haven't found the members who took the woman yet but a part of him urges him to stay for a couple of days or so. He got a feeling that Diana is still in the area.
Everyone was looking at Liam, waiting for his decision but he was only staring at his plate. They are having their dinner at the moment when Grace opens up the idea of moving into the next village. She's been suggesting it since yesterday.
"Liam, I think Grace is right. we are not making any progress here at all." Asher voiced his thought while others agreed as well.
Liam was in deep thought but after a few minutes, he notified the team that they will be moving out tomorrow morning. then he stood up without finishing his meal and went to his own room. The men could see his hesitation therefore they lowered their heads thinking if they did the right thing. Should they just stay for a couple of days?
But what if the goons are already at the next village? they might lose the opportunity of finding the young miss.
Meanwhile, Diana and Sarah stayed at the Kelly's residence. Sarah and her grandmother are constant visitors every year, therefore Sarah remembered them. The family was one of her grandmother's friend though she doesn't know how they became friends.
They are not very wealthy but they aren't poor either. Maybe they are in the middle class. It's not a subdivision either but the house is big enough to house at least five families.
"I didn't know you were here. If I have known earlier then I should have invited you in my place sooner." Sadness enveloped her tone. She must really be the old herald's best friend.
After Sarah told her story, the old woman looked at Diana's direction. Though she's wearing a regular dress like them but it's very evident that the young miss is not from their country.
Diana could feel the suspicious gaze of the old woman who was about to speak but another woman in her fourty's showed up and called them. It's time for dinner. Phew! She's saved!
The old woman smiled at her as soon as the woman went back to the kitchen. "That's my daughter, Beth." She introduced before standing from her favorite rocking chair. She can say she's pretty strong for her age and she's utterly speechless. Yana guessed that she's already in her 80's but she's not even using a cane when she walks.
"Miss, is everything okay?" Sarah asked when she heard how the woman heaved a sigh.
"E-eh? Y-yes!" she faked a smile. Good thing the old woman had already left the room before the young lady asked her. "Come on, let's go."
It was pretty awkward for Diana to eat with the whole family. The old woman, the daughter, the husband and three pretty ladies were on the table as well. But there was an empty chair beside her. Would that mean that there are other family members beside the people around?
"That empty chair belongs to my son. I think he is two years younger than you." Beth explained when she saw Diana looking at the empty chair.
"Ah, brother Lemuel… I remember him!" Sarah immediately responded.
"You have a good memory, huh."
"How can I forget the man who pisses me all the time?" Sarah made a face which the people around laughed at. "By the way, where is he?"
"Ah, he's working right now. he'll be back later… I hope." Beth chuckled.
They continued talking about Lemuel until the dinner ended. They were already having their tea at the living room when Diana yawned. That caught everyone's attention so Beth showed the young miss her own room.
"You had a long and tiresome journey… you should rest first. I won't suggest waiting for Sarah because I bet they'll have the whole night to talk with my mom." The woman laughs.
"T-thank you, Ma'am. I don't know how to repa-----"
"Please call me Beth." She interjected. "And you are always welcome here."
"T-thank you, miss Beth." Diana smiled. Afterwards, the woman gave her a warm hug before returning to the living room where Sarah and the old woman are having their conversation. As for Diana, she closed the door and went straight towards the bed. She definitely wants to rest since it took them more than two hours to reach the village. They need to be so keen with their surroundings.
So what's awaiting them now that they are in the village? What could be her next move now that Sarah is with her? Will they be able to reach the palace without any problems? What if they'll just ask the old woman's help? Yes! she'll ask them instead of looking for the team.
***************
An hour had passed, yet Sarah and the old woman are still in the living room. Diana was already sleeping while Beth ensured that her three daughters went to sleep as well. As soon as the three ladies settled in their own rooms, she went back to where Sarah and the old woman is. She doesn't want to sleep without seeing her only son comes home first.
"So she is truly a foreigner huh. Do you know how she ended up here?" Beth asked the young girl.
"I didn't ask her that." Sarah had just realized as to why she didn't ask Yana's history. Well, she will ask her tomorrow if time permits.
"Maybe she's a member of the merchant's association." Beth thought since it was the only way for foreigners to enter their land.
"Guess she is since she also seeks an audience with the king----"
"Who is seeking an audience with the king?" Sarah's statement was interrupted by a manly voice from a distance.
"Lemuel!" Beth stood to meet her son. "I'm so glad you're home! guess who visits us?" She faced the young girl after hugging her son who just came home.
"Sarah?!" Lemuel creased his brow upon seeing the girl with a pair of beautiful round eyes that matches her round chubby face. "You want to see the king? Face to face?" then he laughed mockingly.
"Tsk!" Sarah sneered as she made a face. "Same rude guy!"
"Lemuel! Now is not a time to teased the young lady." The old woman butt in. The young and handsome man looked at her grandmother's serious face and he could say something is wrong so he didn't continue messing with the lady.
"Sorry." he uttered. "I have to rest now, mom. I need to wake up early since I'd be seeing my friends off tomorrow."
"Your friends? Was that Cole and the others?" Beth furthered.
"Yes." he smiled then went to his room.
"Now you got friends, huh. Tsk!" Sarah snorted. "Then that'll be fine. I won't get to see your ugly face during breakfast then." She sneered at the retreating figure.