As the two travels, they finally see the emergence of a fortified town. Small yet walled heavily, guarded with soldiers armed to teeth. Their exhaustion disappeared and reinvigorated from the sight of the town of Libera. Thane's behind was aching from riding the wagon they've earned on their travels and he excitedly observes the town they are about to enter.
"Captain, you sure this isn't a city? It's quite fortified compared to the other ones we've been."
Thane asks while sightseeing from afar. Their travels were only brief, having only spent two weeks since their encounter with Lucina. Even so, they've only been in a few towns, earning fame and fortune along the way. They've hunted beasts, assisted in keeping the road of merchants safe, and due to all of their work, their name rouse attention. Especially the intimidating giant that is Robin, that only earned a name in being a fierce and terrifying lady, one that should be avoided at all costs. The result of this fame made Thane the better choice for a conversation, even with his suspicious getup.
"Libera, it was once a peaceful town. Yet the increasing number of bandits from this place has been a concern. However, they don't seem to be wasting the coins. They must've gone all out ever since they've caught sight of a demon."
Robin answered. News have reached their ears even when they were just from another town. The two suspect it's the succubus, given that the devilish woman has been raiding every town they've set foot on, seemingly on a frenzy. Robin and Thane attempted to catch her, yet all they've done was follow the tip of her tail before she flies away, much to Robin's dismay.
Aside from Thane, a group of people also sit beside him on the wagon. Two pairs of women and men sit across each other. All are binded with ropes, tied with each other's legs. One wrong step and the group would fall apart on their escape. Robin was quite amazed by herself after she suggested such strategy in binding. Seeing the sight of the town they were from, they try to plead for help yet their mouths are gagged, another which Robin suggested also in fear that it will attract unwanted attention among them. Wriggling only to fall on the wagon's floor.
As the two enter the gates, they were encountered by the mayor who gleefully stretches out his arms. He was not dressed in classy suits, not even formally, all he was wearing were a simple and casual set of shirt and pants, one that matches what a farmer would wear on their everyday lives.
"Welcome! Dear guests, we've been hearing news of a newly formed mercenary group bearing both fearsome power and appearance and I am glad that you've decided to visit our humble town."
"Why would the mayor be greeting mercenaries such as ourselves? Do you have a job for us?"
Robin and Thane hopped off their rides and faced the mayor. Their fame should have not been that loud yet the mayor already knew of their presence, much more their arrival. Something tells them that there is urgency in his actions, and so the two decided to listen in to what the mayor has to say. After all, they have to be always be on the move.
"Please, let us talk in my manor. Let me offer my hospitality first before I ask a request. I see that you have caught yourself pests, let the town's forces handle them. I promise that a reward shall be given."
Robin looked at Thane and the young adult man glances back before nodding. Thane approaches the mayor.
"Well, then, if you would please lead the way, mayor."
Thane answered. The mayor smiled at his response and hurriedly lead them to a small establishment, a rundown two storey building that have seen better days. The mayor lead them to his office which is at the first floor of the establishment, his assistant offering tea as they sit in front of a small table.
"Apologize for the lack of maintenance, it has been a while since we've had budget for such things. However! I assure you that we have just enough for the request I am about to make."
The mayor then opens a safe. It was almost empty, with only a few pouches of coin lying. It is such a wonder, given that a storage like that is commonly meant to be the town's own emergency funds, yet to see it exhausted to this point meant it was drastic. Robin noticed the importance of such request and leaned in forward to listen to what the mayor has to say. The mayor pooled in whatever's left on the safe and brought it down to the table, it wasn't a lot for a town, but it was still hefty for a pair.
"These are the town's funds. Why are you using these? Do you not have enough from the taxes?"
Robin asks.
"Ah, about that, I'll explain later. I would like to first introduce myself, I almost forgot about formalities. I am Freid Libera, the appointed mayor of this town."
"Nathan and Ingrid, mercenaries. Got a bit of history with witches and you see how I ended up with this. So, would you care to answer the question of my dear friend?"
Thane touches the surface of the mask, showing it off to the mayor.
"I am aware, you two have quite the reputation. As for the reason, that is to say that we've simply exhausted our funds on the military. With the war going on with the Abyssal continent, as well as demons raiding towns and cities, we have our backs on the wall and until the alliance initiates an attack on the continent, we can't let our guard down. Yet there are signs of bandits all around the town. Here, drink tea."
Thane stirred the hot tea, letting it cool off. Once it was cooled off, Thane pushes the contraption beside the mask and its lower part easily detaches itself. Blue flames then start to release on his lower face, it was flashy yet necessary for the act. It was annoying for him to always have blue flames covering his lower face like a beard whenever he attempts to eat outside, and people themselves would get scared of its sight. Fortunately, it wasn't a necessary to also burn whatever touches the flames, or else he would come up with another excuse. After a quick sip of the tea, Thane then places it back to the tea plate.
"Where and what should we look for?"