After spending a few moments within the outpost, they received word that the horses they needed for their journey had arrived.
Without hesitation, Madelyn promptly mounted Dunn's horse, showcasing her eagerness to go back home.
All four of them were clearly fatigued but determined to complete their tasks swiftly, aware that a new day awaited, and their responsibilities in their respective fields still loomed.
There was little room for relaxation in their minds.
As they approached the Royal Garden Tower, a striking silence enveloped the beautiful structure.
Although a few White Pillars could be seen passing by, they were a rare sight.
These White Pillar individuals respectfully acknowledged Joan with bows, yet Joan seemed unfazed, walking directly toward the Main Pillar's workspace.
Asa found Joan's behavior disconcerting, as it defied her expectations.
Initially, both Asa and Madelyn had admired Joan's striking physical features, from his commanding stature to his naturally handsome face.
However, Asa couldn't help but suspect that a lifetime of praise had led to an arrogance that now characterized him.
Despite these observations, they quickly refocused on their mission at hand, aware of the importance of their work.
Behind the door, they encountered three men, who were seen as the nation's main hope.
These men, cloaked against the chilly night air, reminded Asa of the coldness of the night.
Theodore, upon seeing his sister's discomfort, gallantly offered his cloak to Madelyn.
"Why are you wearing thin clothes in such nights?" he scolded Madelyn who just grinned in respond to the question.
The warm reception from Edgar and Joseph, the other Main Pillars, signaled their appreciation for the team's efforts.
Edgar inquired about the mission, prompting Joan to provide a concise summary, omitting the details about the Blood Drops Clan and the underground town they had discovered.
Asa, Madelyn, and Dunn understood the need for discretion in these turbulent times, where trust was a precious commodity.
Joseph, however, questioned the team's delay in obtaining samples, expressing doubts.
"That is all?" Joseph asked.
"Yes, that is all." Asa said in absolute.
"Then why are you guys taking so long just to get samples? With two black pillars and the smartest person in white pillar, you guys shouldn't have taken that long." he interrogated.
Up to everyone's surprise. Madelyn suddenly answered, "I get a fever, that is why we take some time resting before continuing the mission."
The calm expression on Theodore face turned sour with worries, "You get sick? Are you okay now? What happened?"
Surely he loves his sister a lot.
Madelyn smiled simply, "It is okay, I am okay, big brother. I was just never seen an intense combat, I never seen so much Crys before too. That is why I was too shocked, my mental was shaken up a bit that it triggers a fever."
Asa thought that Madelyn is a pretty okay liar.
This facts actually surprises everyone in the team.
Madelyn looks like a complete innocent sheep. Doing everything by rules and thinks everything should be answered with full honesty.
So, seeing she lied, even to her brother, surprised everyone.
Once it was Madelyn who answered, every main pillars finally nodded, fully believing in the innocent sheep.
Asa made a mental note not to trust everyone, even her new cute little sister.
The main pillar seems to be satisfied with the work that they have done. Telling them the amount of money reward they will be getting stored in the money storing system under their name.
The amount actually makes Asa wanted to open her mouth widely in surprise. I get that much of money from only killing Crys? I should have done this sooner. I have been doing it for free all these times.
Good thing, Asa have mastered the art of keeping a stoic emotionless face. Plus, being with Joan Eve for a few days actually lets her practice emotion management even more. So, she didn't end yo embarrassing herself for having excessive response.
"You all shall be dismissed," Edgar said, "Please get some rest as we only rewarded you with money and no day off."
Asa took this time as her chance to ask questions, "May I question something?"
This time it was Theodore who answered, "Yes. What is it?"
Asa nodded and bow down as she realizes her question might offends the main pillars.
This action of hers, raises confusion in Main Pillar's eyes.
"I have heard a report from my subordinate in the border before that main pillar has told the nation about the increase in both Crys quantity and strength." Asa explain, "Excuse my rude questioning but why did you do that? It will do no good for the nation and will only raises anxiety among the people. I feel like they do not need to know such information as there's nothing much they can do about it anyways."
Joseph nodded, "Don't you think giving them head ups like this is great? They can try to be more careful after knowing this."
"But they will still to have to go outside to do their things. They will face danger in one way or another. That is why we have black pillar, we will protect them and let them live in peace with less worries and anxieties." Asa answered.
The main pillar is silent for a moment. Asa could hear a sound of breathe from everyone and a step…
Still in her bowing position, she saw a pair of feet walking up ahead of her, seemingly trying to protect her in case the main pillar wanted to do something funny to her for questioning their decision.
It seems like its not only Asa who noticed that because Edgar lets out an small laughs, "Don't worry. We are not an anti-critics. We won't do anything to Asa."
But even after that, the feet did not budge. Staying there firmly to protect Asa Amerta.
And Asa knows well whose feet it was.
"Congrats, Asa." Theodore suddenly said, "You will be going on another mission as a team leader."
Asa quickly pull herself up to stand straight and look at the main pillar in confusion, "What do you mean?"
"That was actually a test for the four of you, who are very competent in your own field. We wanted to see who will bring this matter first to us and make them the leader for this mission." Theodore explained.
"Why, big brother?" Madelyn asked, equally as curious as everyone else.
"Because in this mission we will need someone who is full of compassion and cares about the people." Joseph said as he walks up to all four of them with a serious expression on his face.