Ethan leaned back, drumming his fingers on the rough wooden table. "I need a moment to think, to get my head straight. Plus…" He gestured subtly toward the lively crowd. "Sometimes you can overhear useful things in places like this. People let their guard down when they're drinking."
Lia nodded, though her gaze remained on him, searching for the deeper reason behind his sudden change in plans. Before she could press further, a barmaid approached, balancing a tray laden with mugs of frothy ale and a plate of bread.
"What can I get for you?" she asked, her voice warm and welcoming.
"Just water," Ethan said, his tone curt but not unfriendly. "And something to eat—whatever's quick."
The barmaid raised an eyebrow but didn't comment, turning her attention to Lia. "And for you?"
"The same," Lia replied politely.
