Elise strolled the streets that afternoon, apanying her dog, who repeatedly stared at her while sticking out her tongue and wagging her tail.


    “I don’t like the idea of ??using Mona on this mission, sir. Well, I don’t mind her joining the fight. I think she’s willing to do it.” Elise hissed, making sure her voice wasn’t heard by the people passing by. “However, I’m afraid our opponent is too strong, and Mona will be forced to turn into that monstrosity again…”


    “When Mona turns dark, you feel the same way as when you activate the blood steal skill, don’t you?” Raymund guessed. Getting a nod from his servant, the god continued. “Don’t worry, it’s just to attract those adventurers.”


    “I see…”


    Another dog with brown fur came up to Mona, who immediately expressed her displeasure. Elise’s pet dog moved away but was still being chased and sniffed by the pointy-eared dog.


    “Her name is Kaine.” Vilja walked over to Elise while adjusting her sses. “You could say he is special like your dog. He helped a lot in our mission but couldn’t do it again after his master died.”


    Elise was just silent, looking at Mona, lifting her chin and straightening her tail. While Kaine surrounds and sniffs her.


    “My friend’s dog’s name is Mona. She also helps us on our adventures.”


    Elise flinched at the sudden appearance of Yua while Vilja jumped in surprise._.


    “You startled me!” Vilja adjusted her sses.


    The kunoichi chuckled. “So, have you decided to recruit us to your party?”


    Raymund had a reason to ask Elise to walk the dog. The god had already guessed that Vilja was attracted to Mona. From the beginning, Mona followed the wizard’s scent trail.


    “Sorry, but I don’t know yet.” Vilja sighed. “We can’t believe you yet.”


    “I see.” Yua shed a smile. “Well, then we’ll be leaving tomorrow.”


    The wizard adjusted her sses. “May I know why are you in this vige, Miss…?”


    “Call me Yua.”


    “What a weird name.” Vilja narrowed her eyes, scanning the kunoichi up and down.


    “Nothing weirder than three people wanting to fight a smander.” Yua didn’t know what the smander was or how dangerous it was. She was only guessing from the conversation earlier. “Well, you could say I’m a weirdo too, wanting to fight monsters like that.”


    “Is that why you came here? Just want to fight a smander?” Vilja frowned.


    Yua didn’t answer right away. She turned into a small park, then sat on the swing. Her eyes looked up at the sky, which was getting dark. From the inside, the mist surrounding thend was nowhere to be seen.


    “Everyone has dreams, right?” Yua shed her smile again. “Like you guys, who wants our nation to have more power to fight humans? Well, my dreams are not as great and as noble as yours. I really want to fight the smander that killed my father…. I don’t know if the smander you guys are going to fight is the one that killed my father or not, but…. Ah, that’s just the way it is.”


    “E-even though I’ve often warned her. Smanders are dangerous.” Elise followed her master’s words, albeit in a stiff tone.


    Vilja looked at Elise. “You are a very good friend, willing to apany her in her personal mission.”


    “You guys can kill me if I betray you.” Yua’s gaze fixed on the wizard’s eyes.


    Vilja was silent for a moment, then sighed. “I will think about it and discuss it with my friends. However, if you want toe, you must bring this friend of yours. I know that you are qualified. The proof is that you were able to approach me without me knowing. However, we need more than four people.”


    “I will wait.” Yua’s smile became even wider.


    “As you said earlier. We’ll meet tomorrow morning at the tavern.” Vilja turned around. “Goodbye.”


    The wizard called his dog, then walked away.


    “Are you sure that Vilja will ept you with such emotional persuasion?” Raymund asked the kunoichi. “Seems like she’s the logical type.”


    “I’m not sure I can win logically with her. She seems very smart.” Yua smirked. “We’ll see, sir. My guts said it would work.”


    ***


    Elise and Yua had already packed things into the bags they had just bought yesterday. They had to look like real adventurers, or Vilja’s group wouldn’t believe it.


    The two of them met Vilja’s group as soon as they arrived at the tavern’s door.


    “I hope you’ve had breakfast.” Marko crossed his arms across his chest and smiled widely until his teeth showed. “We’re going on a full-day trip!”


    “Let’s go.” Vilja gestured for them to walk away.


    “You are always in a hurry, Vilja.” Henrik yawned but still followed the wizard along with the others.


    Like yesterday, Kaine seemed so curious about Mona. Elise’s dog also showed a haughty gesture again.


    “So, Yua.” Henrik walked beside the kunoichi. “After this mission, how about we have dinner in a nearby town? I know a good ce to eat with a good atmosphere.”


    Disying a smile, Yua looked up. This time her master did not respond at all.


    “Then someone will be angry.” The kunoichiughed.


    Henrik snorted. “He won’t be able to see you, will he?”


    “Stop it, Henrik,” Vilja warned her colleague. “How many times have I told you that you make other people ufortable with your behavior.”


    The blonde-haired archer stuck his tongue out at the wizard’s back.


    “But, I still wonder why you would ept Yua and Elise, Vilja.” Marko lined the wizard. “Normally, you are very wary of strangers.”


    “Well…” Vilja adjusted her sses and nced at Yua. “In a way, I feel they will be a great addition to our team.”


    Marko looked at the two Raymund servants, shing an overly broad smile again. “I hope you guys stay with us after this. After the smander’s ws, we still have two more things to get! We need seven for the god power ritual!”


    Vilja pped her forehead. “As usual, you have a hard time keeping secrets.”


    Henrik looked at Yua and Elise while raising an eyebrow. “Huh, why don’t youugh at Marko’s words? Everyone thinks what we’re doing is bullshit.”