She turned to find the temple gate ajar, revealing the silhouette of a figure cloaked in heavy robes emerging into the sunlight—it was Kenny in disguise. He approached Milia in hushed tones, "Let us depart for home. The high priest intends to journey back to the realm of the gods, to seek repentance for his sins and intercede on my behalf, hoping for absolution from the taint of my deception."

It seemed the high priest was prepared to sacrifice his own status and future prospects to exchange Kenny's for a clean slate beneath the sun's gaze.

Silently, Milia fell into step behind Kenny, her heart an icy void. Where was Madame An now concealed? Did she dare remain within the city-state of Laurence?

With a bitter smile, Milia pondered her own hesitance. At present, Madame An's reputation remained unsullied, while she herself concealed the weight of her husband's dual transgressions.

Upon reaching the courtyard of the olive tree, Milia halted in her tracks. Turning to Kenny, she declared, "I must procure provisions, for our home is bare of sustenance and devoid of servants." Without further inquiry, Kenny hastened to push open the oak gate and slipped within.

As the door closed behind him, Milia stood alone, uncertain of her next move. Reluctant to hastily commit, she pondered the consequences of surrendering the small porcelain vial to the high priest—would it only further entangle the elderly man in Kenny's web of deceit? He had already sacrificed too much on Kenny's behalf. Perhaps it was time to spare him further anguish on the path of repentance and reconciliation within the realm of the gods.

Milia yearned for Ethan's presence in this moment of uncertainty. She envisioned entrusting him with the task of seeking out the Cheno tribe's priest to authenticate the small porcelain vial or locating Heidi. Ethan had long maintained that Kenny was responsible for Joseph's demise—had he borne witness to something?

Was he the one who had sworn to unveil the truth? For a fleeting moment, Milia wished Ethan would materialize beside her once more, to unveil Kenny's true nature or provide aid in her hour of need.

Surveying her surroundings, Milia's hope waned as Ethan failed to appear. Disheartened, she turned her thoughts to another individual she had heard of upon her return from Fangtooth Pier—a tribal election was underway, with Liam, the former captain of the guards, emerging as the favored candidate. Liam, the valiant captain who had discovered "Kenny's" lifeless body at the forest's edge.

In the wolf tribe, where valor and leadership were revered, Liam commanded widespread respect among the guards.

Indeed, Milia mused, while the tribe's daily affairs were typically overseen by the leader, during exigent circumstances such as the leader's absence or wartime, the temple's high priest held sway over the warrior organization.

Having interacted with Liam on prior occasions—be it during tribal festivities or moonlit bonfire gatherings—Milia regarded him as an esteemed guest at family gatherings. Liam, born into a lineage of warriors, epitomized the quintessential soldier. With a lineage steeped in martial prowess, Liam had devoted his life to safeguarding the territory.

Yet, amidst his martial prowess, Liam possessed an exceptional clarity and composure of mind, shunning impulsiveness and recklessness in favor of strategic deliberation.

Many triumphs under his command were won not through sheer force, but through meticulous planning and foresight.

This individual was evidently reliable, Milia concluded resolutely as she made her way towards the guards' encampment. Unlike young guards such as Eric, who resided in the communal barracks, Liam had the option of having his own abode. Many women within the tribe were eager to marry him, yet despite nearing his forties, he chose to remain within the barracks.

Inside the barracks' reception room, Milia awaited Liam's arrival. The space was Spartan yet spacious, furnished with a simple sturdy wooden table surrounded by a dozen robust square stools. Despite its simplicity, the table was impeccably arranged. Milia was visited by several guards who were close to Eric, eager to inquire about his whereabouts. Upon learning that he was presently serving as Heidi's personal guardian at the Cheno tribe temple in the south, they clustered around Milia, eager for more details until Liam arrived and dispersed them.

"Ms. Milia, it's been quite some time. I had no idea you had returned. Rumor has it you departed Laurence for the Riverlands. I confess, I was somewhat concerned for your safety. The situation down south is far from stable."

"Thank you, Liam. I returned only last night. There are matters of import I wish to discuss with you. I've heard whispers that you may be vying for leadership."

Liam waved away the notion. "Just one among many contenders," he responded earnestly. "To be frank, it's the prospect of battle that truly stirs my spirit."

Milia nodded in understanding. After a moment's reflection, she resolved to temporarily withhold the possibility that Kenny might be implicated in Joseph's demise. After all, the small porcelain bottle had yet to undergo scrutiny by the priest.

She first divulged to Liam that Kenny had indeed survived, a revelation that left him visibly stunned, his eyes widening, and his posture stiffening as if poised for immediate action.

"We returned to Laurence together last night. Kenny is presently at home, although his condition is far from robust," Milia confided, shaking her head. "I suspect he's not yet prepared to reunite with old acquaintances. Nonetheless, the situation remains dire. There's an organization still intent on plaguing us."

"Is this related to the debt issue?" Liam mused. "If Kenny has indeed returned from the grave, those debts would automatically resurface."

"No, we've already uncovered that the debt was merely a ruse orchestrated by Chief Thomas. Thomas misappropriated funds from his own tribe's coffers, coercing Kenny into signing promissory notes, all for his own enrichment. Thomas has since met his demise."

Liam furrowed his brow in contemplation. "If Thomas is no longer among the living, then who else might be pulling the strings?"

"I can only identify their leader by the alias White Shark. They abducted Kenny and threatened his life. The majority of this organization comprises refugees, and they orchestrate attacks on civilians in the Riverlands," Milia divulged all she knew. After a brief pause, Liam resolved to dispatch guards to the Riverlands, where they would collaborate with local law enforcement to conduct an investigation.

Milia nodded in agreement. She also penned a letter, entrusting Liam to deliver it to Heidi, who remained in the Cheno tribe, once he reached the Riverlands. For security reasons, Milia kept the contents of the letter vague, merely alluding to urgent matters and beseeching Heidi's swift aid.

Additionally, Milia implored Liam to maintain secrecy regarding Kenny's return for the time being. Everything could wait until the high priest returned from the realm of the gods. After bidding Liam farewell and departing the barracks, Milia's heart remained heavy despite unburdening herself of some secrets. She still grappled with how to confront Kenny upon her return home.

Lost in thought, she wandered aimlessly through the streets. Deliberately, she made her way to Madame An's former abode, though she knew it would be deserted. Madame An had vanished without a trace, leaving behind no discernible clues.

Milia, filled with disappointment, meticulously combed through the dwelling, preparing to depart. Suddenly, a faint tapping at the window frame caught her attention. Looking up, she beheld Ethan's smiling visage peering in from outside. A curious blend of surprise and delight washed over Milia as they shared a momentary gaze of understanding. Ethan gracefully entered through the window, his imposing figure instantly dominating Madame An's cramped abode.

"How fares it, Ms. Milia? Have you stumbled upon Madame An's hidden truths as well?" Ethan queried, his head tilted inquisitively as he observed her.

Milia regarded him with a quizzical expression. "Did you already know?" she replied.

Ethan met her gaze, his scrutiny momentarily lingering before he averted his eyes. "I was aware of Madame An's collusion with Thomas. Regrettably, our last meeting transpired too hastily for me to forewarn you," Ethan responded earnestly. "With Thomas's demise, the Cheno tribe has turned its attention to electing a new leader, likely sparing the Riverlands from further turmoil."

Milia pondered in silence, contemplating Ethan's recent activities. However, she hesitated to voice her inquiries. For a wandering mercenary like Ethan, securing a new patron and ensuring sustenance posed significant challenges.

Taking note of Ethan's weathered attire and worn boots, Milia marveled at his undisturbed demeanor, his eyes gleaming with an ethereal luminescence akin to stars adorning the night sky.

Relaying Madame An's sinister machinations to Ethan, Milia witnessed his initial astonishment swiftly transform into righteous indignation. "Undoubtedly, Madame An lurks within Laurence, scheming to obtain her desires," Ethan declared, his frustration palpable as he paced the room, venting his pent-up anger by nudging aside discarded relics.

Intrigued, Milia sought clarification. "How did you come to discern Madame An's involvement and find your way here?" she inquired.

"Thomas divulged everything to me during our final encounter. Sensing his impending demise, he unburdened himself of many truths," Ethan explained, stealing a glance at Milia before continuing, "However, in the grand scheme of things, much of it seems inconsequential now. Our priority is apprehending Madame An. I shall see to it."

Expressing her gratitude with a warm smile, Milia shifted the conversation to a different topic. "Speaking of which, you mentioned a sister who vanished in the Riverlands years ago?"

Arching an eyebrow, Ethan acknowledged her query. "I relayed the details you provided to Heidi. She will employ the resources of the Cheno temple, utilizing local priests and tribal allies to investigate. Upon receiving my missive, she will hasten her return, hopefully bearing auspicious tidings for you."

Ethan reciprocated her smile with a rare, yet captivating grin.

Guiding him towards the artisan quarter in the city, where she had arranged a cozy sanctuary, Milia envisioned Ethan finding solace amidst its tranquil confines. With Heidi and Eric's assistance, the abode had been transformed into a welcoming haven, sparing Ethan the discomfort of sleeping beneath the open sky like a vagrant.

As they finalized their plans to reconvene at a designated locale in the near future, Milia felt emboldened by the newfound support, ready to confront the challenges that lay ahead as she bid Madame An's dwelling farewell。

That evening, Milia decided to retreat to the guest room, citing Kenny's need for rest as her reason. Surprisingly, Kenny didn't object. He appeared transformed, notably more cautious and reserved than usual. Despite her attempts to find solace in the guest bed, Milia found herself tossing and turning, unable to find peace. Her mind churned like a tempestuous sea, refusing to grant her respite until the brink of dawn, when even the faintest starlight faded from the night sky, allowing her to finally drift into slumber.

In a lavish chamber, Madame An's gentle demeanor contrasted sharply with her comfortable posture as she reclined against plush leather cushions. Despite her concerned tone, Madame An's words grated on Milia's ears like sandpaper against wood.

Clutching the sword at her side, Milia watched as Madame An shifted leisurely in her chair, seemingly unconcerned. "I've entrusted it to you. What you do with it is your affair. Isn't justice and righteousness the creed of your elven kin?" Madame An's words dripped with feigned innocence.

Raising an eyebrow, Milia realized that Madame An was privy to her heritage. "What is it you truly desire?" she inquired.

Madame An shrugged, her expression innocent. Knowing she was powerless to compel her, Milia turned and left.

Outside, Ethan awaited her. The opulent villa nestled in the valley outside Laurence seemed tranquil, yet Ethan's presence hinted at something more profound. Despite the remoteness of their location, Madame An and her allies greeted them without a hint of panic, suggesting they were supported by a formidable force.

Mounted on horseback, Milia and Ethan traversed the misty valley in silence, the path ahead leading to a distant castle. Milia pondered Madame An's motives, wondering why she had entrusted her with such vital evidence. Perhaps Madame An sought only to torment her, testing her allegiance between justice and conscience.

Milia had made her decision: she would not betray Kenny. She could not forget his kindness when he guided her to Laurence in her time of need, nor the trust placed in her by Dade, the tribe's legendary leader. With such debts owed, how could she easily forsake Kenny?