The tense silence in the guild lobby slowly dissolved after Novalia's emotional confession came to an end. Robert, the Guild Master, let out a long sigh.
As a man who had led the guild for over a decade, he had seen many things, yet the suffering of a young girl hidden behind the prestigious Varda name deeply moved him. However, Robert was also a realist. He knew that the presence of forty-three elite soldiers and the son of a Marquis in his city was not something to be taken lightly.
He looked sharply at Keyzier, Donovan, and Novalia in turn. "I understand all the suffering you've endured, Novalia." Robert said in a softer tone than before. "But we must face reality. Your brother won't stop until he has searched every corner of this city. If he finds you here, this guild lobby and even this city, will turn into a diplomatic and physical battlefield that we cannot contain."
Robert stepped closer, lowering his voice so that only the three of them could hear. "My advice is this: leave. It will be extremely dangerous for Novalia to remain in this city! If necessary, keep traveling until you reach the Kingdom of Fellims in the south. That kingdom has very strict sovereignty regarding the interference of foreign nobles. That way, for a while, you will be free from pursuit."
Donovan nodded in agreement, while Keyzier remained vigilant. Robert continued, "We in the guild are also very reluctant to deal with nobles directly. It is a massive headache and could ruin our guild's neutrality. So, go while you still have the chance."
Keyzier looked at Robert and gave a brief bow of respect as a sign of gratitude. "Thank you for everything, Guild Master. We appreciate the help and protection. In that case, we will leave this city immediately."
Before they stepped out, Hana, the receptionist, ran toward them. She carried a thick cloth with neatly embroidered edges. "Novalia, wear this hood to cover your face and your striking hair." Hana whispered, her eyes brimming with tears of worry.
Novalia accepted the gift with emotion. She immediately tied up her long golden-yellow hair and put on the hood, covering most of her face.
With her new appearance, she looked like an ordinary traveler. Without wasting any more time, the three members of Party Noiver hurried out of the guild lobby through a side door, moving quickly toward the south gate before Tristan's group could notice them.
After Party Noiver left the guild, Robert leaned against a wooden pillar in the lobby. His face looked weary, as if the weight of the entire city had just been placed on his shoulders. The other adventurers in the lobby began to whisper, but Robert silenced them with a sharp glare.
"It's a good thing they left quickly." Robert muttered under his breath, mostly to himself. "I don't know what would have happened to this city if that arrogant noble had met Party Noiver in this lobby."
Hana stood by her desk, straightening documents with slightly trembling hands. "You're right, Leader. Though it's a shame to lose a party as great as them. They just reached Rank C and have such immense potential."
Robert snorted roughly, striking the wooden pillar beside him with his palm out of sheer frustration. "Argh... those nobles are nothing but trouble! Always bringing their family matters into adventurer territory. And just when we finally had top-tier prospects like Keyzier and Donovan. Just thinking about it makes me furious!"
Hana nodded sadly. "Keyzier and his two companions are good people. Seeing them forced to leave like fugitives just because of an egoistic noble family's drama is truly unfair."
"Ah... Enough!" Robert replied, rubbing his temples. "We have to accept losing them for their own safety. If they stay here, the nobles will surely bring an even greater chaos. All because of that man's ambition!"
Hana nodded firmly. Their shared frustration merged into the silence of the guild lobby, which now felt much emptier without the spirited presence of Party Noiver.
In the middle of the hustle and bustle of Antrows City, the three of them took the time to stop by a roadside grocery shop to buy extra supplies for their journey to the Kingdom of Fellims.
To avoid looking suspicious to any of Tristan's spies that might be scattered along the main streets, the three walked normally as if nothing had happened. They blended in with the crowd of merchants and busy citizens in the late afternoon. Novalia kept her head down while pretending to read a book, ensuring her hood wasn't blown back by the wind.
After passing a routine inspection at the south gate, Party Noiver finally successfully exited Antrows City. They did not stop; they quickened their pace toward the dense forest leading to the southern region, continuing their journey without looking back.
Meanwhile, deep within the center of Antrows, Tristan's mood was at an all-time low. He and his troops had scoured inn lobbies, marketplaces, and narrow alleys all day.
However, as evening approached, they hadn't found a single concrete clue regarding his sister's whereabouts. The citizens seemed tight-lipped or truly didn't know anything.
Exhaustion began to creep into his soldiers' bodies. They hadn't rested since arriving in Antrows because of Tristan's obsession with finding Novalia immediately.
Realizing his horses and men needed strength, Tristan finally decided to halt the search for the day and find a place to stay the night.
Tristan's group found a decent-looking inn called Rising Stardust. It was a bitter irony they were unaware of: the inn was the very same place previously used by the three members of Party Noiver to rest after their major mission.
Tristan entered with a grim face, completely unaware that his sister's traces might still linger in one of the rooms there.
A few miles away from the walls of Antrows, darkness began to envelop the forest. In a hidden clearing among the lush, giant trees, Party Noiver decided to set up a tent to rest. They did not light a large campfire, only a small, hidden flame so as not to be seen from a distance.
Donovan was checking his travel gear when he looked at Novalia, who sat silently staring at the small fire in front of them.
"Nova, don't worry! Keyzier and I will protect you!" Donovan said softly, in an understanding tone.
Novalia looked up, her eyes reflecting the firelight. She gave a faint smile, one filled with both guilt and relief. "Thank you, Novan. I have great faith in both of you."
Keyzier, who had been leaning against a tree while watching the dark forest, chimed in with a low but steady voice. "Ah... you don't need to stress over that, Nova. What matters most now is that you are part of us!"
Donovan sat in front of Novalia, looking at her earnestly. "Just like he said, Nova! No one will be able to take you back to that hell as long as we are by your side."
Hearing those words, the heavy burden that had been crushing Novalia's chest seemed to lift. Tears of emotion almost fell, but she quickly wiped them away.
Novalia felt incredibly grateful to have companions like the two of them who never left her alone. In the middle of the dark forest, she felt much safer than inside the grand mansion of the Varda family.