"Really?"
Silvia's eyes rounded in surprise, her face lighting up like the morning sun. "Does that mean you'll still help me clear the cave?" she asked softly, almost hesitant.
It wasn't like her to sound this way. Silvia's tone was usually sharp—confident, commanding—but ever since the whole Horned Rabbits incident, her voice carried a gentler note whenever she spoke to Ren, without her even realizing it.
"If you want," she added quickly, "I'll pay for your services—equipment or not."
Ren shook his head. "We already have a deal," he said simply. "Besides, I was the one who insisted on getting a tank for the group. As long as he's competent and I get equipment suited for my class, I don't mind having less loot."
Silvia closed her eyes briefly and let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders easing.
"Thanks," she said softly, smiling. "I just hope you'll still listen to me, even if I'm not the leader."
