About ten kilometers from the forest where Merlin and Luna had been earlier stood a sizable city.
It was under the rule of the Kingdom of Avernia and located not far from the battlefield between the two kingdoms.
Despite its bustling appearance, the population had actually been reduced by more than half.
It was understandable, considering the war was taking place nearby.
Those who felt unsafe chose to move to cities farther away—or even to the capital of the Avernia Kingdom—for more reliable protection.
At this moment, in a fairly crowded tavern, Merlin and Luna sat at one of the tables, wearing cloaks with their faces hidden beneath their hoods.
Fortunately, Merlin was tall enough that no one suspected he was only ten years old.
"Eat first. Your body needs a lot of energy before we go to the capital," Merlin said, stabbing a piece of lamb from his plate and eating it.
The taste couldn't be described as good, but it wasn't bad either—it was completely ordinary.
