When we had finished buying weapons, I told Ruby to return to the carriage first while I paid for our purchases and took care of the final formalities. The girl nodded in agreement and hurried out of the shop, her light footsteps disappearing behind the door.
I paused for a moment, watching her receding figure, then turned back to the counter. After paying the owner, I asked him to deliver the remaining purchases directly to our estate. The owner bowed respectfully and wished us luck on our upcoming hunt.
I politely replied, thanked him for his service, and headed for the exit.
I looked around, trying to spot our carriage. It was on the opposite side of the street, and I was about to cross the road when suddenly, completely unexpectedly, I heard the loud clatter of horses' hooves and the creaking of wheels coming from somewhere to my right.
I turned around.
