‘Yes,’ Jamie sighed, gazing into the crackling embers of the dying fire. ‘Perhaps it's her way of saying, “I know who you are.”’

  The ethereal cat perched beside him, tilted his head inquisitively, his luminous eyes reflecting the flicker of the flames. "What do you mean, she knows who you are?" he asked.

  ‘‘Beer’ is the original name of the drink,’ Jamie explained quietly, his thoughts turning over the implications. ‘Anyone from my world would recognize it. Using that name openly might signal to others that the creator is possibly an otherworlder like me.’

  Jay's ears perked up, a glimmer of understanding dawning in his eyes. "So, if someone reacts to it, they're indicating they're from your world as well?"

  ‘Exactly,’ Jamie nodded, his brow furrowing. ‘Which means she... may be one of us. I need to treat her as such, though it could be a false positive. There might be information I'm missing.’

  Jay stretched languidly, then placed his paws over his head in mock exasperation. "All this thinking is giving me a headache," he groaned playfully. "I think I'd rather sleep."

  Jamie allowed himself a faint smile at his companion's theatrics. ‘Perhaps you're right,’ he conceded.

  He retreated to his tent. Lying back on the rough bedding, he stared up at the fabric ceiling, the shadows dancing with the sway of the trees outside. Thoughts swirled in his mind; of Maria, of potential allies or adversaries, of the intricate web he was weaving in this new world. Gradually, the embrace of sleep overtook him, his musings slipping into the realm of dreams.

  ---

  At the break of dawn, the camp stirred with the sounds of the waking wilderness. Birds greeted the sun with a chorus of melodies, and the rustling of small creatures signaled the start of a new day.

  Jamie blinked awake, momentarily disoriented before the familiar scents of earth and wood smoke grounded him. Outside, Thomas was already up, his silhouette outlined against the morning glow as he stoked the remnants of their fire.

  "Rise and shine!" Jamie called out to the others, stepping out into the crisp air. His breath formed faint wisps that dissipated quickly. "We still have a fair journey to Hafenstadt."

  One by one, his companions emerged from their tents. Aldwin stretched his lean frame, rolling his shoulders and tilting his head to work out the stiffness. "Morning already?" he mumbled, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

  Camille moved with graceful efficiency, her elven features serene despite the early hour. She nodded in acknowledgment, her gaze briefly meeting Jamie's before she began packing her belongings.

  Bertram yawned widely, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Smells like hardtack and jerky for breakfast again," he remarked with a wry grin.

  "It's better than nothing," Thomas replied, distributing portions to each of them. "Eat up. We have a long walk ahead."

  They ate quickly, the simple fare fueling them for the trek. The taste was mundane, but hunger made any meal satisfying enough. As they set off, the sun climbed steadily, casting a warm glow that promised a fair day.

  Hours passed in amiable conversation and comfortable silence. The camaraderie forged through shared trials eased their interactions. Laughter would occasionally ripple among them as stories were exchanged.

  As they approached the outskirts of Hafenstadt, the imposing walls of the city rose in the distance, their stone battlements catching the light. The bustle of activity could be sensed even from afar.

  Passing through a quaint village nestled along the road, Thomas slowed his pace. Modest cottages lined the lanes, smoke curling gently from their chimneys.

  "Jamie," Thomas began, turning to his friend. "I'm going to stop by my home to inform Julie that we've returned."

  Jamie nodded, understanding reflecting in his eyes. "Of course. We'll need you at the Mercenary Guild, but after that, we can all take the next two days to rest."

  Aldwin's face brightened visibly at the mention of respite. "Finally, some time to recover," he exclaimed, raising his arms above his head in a languid stretch. "I could sleep for a week."

  Bertram chuckled softly. "A few days without training sounds like a blessing," he agreed. "My feet feel like lead weights."

  Camille offered a gentle smile.

  Thomas gave a parting wave as he headed down a side path leading deeper into the village.

  Although they had only been away for a day and a half, Jamie couldn't shake the worry gnawing at the back of his mind. Without any guards to watch over the place, he feared what might have befallen their tavern in their absence. The streets of Hafenstadt bustled around them, merchants hawking their wares and townsfolk going about their daily routines. But Jamie's focus remained ahead as he and his companions made their way through the winding alleys of the Lower Quarter.

  As they turned the final corner, the familiar sight of the good old tavern came into view. The Golden Fiddle stood steadfast. Sunlight glinted off the windows, and a sense of relief washed over Jamie, easing the tightness in his shoulders. He let out a sigh he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

  "Everything's just as we left it," he murmured to himself.

  Pushing open the heavy oak door, Jamie stepped inside. It was still early, and the usual evening crowd had yet to gather. The interior was awash with the warm glow of morning light filtering through the windows, illuminating dust motes that danced lazily in the air. The scent of polished wood and faint remnants of last night's beer lingered pleasantly.

  The tavern was quiet save for the soft clinking of dishes and the gentle hum of a tune being hummed nearby. Eliza moved gracefully between tables, collecting empty tankards and wiping down surfaces. Her auburn hair was pulled back in a neat braid, and her simple dress was accented with a clean apron tied around her waist.

  "We're back!" Jamie announced, his voice carrying through the open space.

  Eliza looked up, her eyes lighting up with delight. A radiant smile spread across her face, a smile brighter than any Jamie had seen from her before.

  "Welcome back!" she exclaimed, setting down her tray and hurrying over to them. There was a buoyancy in her step, an unmistakable joy that seemed to radiate from her.

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  Jamie raised an eyebrow, pleasantly surprised by her exuberance. While Eliza was always warm and welcoming, this level of happiness was uncommon. "Uh... is everything alright?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

  She playfully furrowed her brow and gave him a light punch on the shoulder. "I'm happy. Can't I be?" she retorted with a grin.

  "Of course... you can," Jamie replied, chuckling softly. Before he could say more, Eliza grabbed his arm and gently drew him aside, away from the others.

  "These past few days, while we've been selling the beer, I earned two hundred experience points!" she whispered eagerly, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Do you have any idea how rare it is for a [Cook] to gain that much experience?"

  Jamie blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Two hundred? That's incredible!" he responded earnestly. He knew that for non-combat classes, earning experience could be a slow and arduous process.

  Eliza beamed, her cheeks flushed with pride. "I've never leveled up so quickly before. People can't get enough of the new beer, and it's been flying out the door!"

  "Congratulations, Eliza. You deserve it," Jamie said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Your hard work is paying off."

  She gave his arm a grateful squeeze before releasing him. "Well, I'd better get back to it. The midday crowd will be here soon," she said, glancing back toward the kitchen.

  "Right. We'll catch up later," Jamie affirmed.

  As Eliza returned to her duties, Jamie watched her for a moment, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. The tavern was thriving, and the team was growing stronger in more ways than one.

  Turning back to his companions, Aldwin, Bertram, and Camille, Jamie addressed them. "Before you all head off for some well-earned rest, I need a few things sorted."

  "Sure thing," Aldwin replied, adjusting the strap of his pack.

  "First, please store the troll hides in the cellar," Jamie instructed. "I'll hold onto the crystal for safekeeping. Also, I'd like you all to join me upstairs on the second floor afterward."

  "Understood," Bertram said with a nod. Camille was already moving to carry out his requests, her movements efficient and precise.

  Together, they ascended the wooden staircase that creaked softly underfoot. The second floor had undergone some changes in their absence. Gone were the modest rooms that once catered to passing travelers. Jamie had repurposed the space, transforming it to suit the needs of their company.

  One room had been converted into comfortable quarters for the team, a shared space where they could rest and regroup. The walls were adorned with simple tapestries, and sturdy bunks lined one side, each with fresh linens and a small trunk at the foot.

  Another room now served as an office. Though sparsely furnished with just a large wooden desk and a sturdy cabinet, it had everything Jamie needed. A few maps were pinned to the walls, and ledgers lay neatly stacked, awaiting entries.

  Jamie settled into the high-backed chair behind the desk. He watched as his companions filed in. Camille approached the desk and carefully set down a small glass vessel. Inside, cushioned by soft cloth, rested a scarlet crystal that shimmered faintly even in the subdued light.

  "All set," Camille affirmed, meeting his gaze with her calm, steady eyes.

  "Excellent," Jamie declared, his voice resonating through the modest office.

  "I've called you here not only to congratulate you on our recent mission," Jamie continued, a subtle smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "but also to present you with your bonuses."

  "Bonuses?" Bertram echoed, his eyebrows arching in surprise. His tall frame shifted slightly, the floor creaking under his weight.

  "That's right," Jamie affirmed. "With each successful mission, we earn not just from the contracts but also from the items and materials we acquire along the way. Since our general operations are already well-funded, I've decided to allocate these additional earnings as bonuses for missions completed successfully."

  Aldwin's mouth fell open; his usually stoic half-elf features betraying a rare glimpse of astonishment.

  From beneath the desk, Jamie retrieved a small, well-worn leather pouch. The clink of coins jingled faintly as he loosened the drawstring. With deliberate care, he poured a modest pile of gold coins onto the desk, the metal gleaming with a rich luster in the afternoon light.

  "Thank you for your services," he said earnestly, sliding a coin toward each of them.

  Aldwin's face turned a deeper shade of red as he gazed at the gold piece before him. Gold coins were a rarity for most, especially for those of humble means. Bertram's jaw hung slightly agape, his eyes wide with disbelief as if he might start drooling over the generous reward. Camille's emerald eyes widened, her lips parting in silent surprise as she looked between the coin and Jamie.

  "Thank you so much!" Aldwin nearly shouted, his voice breaking the quiet. He scooped up the coin with both hands, cradling it as though it might vanish if he let go. For someone who seldom displayed his emotions, his reaction spoke volumes about the impact of Jamie's gesture.

  Bertram and Camille exchanged glances before bowing respectfully. "Thank you," they echoed in unison, their voices filled with genuine gratitude.

  Jamie nodded, satisfaction evident in his expression. "Take these next two days to rest and recover," he instructed. "You've all earned it after your hard work."

  "Will do," Bertram replied enthusiastically, his earlier fatigue seeming to lift at the prospect of respite.

  "Enjoy your well-deserved break," Jamie added as they began to make their way toward the door. "Oh, Camille. Could you stay for a moment longer?"

  "Of course," she replied, stepping aside to allow Bertram and Aldwin to exit the room. "See you later," the two called out, their footsteps echoing down the staircase as they headed toward the tavern's main hall.

  Once the door closed softly behind them, silence settled over the office, broken only by the distant murmur of patrons below and the faint creaking of the building as it settled. Camille stood patiently, her hands clasped lightly before her.

  "Yes, sir?" she inquired, a hint of curiosity in her tone.

  Jamie reached into the pouch once more, extracting a three more gold coins. He placed them gently on the desk between them, the coins catching the light and casting a warm reflection.

  "This isn't a loan; it's an advance," he began, his gaze meeting hers steadily. "I need you to settle your debts with the Red Veil. I can't have someone so integral to our operations tied down by such connections."

  Camille's eyes flickered with surprise, and for a moment, vulnerability softened her usually composed features. "Are you sure?" she asked hesitantly. That's a significant amount. Wouldn't it be costly for you?"

  "It will," Jamie acknowledged, his tone firm yet understanding. "But it's necessary for our continued safety and success. Consider it an investment in you, and in the trust we place in one another."

  Her gaze dropped briefly to the coins before returning to his face, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you," she said quietly, sincerity lacing her words. "I'll make sure this matter is resolved."

  He offered a reassuring smile. "I know you will."

  Camille picked up the coin with delicate fingers, slipping it securely into a pouch at her side. She gave a slight bow of respect. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

  "That's all. Rest well," Jamie replied.

  As she turned and left the office, the door closing softly behind her, Jamie exhaled gently, leaning back in his chair.

  Suddenly, a familiar presence made itself known. Jay leapt gracefully onto the desk. His translucent form shimmered faintly, ethereal fur rippling as though stirred by an unseen breeze.

  "Giving out a gold coin to each... Wasn't that a bit excessive?" Jay queried.

  Jamie met the cat's gaze, a hint of amusement in his expression. "No. They're risking their lives out there," he replied inwardly. "I need them to be fully committed, ready to put everything on the line. To ensure that, I must understand their desires and help them achieve them."

  Before Jay could answer, a firm knock sounded at the door.

  "Come in," Jamie called out.

  The door opened to reveal Thomas.

  "What do we need to do next?" Thomas asked, his hands clasped behind his back in a gesture of disciplined readiness.

  Jamie stood, straightening his tunic. "It's straightforward," he replied. "We need to finish our mission. That means submitting our report and evidence to the Mercenaries' Guild."

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