They're in the town of Doncaster on a break, heading south to get reinforcements from the Aspara kingdom. Fuki and Lumi are busy practicing their frost magics. With much effort they read the ancient scrolls given to them by their teacher, and show some progress in mastering their next spell, Frost ray. It is a spell that uses extreme cold energy to freeze anything it touches. It will be essential in their fight with Misanthria.

  Lumi goes first.

  Gelu ray magica magnifica maximus! She shouts.

  She performs the rhythmic movements with her staff and a small ray of ice forms on the ground. But nothing strong enough to incapacitate an enemy.

  Fuki performs the same spell, to similar effect.

  We're going to need to practice a lot more. We only have a couple of months left before we need to be able to master this spell.

  Baldric has done his exercises for the day and is heading to the town inn.

  As he orders two meals and starts to enjoy his roasted bison steak and fried fish a woman approaches him.

  Hey handsome, you're going to finish that all by yourself?

  She's slender and has an hourglass shaped figure, with long brown hair and green eyes.

  She smiles at him.

  I'm hungry, me and my group walked all week, Baldric explains, before he chows down on his steak.

  Mind if I sit down?

  Sure, he says with food in his mouth.

  What's a strong guy like you doing here? She asks him.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  I can't talk about it. We're on a rescue mission. That's the story they decided to stick with to keep the truth hidden.

  Alright. My name is Tanaka. What's yours?

  Baldric, he says.

  Where are you heading?

  We're heading to the Cavas region, he says as he chews on more food hastily.

  What a coincidence, so am I. Maybe we could travel together for a bit?

  Sure, I don't think the others would mind.

  But I have a small problem I need help with first.

  I'm looking for a strong man to help me with some stuff. I recently moved. You will be rewarded. It's close to this inn, just 5 minutes away, would you care to help me? She winks at him.

  Baldric agrees, after he finishes his meal.

  They walk over to the house.

  I live on the 3rd floor. But I can't carry all these boxes.

  Baldric, not knowing any better, helps her move up the heavy boxes and furniture. Although this is supposed to be her house, it looks more like a storage unit.

  As they are finished she kisses the now sweaty Baldric.

  Thank you so much!

  You know Baldric, we could have a little fun, but I've been so stressed lately.

  Stressed? What's on your mind, a flustered Baldric asks her.

  These bills. I had to move to this place because I couldn't afford rent anymore. And my landlord now wants a moving out deposit because I broke the contract. Tanaka wipes a tear from her eyes.

  Money is so hard to come by for a girl like me, I just don't have the skills necessary to work in a town like this. That's why I'm heading to the Cavas region, to buy fresh herbs to sell back here.

  Could you lend me a few coins? She asks, as she places her hand on his side.

  S-sure I could. I don't need everything.

  Baldric reveals a coin pouch. He takes out a few gold coins. Here you go.

  I'm going to need more than that sweetie, she says as she grabs a handful of coins from Baldric.

  Okay. Thank you. We'll meet up tomorrow morning at the inn okay. Then we can travel to the Cavas region.

  But the following morning Tanaka doesn't show up. Baldric checks her apartment but the door is locked and there's seemingly nobody in the entire building, as nobody opens the door after he knocks and shouts.

  I won't see that money back either, he thinks to himself.