Persuasion

Someone called out to her.

Katrina stiffened when she recognized the voice.

"What a coincidence!"

Nathan laughed and sat beside her.

Confusion painted Katrina's face. Why was he here? Did he not leave earlier?

"W-why are you here?"

Nathan scratched his head while answering.

"Touring..."

"ha?"

"I have [Basic Alchemy] but I'm not very good at it, so I tend to waste a lot of materials in the process. I was looking for a cheap shop to buy ingredients to cut down the cost, even if a bit and someone recommended me that shop."

Katrina inaudibly sighed and relief washed over her.

She thought Nathan had been following her.

"But I didn't think I would come across you while you were...Ahem"

Nathan slyly smiled.

"W-what?"

"I didn't think my to-be mentor was..."

Nathan leaned closer to her. He brought his lips next to her ears before whispering.

"...a thief."

"!!"