Dark and I turned around.
Not far behind us stood a man, holding a travel bag in his hand.
Upon seeing us, he flashed a mischievous smile and said,
"Heh, did I startle you two?"
It was Alaric.
As he spoke, he sauntered closer, beaming,
"Lord Alaric has officially returned to Harbei City. From this moment onward, I shall fight alongside you!"
I gazed at Alaric, a mix of amusement and disbelief on my face.
"Did your brother consent to your return to Harbei City?"
Alaric's brother, Branwen, had once confided in me.
About their family’s long-standing aversion to gambling.
His return to Harbei City, and to my side,
signified a choice to tread the path of vice.
With an air of carelessness, Alaric replied,
"My brother talks tough but gives in easily; all I had to do was wear him down. As long as I keep my mother in the dark, that’s a minor detail. Come on, let’s go inside and chat…”