Chapter 23: People Look Down on Old Women Like Me from the Bottom of Their Hearts

After entering E-Rantel, the escort mission for the Rock team was complete. Naturally, their next step was to head to the local Adventurers' Guild, submit the request, and claim their reward.

However...

Thanks to Lyle's healing magic, the captain, Dosari, had fully recovered. Feeling somewhat guilty, he glanced at his team before hastily walking over to the carriage.

"Lady Bareare!"

"Thank you for taking care of us along the way. We couldn't contribute much to this mission, so we won't be taking any rewards this time," Captain Dosari said sincerely, bowing deeply to Granny Lizzie in gratitude.

If not for the group dealing with the two ogres, their entire team would likely have perished in that predicament.

Granny Lizzie cast a calm glance at Captain Dosari, her wrinkled face showing a rare smile toward the Rock team members. "Very well, I understand."

It was clear—saving some money made her happy.

Captain Dosary thanked Nfirea again, who sat inside the carriage, and then returned to his group.

"Lyle, don't forget to visit me," Nfirea called out, waving as the carriage began to pull away.

Lyle's deliberate efforts to engage with Nfirea had already made him a trusted friend.

"I will," Lyle replied with a calm smile.

Truth be told, Lyle felt deeply grateful to Nfirea.

Not only had their interactions granted him a "Genius" class, but he'd also gained expertise in both the Pharmacist and Alchemist life skills.

This was why the more time he spent with Nfirea, the greater the risk of his secrets being exposed someday.

If that ever happened—

Lyle's hand instinctively reached for the dagger at his waist, his fingers brushing against its hilt.

A moment later, the cold touch of the dagger snapped him out of his thoughts.

Was he...

Under too much pressure?

"Huff."

Lyle exhaled, turning to face the Rock team. "Everyone, it's time for me to say goodbye."

"Haha! We couldn't have made it without you, Lyle. If you ever need anything, just ask," said Rand, one of the twin brothers, pounding his chest with a grin.

Lyle quickly waved his hands dismissively. "I should be thanking you. I've learned a lot from all of you."

Clink. Clink.

"This is for you," Captain Dosari said abruptly, pulling out a small black pouch from his coat. The metallic clink of coins came from within as he handed it to Lyle.

Before Lyle could respond, the pouch was already in his hands.

Feeling the familiar weight and texture, Lyle knew it was filled with coins.

"This is...?" Lyle looked puzzled, raising his hand to return the pouch.

"It's not much, so don't complain or refuse. Without you, I'd have lost my leg," Dosari said sternly, stamping his foot hard on the ground to make his point.

Given the extent of the ogres' damage to his leg, their on-hand potions wouldn't have been enough for such severe injuries.

In the wilderness, with no clear indication of the nearest city, even if he managed to find a priest skilled in healing magic, by then, the injury would likely leave permanent damage.

Without Lyle's timely intervention, Captain Dosari was certain his adventuring career would've ended right there.

Seeing Dosary's resolute attitude, Lyle hesitated before finally accepting the pouch. "Alright, I'll take it then."

After nodding at the Rock team, Lyle turned and left.

As his figure disappeared into the crowd, Captain Dosari's expression turned bitter.

"What a shame... This commission ended up costing us a fortune," grumbled Archer.

Rand and Bask exchanged glances, both sighing.

They had maintained close relations with Lyle in hopes of recruiting him after the mission ended.

But just as they neared E-Rantel, disaster struck. Not only had they nearly lost their entire team, but Lyle had also saved them.

Under such circumstances, the Rock team felt it inappropriate to invite Lyle to join them.

"Why the long face?"

"Even though we didn't recruit him, we've at least established a connection. There will be other chances," Captain Dosari said, slapping his cheeks to invigorate himself. "Let's keep striving to achieve 'Gold-Rank' adventurer status!"

"Yes, Captain!"

"Yes, Captain!"

"Yes, Captain!"

On the other side, Lizzie and her grandson, Nfirea, departed in the carriage.

Granny Lizzie glanced at Nfirea, noticing his slight melancholy over the recent farewell, and shook her head.

Because of Nfirea's introverted nature, he rarely made friends.

The boy named Lyle seemed older than her grandson—talented, and a faith-based magic caster. If they could become friends, it would undoubtedly be beneficial.

But—

"Nfirea," Grandmother Lizzie said softly as she drove the carriage.

"Yes, Grandma?" Nfirea looked up.

"In the future, unless absolutely necessary, avoid interacting too much with that Lyle boy," Lizzie advised.

Nfirea was startled and was about to argue.

"I know what you're going to say, but listen to me. I'm an old woman, but I still have a bit of insight. I wouldn't hurt you," Lizzie continued before he could speak.

"That boy seems kind and approachable, but the truth is quite the opposite. He must have his guard up against everyone.

"His friendliness toward you is likely a facade. People like him either have complicated backgrounds or bring big trouble."

Hearing this, Nfirea sat up straight, his face slightly flushed as he attempted to retort. "But, Grandma—"

"Enough."

Lizzie sighed, cracking her whip to cut him off.

"Nfirea, did you notice how the Rock team treated me after I dealt with those ogres?"

Nfirea paused, recalling how the team members had been extremely respectful to his grandmother.

He wasn't foolish—he understood that she wasn't just referring to the team's attitude but also Lyle's behavior.

Lyle had also been very respectful.

But now that he thought about it, there was something different about how Lyle treated Rock compared to how he treated others. It was subtle but noticeable, though hard to describe.

"His performance is terrible."

"People look down on old women like me from the bottom of their hearts," Lizzie remarked calmly.

Nfirea opened his mouth but ultimately remained silent.