Sir Alex rubbed his temples. "I will return south with Jin. We need to confirm the reports."
Immediately, I shook my head. "No. I'm going too. I have to see what really happened."
Jin gave me that look—the one halfway between protective older brother and you're giving me more gray hair.
"My lady—"
"Don't start."
Before he could argue further, Chubby raised a finger. "I agree with her."
Everyone stopped.
Coffi blinked. "You agree… with her? Why?"
Chubby nodded solemnly. "Because the south might also be cursed. Or someone intentionally opened a dungeon. Or maybe—just maybe—someone lifted the Elven Forest ward."
Silence.
Jin's entire jaw locked.
Sir Alex's brows furrowed deeply.
Coffi's eyes went huge.
I just felt my heartbeat spike.
The Elven Forest ward… lifted? That was supposed to be impossible.
Coffi clapped her hands lightly. "Well. That settles it."
Jin sighed, defeated. "Of course it does."
