"Of course." Brand could only nod with a wry smile, "I just lost my focus for a moment."
But this lie could only deceive himself. Antitina, sharp and intelligent, gave him a suspicious glance. In the girl's impression, this shrewd and cautious young knight would never get distracted by anything trivial—Brand seemed to be constantly plotting something, although everything he did appeared unrelated on the surface, ultimately, it proved to be pre-arranged.
Antitina doubted why someone could achieve this level. Plans are plans, but Brand acted as if he knew certain things would inevitably happen, calmly waiting for the right moment.
A person must either be extremely confident or possess a far-reaching vision, able to foresee the development of events.
Naturally, she never considered someone could foresee everything.
Even the Royal Court Seers from the Royal Palace could only predict the major events' trends through manipulating the threads and cards of Destiny's Twins. No one could predict the future in complete detail. In her view, only deities might achieve this level, yet even deities have vanished in this epoch, clearly she hadn't considered that Brand wasn't even from this world.
"Lost your focus for a moment?" Antitina slightly furrowed her brows, showing a hint of displeasure, "Lord, if there are things you don't wish to tell me, I won't ask."
Brand felt unjustly wronged like Dou'e at this moment, although he had some secrets he couldn't reveal to outsiders, it was out of necessity. By Martha, could he speak of these things to outsiders? Even if he did, no one would believe him, he'd just end up with the reputation of a madman. Such an unprofitable transaction was something he'd certainly avoid. Fresh chapters posted on NoveI~Fire.net
He could only patiently explain, "It's not like that, Miss Antitina..."
But before he could finish, Miss Roman suddenly returned from who knows where, enthusiastically assuring him, "I won't ask about Brand's secrets either! Roman promises!"
Brand glared at her fiercely. If there was anyone in this world who fearlessly acted as if causing chaos, it would be this Merchant Lady at the top of the list.
But he eventually sighed, waved his hand, and said, "Enough, let's focus on proper matters. Tonight, pitch your tents closer to mine. Don't remove your leather armor, and don't sleep too deeply, understand?"
Antitina immediately looked around cautiously, "Why?"
"I'll explain later." He turned, immediately seeing the Merchant Lady nodding along with him, but the expression on her face clearly showed 'I don't care at all.' Brand's eyes narrowed instantly, knowing well the nature of this lady, "Especially you—my Miss Roman. Stay awake. Don't think I don't know once you sleep, you turn into a little pig. Unless Lord Martha personally comes, nobody can wake you up."
"But my aunt said women age quickly if they don't sleep early."
"You've survived days without sleep in Buqi."
"But sleeping back then meant being caught by Madara."
"It's the same now." Brand replied, annoyed.
His hands stained with the smell of spices —
Ecco distinguished the scent of fennel from Silver Sand Coast and cinnamon from Golan-Elsen from the pungent smell. He had trained related sniffing skills in toxicology, identifying spices was just one of them. However, the dense aroma in the air still irritated his nasal cavity, making him want to sneeze hard. But at this moment, Ecco wished his heart could stop beating, unfortunately, it thumped loudly in his chest.
He shut his mouth tightly, striving not to make any noise. Even though he desperately wanted to take deep breaths, his chest ached from holding it, dizziness invaded his brain, but he could only endure, allowing sweat to trickle down his forehead. He looked down, seeing sweat dripping onto the white burlap, forming a dark spot.
"What are you doing here?"
The young man couldn't see the speaker, but he could identify the speaker by the familiar voice. It was the second team's leader Caber, along with familiar companions, "Don't come closer—" he thought, "Don't speak, everyone, turn around and leave. Don't let those guys suspect." He widened his eyes, staring at shadows on the opposite wall, afraid of missing any detail.
But occasionally, he closed his eyes, praying earnestly to Lord Martha, hoping Caber and the team would leave now.
But he knew it wasn't possible.
Unless a miracle happens—
So he prayed for a miracle—
He always knew foster father Macaro left people in the town, just to monitor him. Rather than monitoring, it was more like taking care. Caber was, besides Bujia and his foster father, the most caring person to him in the Mercenary Group, also his first swordsmanship teacher. He knew the man called 'Mane Wolf' Macaro always knew he was hiding in town. Even when he secretly went back to the inn, they should know.
Everyone understood each other tacitly.
They still treated him as a child, as if Ecco was always someone needing care.
But this time, it's different. Those guys, those guys definitely weren't 'Paper Card' Mercenary Group members. What's 'Paper Card' Mercenary Group worth? Was Ecco afraid of a long-time adversary who appeared tough but was weak inside? Why didn't foster father think of this? Unable to resist, he rubbed his forehead, but halfway through the motion, he iced up and lowered his hand.
"Can't let those guys find out."
"But Caber and the team are outside. They're not a match for those guys."
"Those guys are ruthless demons."
Ecco struggled, wanting to jump out and warn Caber several times, loudly urging them to leave immediately. Even if he knew this would accomplish nothing, his affection for Caber, both a mentor and friend, compelled him to fulfill his duty. It was his duty, but he understood he had more important responsibilities.
Can't let those guys succeed.
"Where's the young man you're chasing?" Caber spoke again.
Ecco's heart skipped.
"Quick, hand Ecco over! We all saw him!" This was a younger, impatient voice.
Chris, you impulsive fool!
Ecco cursed in his heart, his hand clutching his sword, trembling uncontrollably. Then he heard that familiar laugh, cold and sharp, like ice needles stabbing his spine.
"Hehehe, so you indeed are with him—"
(PS. Just realized I haven't completed this month's quota, but the updates are still strong!
Support greatly appreciated!
By the way, for those fellow DT players, slow down a bit, don't publish right after updating within 15 minutes. It's already bad enough...)(To be continued. For more, visit www.qidian.com, more chapters, support authors, support genuine reading!)