The Jagged Swordsman was nothing like Pelina had expected. Even if a poor student like her couldn’t afford dining there, she had heard of their delicious meals and inviting atmosphere, but upon entering, she couldn’t help feeling like she’d walked into a sandstorm of despair. Everything was in its place: patrons having loud conversations over their food, a musician playing a lively melody, and maids sharing jovial remarks as they served drinks. No shady men lingered in the corners, and no brawny brutes ruined the evening for others, and Pelina forced herself to focus on her task instead of searching for something that was likely only a reflection of her own anxious thoughts.
She scanned the room. No familiar faces emerged from the crowd, and she resisted the need to check the message once
