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    I didn''t even realize that I had spent hours in the tavern; when I came in, it was still early in the morning, and now the sun was directly overhead.


    As I made my way through the crowd, I noticed the diverse mix of people filling the street. Farmers in simple garb haggled with traders, while nobles in rich attire strolled by, their noses slightly upturned. I wondered if I would ever want to have a simple life staying in a city or a town like this.


    "Well played," I definitely was still feeling bitter despite saying that to him. Usually, I had been able to dismantle Gareth easily. Well, there''s a reason why he challenged people to a game of chess with coins on the line, and I found the reason the hard way.


    Arriving at the town hall, I approached the guard stationed at the entrance, my request to see Erina was met with a polite but firm response. "Procedures," he explained, his tone apologetic yet unwavering. "Can''t just let anyone waltz in, you know." I nodded understandingly, though a pang of impatience tugged at my resolve. "Guess patience is a virtue, even in times of urgency," I mused, resigned to the bureaucratic hurdles that stood between me and my goal.


    As I entered the town hall, I followed a meticulous series of steps to gain access to the inner chambers. First, I signed in, detailing my purpose of visit with careful precision. Then, I underwent a thorough security check, ensuring my belongings were scrutinized before passing through unscathed.


    After a seemingly endless wait, I finally reached the reception desk, where my credentials were verified and cross-referenced with official records. As the staff member led me through the maze of corridors, I couldn''t help but feel a knot of apprehension tighten in my stomach. With each step, I wondered what condition I would find Erina in. Finally, we arrived at the door of the room where she was being cared for.


    "Thank you," I murmured to the staff member, my voice tinged with gratitude as I prepared to face whatever lay beyond the threshold.


    Before I could knock, the door swung open, revealing a small, dimly lit room with a bed tucked against one wall. Erina sat on the bed, her features pale and drawn by the weight of her ordeal.