Layla did not have much to worry about packing and where she would live with Mary around.

Living a long life had given Mary enough connections and recognition to make a journey on the fly.

She also had enough of the Duke's authority not to be challenged or asked how she was spending her money….

Not that Layla needed all these favors. But if she was being handed these things anyway, then who was she to complain about all that?

Mary and this journey was the least of Layla's worries. What she was worried about was Raziel overdoing it and hurting himself.

"Raziel, how is your condition? Did Cardinal Bishop teach you how to activate these ruins? If you don't feel like you are up to it, we can head back and grab another priest to do this job with you."

Despite her confidence in Raziel and knowing what he could do, Layla did not feel secure letting him do whatever he wanted.

Raziel had a lot of power, but he also tends to overestimate himself sometimes and gets hurt, especially when it comes to proving himself.

Even now, his eyes were hard, and the teen looked ready to prove himself.

His eyes flashed when Layla mentioned getting more help, and the denial was instant.

"There would be no need for that, my lady. I have gathered enough divine energy in my reserves for such a day. I promise you I will do a good job for you."

Raziel promised with everything he had.

"Somehow, I don't think your performance is what our lady is worried about, pup. But it is nice to see you so spirited. Make sure you show the same enthusiasm when we spar later."

Mary's challenge caused Raziel to shiver and flinch back.

He rubbed his arms as he felt the phantom pain from those words. Mary had almost broken his arms the last time they had sparred.

Layla did not interrupt the pair's fun, and instead, she turned her eyes outside toward the town they were about to arrive at.

Their journey was almost at its end after two days, and the village Keith mentioned had been reached.

Layla did not ask what kind of magic Mary used on Keith, but not only did that man turn over a new leaf, but he also pleaded his loyalty to Layla.

She had let him guard her store and leave her under Siduri's management.

Layla figured that the Dark Elf manager would appreciate the new security and use that guy most.

"Are we there? I can see the village entrance. But something about this place looks…"

Layla looked at the village she was approaching and could not help but cringe at its atmosphere.

Unlike most villages where people were moving about and doing their work, this village looked almost abandoned.

No one was around, and those who seemed to be in a hurry to finish their work headed back inside.

Many working people looked at Layla's carriage but did not have enough luxury to stop and ask her what she wanted.

As soon as the carriage stopped, Raziel and Mary got down first before they helped Layla get down.

"Wow, this place has some hospitality. Most of these people did not even look at us when we arrived. It's almost as if they are determined to ignore us."

Mary observed with an amused face. This behavior did not offend her, but Raziel began looking annoyed and ready to harm someone.

Layla raised her hand before Raziel could pursue anyone, and she decided to take the initiative and ask these people questions about what was happening.

She was sure she would have a better chance at this since adults tend to let their guard down more easily around kids than other adults, and Layla knew how to be polite when times call for it.

"Hello, excuse me, but I wanted to ask if there was an inn around here where we could stay for a few days. We are traveling to a far land, and our carriage has a fault we must repair."

Layla asked the man with as much innocence as she could muster (which was not much, but it got the job done).

The man looked startled at Layla's question and had an uncomfortable look when he looked at Layla.

"I…you should not be in this town, kid! If you want to stay somewhere, go to the other town, an hour away. You would be much safer there!"

That was all the man said before he turned around and walked away.

Everyone looked at Layla and the man who talked to him with an uncomfortable expression on their faces.

"Hey! Excuse me-!"

Layla called out, but the man was already gone.

She did not let this deter her and asked someone else the same question. But as soon as she neared someone else, they quickly ran away from her and pretended as if they had never seen her in the first place.

It surprised Layla, but she was not determined to give up.

"Raziel, Mary, give me a hand here. I don't think getting these people to spill what is happening will be easy."

Layla was not ready to give up and ended up employing her two guards to do this as well.

But they had the same result as Layla - that was not much!

"Miss, I asked the inn as well, and they said they were full and could not accommodate us. We have no choice but to camp in another village for tonight or set up camp outside and check what happens. What do you suppose we do?"

Mary asked, and Layla was about to suggest they camp here when an old lady with a hunched back signaled the pair to step close to her.

Layla's instincts told her it was a bad idea, but her desire to know the truth pushed her forward.

The old lady paused briefly before grabbing Layla's face and turning it around to look at her.