Phillip gave a small nod to Kyrie and Erica as they came down the last few steps, clearly relieved to see them both. He straightened slightly, turning his attention back to the armored man as he spoke up, his tone measured but confident.

“I was just explaining to Captain Nikolaus and our new friends here that we’re simply merchants from Mirabri, passing through the region,” Phillip said, gesturing lightly toward the group. “We made arrangements with the owner of the building to use it for rest while traveling.”

Kyrie nodded faintly, piecing things together. So that was what he was doing.

She wasn’t sure exactly what had happened while she was upstairs, but Phillip had clearly gleaned something from the book and the map. More than that, he was leaning fully into the role; his tone steady, his posture calm, as though he truly belonged in this world.

Still… Kyrie wasn’t entirely sure where lying would get them. Or why Phillip seemed convinced it was necessary.

Jennifer stepped forward before anyone else could respond, her attention focused on the wounded men lying on the blankets. “We have a first aid kit and some bandages,” she offered, her voice gentle but firm. “I’m a registered nurse. I can help.” She gestured toward the injured men.

The one clutching his arm shifted slightly, clearly in pain, while the other lay pale and still, though conscious.

Captain Nikolaus turned his gaze from Jennifer to the wounded, his expression tightening slightly. Then he looked back to her, studying her face for a moment.

Finally, he nodded. “If you can help them, I would be grateful,” he said, his tone quiet and sincere.

Jennifer gave a small nod and immediately moved toward the injured men, Amanda stepping in to assist her by gathering supplies from their bags.

Kyrie watched Nikolaus carefully as he spoke.

There was something about him; a calmness, a restraint. He carried authority easily, without needing to raise his voice. And more than that, she noticed the way his eyes flicked briefly toward Phillip as he finished speaking.

Measured. Thoughtful. Unconvinced. He didn’t look like a man fooled by Phillip’s explanation. But he also didn’t challenge it. Instead, he allowed the lie to stand, as though he had decided, for now, that pressing the matter wasn’t worth the trouble.

That realization sent a quiet chill down Kyrie’s spine. Whatever was happening, this wasn’t just a group of actors following a script. These men were making decisions. Real ones.

And Captain Nikolaus, with his calm voice, pointed ears, and raven-marked cloak, was clearly weighing every word they spoke.