The table was wrapped in a heavy silence, the seven of us sitting around it, the air tense enough to cut with a knife. Wanora stood up slowly, her eyes sweeping over each of us.
"I have decided who two will be going to investigate the missing nobles case," she announced.
At her words, everyone stiffened unconsciously — except Evena, who remained leaned back in her chair, a dreamy look in her half-lidded eyes as if she were somewhere else entirely.
Wanora didn't waste time. "Sinus... and Heide will be the two going."
The decision struck the room like a pebble thrown into still water. Gars shot up immediately, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Why not me?" he demanded, his voice thick with frustration.
Wanora's eyes sharpened. "Shut up. I'm speaking."
Gars' mouth clamped shut as he dropped back into his seat, the anger in his eyes not disappearing, just simmering lower. Wanora continued without missing a beat, "Sinus is the best for stuff like this, and Heide is good support for it. We need the others here in case a revolution breaks out. Tensions are high right now."
At that, Shalap timidly raised her hand. "If there is a revolution... I really can't help in fighting a lot of people. Can I go with big brother Sinus and brother Heide?"
Wanora paused, tapping her finger against the table thoughtfully. Her gaze lingered on Shalap's small frame. After a moment, she nodded. "Sure."
Before the agreement could settle, Monday shot up from his seat, an urgent frown on his face. "Wait, but isn't looking for nobles more dangerous?"
Wanora let out a slow, tired sigh, like she had been expecting this question. "She can help them. Listening to the smallest sounds can help these two track and beware of people."
Sinus, who had been silent all this time, finally leaned forward, his voice cutting into the air. "So... the three of us will be going?" he asked, as if confirming the sudden shift in plans.
Wanora nodded firmly. "Yes. The three of you."
Her gaze swept across the room one more time, daring anyone to speak up. But no one did. Silence returned, heavier than before.
"Alright then," Wanora said briskly, her tone final. "Take your time, you three, and pack accordingly."
Gars furrowed his brows. "Wait... pack? Why pack? Isn't this just intel gathering?"
Evena, still looking half-lost, blinked slowly as if the thought only now reached her.
Wanora folded her arms, the faintest smile tugging at the corner of her lips like she was holding back amusement. "Well," she began, "they are likely being transported somewhere if they have been kidnapped. The guilds and taskhand leaders had a meeting where we discussed what our roles are."
She looked straight at us — no, at them.
"You three will be taking care of the sea routes. First, check up on the docks and gather intel. Alright?"
Heide, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, adjusting his gloves absentmindedly. "So we're starting from the ports," he muttered more to himself, already slipping into mission mode.
Wanora nodded again. "Exactly."
The briefing was over.