Poison Lingers in the Eastern Sea – Part 04

“This way, please.”

The manager led the admiral forward. Paula followed. When Hikaru and Lavia tried to come along, soldiers stepped in from both sides.

“Only the Healer needs to go ahead.”

“That won’t work,” Hikaru said.

He might need to use the feather he carried.

“No. Stay back.”

The soldier showed no intention of yielding.

“Paula.”

“Yes? Huh?”

Paula realized she had put some distance between herself and Hikaru.

“Let’s head back. Apparently, they don’t want our help.”

“What?! Why are you speaking up? We requested the Healer’s help!”

“Paula worked at the clinic, but that was volunteer work. We’re adventurers. We’re not affiliated with the clinic, and we don’t have any obligation to respond to requests like this.”

“Adventurers?” The soldier looked genuinely confused.

The naval admiral strode forward. “You say you’re an adventurer? And this Healer in a habit is also an adventurer? So she’s free to accept or refuse my request?”

“That’s correct.” Hikaru met the admiral’s gaze.

Then the admiral