“Well?” Samantha asks as she sits on the table, chewing on a chicken bone.

The mercenary leader bows. “We found their location. We can go when you're ready.” He says.

Samantha smiles. “What have you found out?” She asks, curious if these were their targets.

“Well, they're mages. As for whether they're our targets, not sure. Should we capture one of them for interrogation?” He asks.

Samantha puts her food down and takes a gulp of water. “We'll all go. When we're there, start asking around their camp for our targets. If it’s them, they’ll take the bait and we’ll swoop in. If not, we’ll move on and change our focus.” She says.

The man smiles. “We’ll prepare right away.” He says before turning and leaving.

Samantha takes the last bite of her chicken before standing up. She had to let the other mages know.

…

…

“Hey ugh… Did you have a moment?” An unassuming traveler asks.

A lady puts down the basket she was weaving and looks up. “What do you want?” She asks.

“I’m looking for a group of mages. They rebelled against their college and I’ve been hired to look for them. Have you seen any mages around here?” He asks, keeping a straight face.

The lady’s eyes widen. “No. I haven’t seen any mages.” She immediately says. She didn’t know what these people were referring to, but she didn’t want to stir the pot. She knew very well that there were mages in the camp, but if these people were hunting them down, she very much didn’t want to draw attention to it.

The man lets out a sigh. “Alright. I’ll be back in a few hours. Could you ask around and see if any of the others know anything. I’ll pay handsomely for this information.” He says with a smile.

“Ugh… I’ll ask around.” The lady says, hoping the man would leave.

“Good day, ma’am.” The man says before turning and going.

…

…

Serah leans back in her chair. “Do you think they’ll buy it?” She asks.

Samantha waves a hand. “Of course they’ll buy it. If it’s them, they’ll surely prepare a welcome party for our vulnerable mercenary friend. We’ll send a few people with them to bear the brunt before the rest of us swoop in. If it’s not them… Well, that’s just life. We’ll look for someone else to pick on.” She says, amused.

Nickie shakes her head. “You guys are so cruel. I’d hate to be on the other side of the games you play.” She says with a sigh.

Samantha lets out a chuckle. “We’re not that bad. You should see some of the nobles I’ve encountered. What can I say? Other then their money and good looks? The rest? Complete trash.” She says without a care.

Serah lets out a bitter smile. “I’m sure some of them aren’t so bad. People learn and people grow. You could have met them in a bad place.” She comments.

“Probably. But I don’t consider that. I see what I see and I call it as it is. But yeah. Maybe the next time I see them, they won’t be so bad.” Samantha says reluctantly.

Nickie shakes her head again. “Judging people left and right. Scheming and setting traps. It’s very unbecoming of a lady, Samantha.” She also comments.

Samantha lets out a smirk. “I’m nice when I can be. Do you think I like being mean? If more people earned it… Oh my… That would just be so good…” She says as her mind wanders.

Serah looks to Nickie and Nickie looks to Serah. “Do you need to bang?” Serah asks.

Samantha’s eyes widen. “No. Why would you say that?” She asks.

Serah smirks. “Just seems like you’re a little distracted is all.” She says with a sideways glance.

Samantha smiles. “Nah, it’s nothing. I’m just saying that when people are good, they’re good. It can be seen at a glance. But yeah… Maybe I should lower my standards a little…” She says with a sigh.

“That would be best for everyone. Not everyone can be so good, and nobody’s perfect. But let’s just focus on the mages for now. I have a feeling that Serah’s about to get frisky.” She says, keeping the matter focused.