The man extended a slight bow as he said, "My apologies for startling you, Elder Lia."

Lia and Turan could see that the young man had quite a benevolent appearance. He didn't seem to be harboring any ill will toward them, nor did he look like some robber or bandit, and both of them heaved an internal sigh of relief.

Joe turned around to see that the young man who had just flown onto the carriage seemed to have something to discuss with Lia. Thus, he immediately realized that there was no way that these people could be bandits, and he was also quite relieved as he continued to focus on driving the carriage.

After the young man landed on the carriage, the group of horse riders around the carriage made sure to maintain their distance, displaying no intention of attacking or drawing any closer.

"Master Erwin sent us here to wait for you, and we've already been here for two days," the young man said with a smile.

Lia and Turan exchanged a glance, following which the former asked, "What does he want?"

"Master Erwin told me to inform you not to be alarmed. A battle between the trade guild and Onen is an inevitability that would've eventuated sooner or later anyway, and he only accelerated the process."

Lia was a smart man, and he immediately understood Erwin's intentions...