"It was a pleasure doing business," Caron said with a smile as he shook hands with Foina.0

"Are you sure you don't need any other artifacts?" Foina asked. "Traveling alone must come with its share of inconveniences."0

"I've already brought along an extraordinary companion from the Great Forest," Caron replied.0

Meow.0

Pluto, perched on Caron's shoulder, let out a sharp, high-pitched cry.0

Foina gasped softly in astonishment and said, "Pluto...! To think someone would form a contract with a Spirit of Darkness!"3

"My little friend is quite talented," Caron said, stroking Pluto affectionately.0

"I'd love to study it if I could. Would you consider lending it to me sometime?" Foina asked, her curiosity evident.0

"Maybe when I'm not on a mission," Caron replied.0

"You'd charge a fee, wouldn't you?" Foina asked.0

"Of course I would," Caron said with a grin.0

"Then I'll wait for another opportunity," Foina clicked her tongue lightly, clearly disappointed. She turned to the elf standing quietly behind her and gestured for her to step forward. She said, "Neria has something she'd like to say to you."0

Neria, the elf Caron had rescued from Reben, stepped forward hesitantly. It seemed Foina had tended to her recovery with great care. The scars on her wrists and ankles, once so prominent, had entirely faded.0

Caron waved to her with a smile, then asked, "How've you been?"0

Neria gave a faint smile and nodded, then said, "I've been well, thanks to you."0

"I feel like I never thanked you properly," she added after...0