"It's hard for them to prepare breakfast for us at a time like this."

Ronald shook his head in regret, his gaze tinged with a bit of reluctance.

The breakfast Catherine mentioned was naturally the promised food reward after yesterday's discussion with Lama.

Though the great demon had vanished without a trace.

The crew from Hamono, who successfully received the message from him, still honored the agreement this morning.

Especially since Hamono is currently caught in a war.

In this special period, such a gesture conveys goodwill to Ronald and Catherine beyond simple 'friendliness'!

Bang bang bang—

Soon, a knock at the door sounded outside.

After Catherine responded, the people seen from outside came into the two's living room with large bags.

Among them, the leader, despite showing a flicker of worry about the war in his eyes, displayed more respect towards Ronald and Catherine:

"Mr. Ronald, Miss Catherine."

"On Councilman Dalman's orders, we're here to prepare a special breakfast for you this morning."

As the leader finished speaking, the remaining few began to unpack and display the breakfast they prepared in front of Ronald and Catherine.

There were items already pre-prepared for immediate consumption.

There were also ingredients requiring further cooking, prompting the group to start preparing these rare dishes onsite.

These people moved in unison, orderly arranging the dishes before Ronald and Catherine. Meanwhile, the leader didn't forget to introduce the dishes they prepared:

"The underground mycelium of ring-shaped white mushrooms, harvested from beneath the forest after rain, offering exceptionally rare delicate flavors."

"Tender shoots of red pine roots, emerging only two weeks a year in the soft litter ground. Refreshing taste and tender texture. The environmental requirements make it extremely rare."

"Yellow wort porridge. This crop has a sweet taste and supports digestive health. It's the ideal choice to accompany a meal early in the morning."

"..."

Cared for by the group, Ronald and Catherine naturally and comfortably enjoyed the breakfast.

This treatment was predetermined.

Ronald and Catherine felt no guilt in accepting it.

A peaceful time passed as the meal offered physical and spiritual comfort, briefly letting them forget the experiences of the previous night, just wanting to lay down and rest.

However, after the meal, the expected situation occurred.

While the crew cleaned up the leftovers and tidied the house.

The leader who had introduced the dishes stepped forward again.

He knelt down on one knee in front of them, immediately placing his right hand over his heart and bowing his head, showing complete submission.

"My lords, were you satisfied with the breakfast today?"

"Very satisfied!" Catherine responded happily and pointed to the man's head, "I know you want to say something, so as a reward, you may speak now."

"..."

The kneeling man didn't expect Catherine to speak this way.

After a brief daze, he quickly admitted Catherine had guessed right:

"Madam, your wisdom is truly awe-inspiring!"

"In addition to preparing breakfast, we came here with a mission—Councilman Dalman hopes the two of you can visit his office before noon today for very important discussions."

Ronald and Catherine exchanged glances.

Their intentions were clear and obvious.

At a time when Hamono faces a siege by enemy forces, these people naturally wouldn't overlook two powerful Casters in the city, essential to its needs.

That the man would extend the invitation only after their meal.

In some measure, reflected Councilman Dalman's respect for the two of them.

Ronald knew this journey was inevitable, so he nodded and responded:

"No problem, you and the others can leave now."

"Catherine and I will gather ourselves and head over to Dalman's place before noon."

The man, half-kneeling, breathed a sigh of relief:

"My Lord, on behalf of Councilman Dalman, I thank you."

"If there's nothing else you need, we'll leave you to rest."

"..."

The man stood up.

To show his respect, he didn't raise his bowed head, but instead, backed away while facing Ronald and Catherine, leaving the room.

Click—

With a soft sound, the team delivering the special breakfast left the travel agency, leaving only the aroma of the food in the room. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Watching them depart.

Catherine relaxed for a while, finally asking Ronald:

"Ronald, when should we set off?"

"The sooner, the better!" Ronald instantly stood, grabbed his jacket from the sofa, put it on, and headed to the door, "Let's not waste any time here. The situation in the city is complex; the sooner we can save time, the more stable our plan will be."

Catherine smiled sweetly and stood up, following Ronald out of the travel agency.

...

Out in the early sunlight walking in Hamono city.

Due to the arrival of war, the city was not as serene and beautiful as they'd seen before. Although many on the streets continued their work, their faces showed tension and worry.

Once a child stepped out of the house, their family would immediately pull them back inside, followed by the sound of scolding and educating the child.

The tense atmosphere permeated the entire city.

Being just a brief distance from the actual war front, this was inevitable.

What Ronald and Catherine observed.

Included many empty houses.

Due to Hamono's high proportion of Casters and summoned beings, those capable of combat were mobilized to the city's edge, maintaining and executing various specialized tasks, leading to a desolate atmosphere.

A few hours could mobilize the entire city.

Hamono's rapid communication capabilities clearly play a crucial role here.

Thus, Ronald and Catherine watched the city in warfare.

Both harboring personal thoughts and conclusions.

Finally, the two smoothly arrived at Councilman Dalman's treehouse unhindered.