Sixth Hoffman was groggily about to grab his weapon placed on his bed.

Nicholas slapped him on the head, "What are you doing? I told you to get up, our strategist has something to say!"

Sixth Hoffman was still confused, "Which strategist?"

"Qingyu," Nicholas sighed.

Sixth Hoffman grabbed a fistful of his own hair, "The young monk?"

Nicholas urged him to hurry, "What young monk? Is that how you should address him?"

Sixth Hoffman chuckled, "True, that’s our boss’s exclusive nickname."

When Qingyu was first brought back by Hannah, he was just a green young man.

The kind who would blush and run away when teased a bit.

However, as he grew older, Qingyu also gained some adult composure.

Where they used to joke around freely, now they were a bit hesitant.

...

A group sat around, all looking at Qingyu.

Qingyu, now in his usual blue long gown, meticulously fastened to the top, said, "Sorry for calling everyone so late."

Sixth Hoffman, shaking off his previous fatigue, waved his hand, "It’s fine, it’s fine. We rough men can handle a little less sleep, right?"

His gaze swept over everyone present.

Those who were previously nodding off were now wide awake.

Those slow to respond were instantly straightened up by a kick to their stools from Nicholas.

Nicholas smiled, "Qingyu, everyone is here. Just speak up, does the boss have news?"

Qingyu nodded, his expression suddenly solemn, "I think, I have roughly guessed where Hannah has gone."

This statement really woke everyone up.

Sixth Hoffman rubbed his eyes, then slapped his face, "Really?"

Qingyu nodded again.

Nicholas and Sixth Hoffman exchanged glances and both sighed in relief.

In their band of wanderers, Qingyu knew Hannah the best.

The two were of a similar age, and although Hannah always called Qingyu a child, in the eyes of Sixth Hoffman and Nicholas, Hannah was still a child herself.

The young man and woman, who grew up together and had a life-saving debt between them, fittingly described by the phrase "childhood sweethearts."

Sixth Hoffman had jokingly said in private chats that they should kidnap Wayne Lane and Sheffield Benedict from the empire, have themselves be underlings, and Qingyu be the leader.

Once, when Qingyu overheard this, the young man blushed—whether from embarrassment or anger, it was unsure—and he didn’t join them at the table for several days.

When Hannah found out, she beat up Sixth Hoffman.

Afterwards, they all realized that Qingyu was like a delicate flower that needed careful tending, panting after three steps and coughing after five.

*

After confirming Hannah’s destination, Sixth Hoffman immediately prepared to go and retrieve her.

He only took thirty people with him.

Too many people would attract attention from the empire.

Before he left, Nicholas reminded him to make sure to bring Hannah back.

Sixth Hoffman patted his chest and promised, "Don’t worry, even if I have to cling to the boss’s legs, I’ll drag her back."

Nicholas shook his head.

Looking at the foolishly grinning face of Sixth Hoffman, he didn’t know what to say.

They all knew Hannah’s personality.

She would never bother others with something she could do herself, and as for things she couldn’t do...

Such a situation had yet to arise.

So Nicholas knew in his heart that the chances of Sixth Hoffman bringing her back this time were not great.