The synopsis for the sequel wasn't random—Sean borrowed it from Deathwing's voice lines in Heroes of the Storm, finding it perfect for Lodin's struggles. The merchant couldn't argue, so he reluctantly agreed.
After assigning tasks to Henry and Lodin, Sean turned to his escorts. "Windsor, Rem—your job is to stay by my side, no exceptions." Having two followers with Taunt felt as reassuring as a mask in a plague.
"Understood, My Lord!" Windsor replied sharply.
"Lord Sean, my name is Balor, not Rem…" the Voidwalker muttered, ignored.
To the Flame Imp: "Rham, oversee the craftsmen and children here. Ensure no recipes leak." Though his real name was Leviathan, the Imp didn't protest the nickname.
"Monica," Sean addressed the Silver Hand Recruit, "accompany me tomorrow. Memorize Yorn's streets—you may deliver sensitive messages later."
"Understood, My Lord."
Sean outlined the next day's schedule:
Morning: Visit the dwarf blacksmith with spirits.Mid-morning: Henry to buy ale and flowers for perfume-making.Afternoon: Purchase a shop in the west district for the luxury store.Evening: Attend Jessica's banquet at Golden Wolf Fort.
A packed day, but necessary.
Sean had just begun meditating when a knock interrupted him. Scanning with mental energy, he saw Henry at the door.
"Lord Sean, Sophia from Blazing Cross Mercenaries is here. She insists on seeing you—says it's urgent."
"Bring her to the parlor. I'll be right there."
Sean straightened his clothes, wondering: Did Olga meet trouble? If so, adopting Sophia wouldn't be bad—she's adorable.
In the parlor, Sophia stood clutching a book, anxiety etched on her face. "Good evening, Lord Sean."
He ruffled her hair, glancing around—Henry had vanished. "What brings you here so late, Sophia?"
"To thank you for your support." She handed him the book, serious. "This is a map of beast distributions near Yorn. I heard you collect such books."
"Just this?" Sean hid his disappointment—no adoption opportunity, then.
"Please read it carefully, My Lord." She bowed deeply, a hint in her tone.
"Will do. Anything else?" Her demeanor felt off, but she shook her head.
"Goodnight, Lord Sean." She fled, leaving him holding Yorn Beast Distribution.
Alone, Sean flipped through the book. Nothing seemed amiss until he reached the center, where a dried tulip—the same one Sophia wore in the Elven Forest—served as a bookmark. Beside it, tiny handwriting:
"Classified intelligence: Viscount Brody Mill of Waterpine has mustered troops and mercenaries, planning to attack Riverside."
Sean's heart skipped a beat. Sophia hadn't lied about the "gift"—the real message was in the bookmark. Her earlier stiffness made sense now: she'd risked everything to warn him without raising suspicion.
He traced the tulip's petals, touched by her courage. So Olga's mercenaries were involved in the Count's plot, but Sophia chose loyalty to him over her father's orders.
The invasion timeline fit Jessica's strange behavior—the free lodging, the banquet invitation. They wanted him distracted in Yorn while Riverside burned.
But Sophia's intelligence changed everything. He needed to warn Anduin, but sending a message risked interception. No—he'd accelerate plans: secure the shop, sell goods quickly, and return to Riverside before Brody attacked.
Nebula stirred in his pocket, as if sensing the rising danger. Sean smiled grimly—let the Count think he had the upper hand. With a dragonet and a brave girl's warning, Riverside wouldn't fall easily.
That night, Sean slept lightly, the tulip bookmar beside him. Sophia's act of defiance proved one thing: in Yorn's web of lies, not all allies wore noble titles. Some came in the form of a nervous girl, a borrowed book, and a flower pressed with silent courage.
And as dawn approached, Sean vowed to protect both his town and the girl who'd risked her family's secrets to save it—even if it meant confronting a count, a viscount,and a war he'd only just learned about.