Side Story Chapter 10

The mage snapped out of his trance as though doused with cold water.

"W-Wait!" he cried, snatching up the coins.

Riftan turned, his face impassive.

The mage glanced nervously to the side. "Y-You've yet to receive treatment. Please, sit for a moment. Allow me to heal you."

Riftan had absolutely no intention of letting this quack magically heal him. He was about to curtly decline when he noticed their surroundings. The other mercenaries hovered close by. It was not a huge leap to assume that a few of the more money-hungry ones might ambush the young mage and his freshly earned bag of gold coins.

After studying the mercenaries' faces, Riftan looked further afield, where the viscount was preoccupied with the wyvern carcasses. There was no telling when the man might change his mind and demand his money back. Though bruises were the worst of Riftan's injuries, he thought a little healing would be prudent.

"All right," Riftan said, nodding. "I accept your offer."