I'm not a Witcher anymore.

The rest of the journey was much calmer.

Whether it was the death of the blood demon that intimidated the other monsters nearby, or simply good luck, they did not encounter any more enemies along the way.

The group continued north, passing through the gloomy swamps and forests of Velen.

The weather remained terrible, with rain or overcast skies and muddy, difficult-to-travel roads.

But everyone felt much more relaxed than before.

With Zig and his companions around, they seemed to have nothing to fear.

Philip's attitude toward Zieg changed.

The captain's gaze held an undisguised intention to recruit him.

He took the initiative to come closer, riding his horse alongside Zig, and became more talkative along the way.

Philip tried to find out about the origins of Zieg and his companions.

Zieg didn't answer directly, instead steer the conversation back to the road conditions in Velen, the monsters, and the river crossing ahead. After a few repetitions, Philip understood—the young man wasn't going to talk.

"Lord Sieg, if I may be so bold, I have seen very few swordsmen of your age in the army who possess such skill."

His tone became serious.

"I'm just a captain, I don't have much influence. But Baron Veserad, whom I serve, still has a castle, soldiers, and positions of use in Velen. If you'd like, I can introduce you. Such a man shouldn't be just clearing paths for refugees in muddy roads."

Thank you for your kindness.

Zieg glanced at him.

"But I have no intention of serving a nobleman for the time being."

Philip was clearly disappointed, but he quickly grinned again.

"Okay, I understand. You're not the kind of person who bows down to just anyone."

"But refusing a job doesn't mean I can't make a friend. If you ever run into trouble in Willen, feel free to come to me, Philip Strenger. As long as I still have a voice in this muddy place, I won't pretend I didn't see it."

Zieg looked at him and replied with only one word.

"it is good."

……

As the gloomy woodland gradually thinned out behind them, the group finally reached the south bank of the Pontal River, where the scenery suddenly opened up before them.

A wide river stretched out in front of us, its waters murky and turbulent, shimmering with tiny sparkles in the greyish-white sunlight.

Across the river lies a wide plain, with wisps of smoke faintly visible in the distance—signs of villages.

Pontal River.

One of the most important rivers in the north, and also the natural boundary between Velen and Novigrad.

"There's a shallow ford ahead. Cross the river there, and then head north. Novigrad won't be far away."

Philip turned to look at Zieg, a hint of expectation in his eyes.

"However, Lord Sieg, I do have a suggestion."

"The crow's nest isn't far from here; we can get there before dark."

"I'm taking these men back there too. You've had enough of trekking through the mud of Velen, your horses deserve a rest. If you're not in a hurry to get to Novigrad, why don't you come with me to Raven's Nest for a couple of days?"

He looked at Zieg and added:

"Don't worry, I don't want you to work for anyone. I'll just treat you to a few drinks, a dry bed, and some decent hay for the horse."

Zieg did not answer immediately.

His gaze swept over the crowd behind him.

Sakia stood not far away, her eyes calm as still water.

She had already made her decision: wherever Zieg went, she would go.

Dandelion held his lute, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

The events that had unfolded along the way were enough to inspire several poems. He also had a feeling that even more fascinating stories would unfold with Zieg.

Zoltan carried his battle axe, looking completely unconcerned.

His original destination was Novigrad, but to be honest, there wasn't much to do there.

He only went there to find a place to drink and see some old friends.

If Sieg wants to go to Crow's Nest, he wouldn't mind going with him.

Only Crigan and the refugees had somewhat complicated expressions.

Clegane hesitated before stepping forward and bowing deeply to Sieg.

"My lord, may the goddess Meritelli protect you on your journey."

"If it weren't for your sword, we would have rotted in the Velen swamps and been fed to the water ghosts long ago."

He straightened up, his eyes filled with a hint of reluctance.

"But sir, we have families to support, including many elderly people, women, and children. Following someone like you will only cause you trouble."

Zieg nodded.

"Go."

Criggan bowed again, then turned and waved to the other refugees.

"Let's go, everyone."

The refugees passed by Zig one after another. Some took off their hats, some bowed their heads to thank him while holding their children, and some simply bowed to him from a distance.

"May the goddess Meritelli watch over your steps, my lord."

"Whenever you come to Novigrad in the future, as long as we are alive, we will always remember the kindness we received today."

Amidst a chorus of blessings and prayers in familiar local dialects, they pushed the carriage forward again, moving towards the shallows.

Crigan walked at the back, but couldn't help turning back.

Standing beside the young man were the dwarf, the bard, and the silver-armored girl.

They didn't follow.

Crigan sighed inwardly, turned around, and quickened his pace to catch up with the group.

……

Before it got completely dark, the group finally arrived at Crow's Nest.

Two soldiers in Temurian uniforms were standing lazily outside the drawbridge, chatting idly.

When they saw Philip and his group, their faces lit up with surprise and delight.

"It's Captain Philip."

"Captain Philip is back."

The two men immediately stood up straight and bowed to Philip.

Philip dismounted and tossed the reins to one of the soldiers.

"Go tell Lord Veserad that I have returned."

The two soldiers guarding the bridge exchanged a glance, their surprise not yet completely gone, replaced by a hint of embarrassment.

Philip frowned.

"What are you standing there for?"

The soldier gripping the reins swallowed hard.

"Captain, the Baron went to Fick Island a few days ago with his family and confidants."

Philip was stunned.

"What?"

"Fike Island, the island in the middle of the lake south of Velen."

Philip's face darkened.

Of course he knew about Fick Island.

That island in the middle of the lake, surrounded by water on all sides, was indeed easier to defend than Crow's Nest.

But the problem is, what will happen to Raven's Nest now that Veserad is gone? What will happen to the soldiers in the castle? What will happen to the people in the territory?

He abandoned all these people here and fled to the island with his family and confidants.

"That son of a bitch, a coward."

Philip started swearing.

"I'm out there risking my life, and he's just hiding in a turtle shell."

He ripped off his glove, clenched it in his palm until his knuckles turned white.

"He thinks that little lake can stop the Nilfgaardians? He thinks he can rest easy by hiding on the island? That's utter nonsense."