United Kingdoms

Once you're on the path, it becomes a training ground.

Helmut pondered for a long time, muttering things to himself and counting on his fingers. Finally, he spoke:
“Mek, I need your opinion,” he rubbed his forehead. “I see two options. First: we take the civilians to Riversend and then return to base. Formally, the mission is complete – the gang is defeated, and even the locals are saved. That Calhart, even if he wanted to, probably couldn't do anything here alone. But I don't like this option – the bastard will get away, and he's obviously very dangerous. Besides, he might come back to the village and take revenge on everyone, why not? The second option: we clean up after ourselves in that clearing and wait for the scum there. If he left a couple of days ago, we probably won't have to wait too long. We have food, we have everything. In the worst case, if we don't see him in two or three days, we'll leave. Wigg will recover, and maybe the girls will be okay. Of course, there could be problems here... He might return with reinforcements – it's unlikely, but possible. And there's that second crazy woman... Do you have any medicine or something to make her behave more calmly, like she is now?”
He shook his head.
“There's a third option, and a third and a half, but they're both terrible. That's to take them to the village and return, but it's more than a day's journey, and we might miss him. Or we could send you, and say Gale goes with them, and the three of us stay, but I don't want to split up in this forest,” he nodded at Mekree. “You're smart, what do you think about this?”
He looked at the captive.
“And you, Villa. Are you willing to stay here for another day or two so that we can punish this scumbag? You'll be safe with us, don't be afraid.”
“Although, you probably don't care anymore.”

“Good day,” greeted Garli, entering the alchemical shop. “How are you doing? I brought something interesting, and I'd like to know how much it's worth.”

I quickly search the armored soldiers. If the prisoners haven't escaped, I approach them. If they see me looting, they start to leave – I stop looting and chase after them for a friendly chat.