For a brief moment, Axel stared at her in silence, disappointment flickering through his expression.
Lana noticed immediately. Her heart skipped uneasily.
"Did… did I do something wrong?" she asked with an awkward smile.
Axel took a deep breath. "Sit down."
Seeing the seriousness in his expression, Lana obeyed without argument and took a seat.
Once she settled, Axel leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, what do you know about talismans?"
"They're very precious," Lana replied honestly. "Every single one is hard to find."
Axel nodded, then pointed at one of the basic talismans. "And this?"
Lana paused, thinking carefully before answering. "It can be sold for money."
For a moment, Axel almost laughed.
Instead, he stood up, walked over, and flicked her forehead.
"Ow!" Lana rubbed the spot instantly, staring up at him with a confused frown. Fury simmered beneath her calm exterior. 'How dare he…?'
