Aldric doesn't keep with them for too long, only going with enough to see off his villager. Olivia joins him, glaring venomously at Callisto the entire time- who returns the animosity by blowing her a kiss.

"... Whatever I may think of you, come back safe, at least. And please don't piss off the spirits." Aldric says softly, which makes one of the merchants snicker.

Olivia wants to punch him, but with her twin brother gently squeezing her shoulder, she refrains. Callisto offers the first genuine smile, though it still feels off.

"You worry too much. We will be more than fine."

As the merchants and their guide set off into the woods, Aldric watches from the edge before he turns around, jaw clenched.

Mizuki and Livio may find that as they try to follow, the forest becomes less a real forest and more... like a watercolor painting that they happen to be standing in. Even the merchants take on that sort of appearance, and whatever conversation they try to make feels a bit garbled.

They can continue going forward if they wish, as this isn't the end, but Aldric's memory cannot clearly provide what he wasn't there for.