Eryke the Third whispered to Hak Soo in a barely audible tone:
"They can't see me, so talk to them first."
"Yes." Hak Soo nodded, her body trembling as she stood up and faced the group.
There was a young man to one side, a young lady with five burly bodyguards, and an elderly man with a wrinkled face.
"Who are you all?" Hak Soo demanded, her voice shaky.
"Don't worry, little girl, we mean no harm," the young lady said with a warm smile. "We're just travelers heading to the famous Flowering Clouds Town. Are you the keeper here?"
"Y-yes." Hak Soo stammered, lying through her teeth.
"Great!" the young lady beamed. "We're exhausted. Would it be alright if we stayed here for the night?"
Hak Soo didn't respond until Eryke the Second gave a subtle nod of confirmation.
"Okay."
The group opened the doors to the old temple, revealing an empty space cloaked in darkness.
