Chapter 2: Toward Tomorrow②
I searched for Puffy, but she had already vanished from the Throne Room. However, the three of them—Mika, Ange, and Eris—remained in the room. As they each seemed ready to leave, they appeared somewhat lost and a bit weary.
“Finally done, huh?”
Their gazes were already fixed on me. At my words, they all nodded vaguely, as if in agreement.
What I was about to discuss with them was something I felt uncomfortable bringing up in front of Eris’s father, Pul-san, and the church officials.
“I have something I want to talk about. This isn’t the place, so let’s find somewhere quiet—”
Just as I began to speak, Madison, the Chancellor, suddenly appeared beside me.
“I figured you might have a lot to discuss, so I came to see the young lad, but it seems you were busy.”
As I hesitated on how to respond, the Chancellor waved his hand a couple of times.
“Oh, don’t mind me. Take your time. I have all the time in the world. More importantly, young man, lend me your ear.”
It was quite an awkward sight for a man to lean in and whisper to another man, but I kept that thought to myself and leaned closer to him.
“Follow me. I’ll lend you a room where you can speak freely. So, once you’re done talking with the Saintess, call for me.”
Before I could ask why, he continued speaking.
“I’ll take you to Princess Puffy. You must have things you want to discuss with her as well.”
What a meddlesome old man. During my time at the Royal Castle, where I spent most of my days training, he frequently came to check on me, always bringing gifts. I actually liked that meddlesome old man.
“Thank you very much. I’ll take you up on that offer. I plan to stay in the Royal Capital for about three days, so if you have time, let’s have tea together.”
With a snort, the Chancellor patted my shoulder and simply said, “Follow me,” as he hurried ahead.
The room the Chancellor lent me was the Guest Room I had used before heading to the Throne Room. A maid he arranged had prepared tea and snacks, making it quite a lavish affair. While it was a clear abuse of his authority, I decided to graciously accept his kindness.
Sitting in a beautifully crafted chair, the three of them took their seats across from me.
“How have you been?”
Eris had arrived at the Hidden Mountain with Orphe, utterly exhausted, and spent the night at our cabin. Since then, she had stayed there for the past month, claiming to be my disciple. Initially, Sena had ignored her, but thanks to Eris’s natural friendliness and earnestness, she had gradually been treated like a housemate. However, seeing her creepily smile while staring at the Gram I had given her as if it were a daily routine had even made Sena a bit wary.
But the real concern was Mika and Ange.
“I’ve been doing well. This past month, I’ve been busy with Pul-san, so I’m a bit tired, to be honest.”
I knew she had been holed up in Bordaf, working on countermeasures against Ryuguin. During that time, she had spent time with Pul-san to fill the gaps of their previous separation…
“I heard from Pul-san. I’m really glad you two had time together.”
At my words, Ange smiled softly, a look on her face that seemed both relieved and somewhat melancholic.
“I’ve been doing well too.”
It was Mika who answered. Even though she must have been in Bordaf for a month, we had hardly seen each other. Worried, I had visited her inn several times, but she was almost always out, and I never managed to meet her.
“Well, that’s good to hear. What have you been up to this past month, Mika?”
At my question, she hesitated for a moment but eventually gave me a clear answer.
“This past month—”