[37] Unexpected visitor II

Rudeus Greyrat is an exceptionally intelligent pupil of Roxy Migurdia, a friend whom Zephyr had met at the beginning of their journey before they parted ways. Besides being renowned for his genius, Rudeus now also serves as a mentor to Eris Boreas, who exhibits a character strikingly similar to her grandfather's, albeit in a more extreme manner.

Before meeting Rudeus, Eris was known for her impulsive and challenging demeanor. She often belittled others, was quick to anger, and had an explosive temper—traits that were unchecked except towards her closest associates.

Philip Boreas, recognising this issue, offered Rudeus a teaching position in the hope that a peer mentor could temper Eris's wild behaviour. Indeed, Rudeus's approach succeeded in calming Eris's temperament. Their relationship developed into something deeper, even veering towards romance.

However, during Eris's birthday party, Rudeus displayed peculiar behaviour when confronted by Zephyr. The reason for his odd demeanor was that Zephyr's attitude and attire reminded Rudeus of something he wished to forget—a memory that was uncomfortable for him.

Noticing that Rudeus seemed lost in thought, Zephyr attempted to catch his attention. Slowly, he waved his hand in front of Rudeus's face, hoping to pull him from his reverie.

"Hey!" Zephyr called out with a firm tone, trying to bring Rudeus back to the present.

Rudeus snapped out of his daze, his once vacant eyes now focused on Zephyr. "Ah!... Sorry, I... was a bit startled," he said, his tone nervous.

Zephyr gazed at him with curiosity and a hint of confusion. "Are you alright?"

Now fully aware, Rudeus attempted to regain his composure and replied more calmly, "Yes, I'm fine. Just... a bit distracted."

A brief silence enveloped them, with Zephyr continuing to watch Rudeus with keen interest, while Rudeus tried to steady his nerves and piece together his disrupted thoughts.

"So, did you need something from me?" Zephyr asked, taking a sip of his cold wine, enjoying its sweet and refreshing taste.

Rudeus, still slightly awkward, eventually spoke up with a cautious tone, "By any chance, do you know of Oda Nobunaga?"

Zephyr, looking puzzled and somewhat surprised by the sudden question, stared at Rudeus with a look of bewilderment. "Huh?... Did you just mention something? I... don't quite understand the name you've mentioned."

Rudeus furrowed his brow, feeling somewhat frustrated that Zephyr seemed not to recognise the reference. Despite his efforts to adapt his language and expressions, Zephyr appeared completely unfamiliar with the legendary figure.

Seeing Zephyr's ignorance, Rudeus couldn't help but chuckle, a mix of admiration and confusion evident in his laugh. "Ahaha~ It's nothing. It's just that this wine is rather delightful!"

Zephyr, slightly amused by the situation, ended up laughing lightly with Rudeus. "Oh, so it was just about the wine? If it pleases you, I'm glad the wine meets your taste."

Feeling more at ease, Rudeus nodded in gratitude. "Thank you. Perhaps I was just too caught up in old memories. Sometimes, small things can trigger strong recollections."

As their conversation flowed more easily, Rudeus assessed Zephyr carefully. 'It seems Zephyr isn't someone like me, someone reincarnated,' Rudeus thought, observing his elegant hakama with its striking design. 'But the hakama is cool,' he added mentally.

With a newfound lightness, Rudeus bid farewell to Zephyr before turning away, leaving the party with a lighter step but full of reflection.

As the event reached its climax, the atmosphere in the hall grew warmer and more enchanting. Eris, in her elegant and vibrant party dress, danced with Rudeus in the centre of the hall, surrounded by cheers and applause. Their movements were so harmonious and full of feeling that all eyes were on the joyous couple. Sweat glistened on their faces, but the wide smiles on Eris and Rudeus showed the happiness they felt.

---

In a comfortable and simple inn, Zephyr had just finished his bath and was donning his casual attire. He observed Raphael sitting on the edge of the bed, intently examining a document. The peaceful atmosphere in the modest room contrasted sharply with the excitement of the party.

"So, how did you find attending such a formal event?" Raphael asked with a tone reminiscent of Ash, full of curiosity.

Zephyr frowned as he got dressed. "Not particularly impressive," he replied, "after all, I wasn't expecting much from a noble's party. I prefer the smaller gatherings that Lord Ash hosted during our farewells."

Raphael gently closed his book, placing it beside the bed, and looked at Zephyr with a soft gaze. "It cannot be denied that someone born from commoner stock might not fully grasp the significance of such parties. For the nobility, these events are not merely for enjoyment, but also an opportunity to introduce their daughters to other aristocrats. It means such parties serve as a chance to build networks and connections that are crucial."

Zephyr listened to Raphael's discourse on the importance of networking with a patient look. He sighed, feeling that the concept was not entirely relevant to him. Perhaps Aurelia, who worked under Raphael, needed networks and connections to expand her influence. But for Zephyr, all this talk felt like mere power games designed to control economics and society.

As the day drew late and the morning light began to creep over the city, Zephyr rose early, breathing in the fresh morning air and running through the quiet streets around the inn. The tranquil morning greeted him, providing a calm contrast to his run.

When Zephyr returned to the inn, the sun had risen, and its rays gently illuminated the room. Raphael, having also risen early, sat leisurely at the table, sipping a cup of warm tea—a gift from the Boreas family. The soothing aroma of the tea filled the air, blending with the peaceful morning ambience.

"By the way, did you notice anything strange about the sky over the city?" Raphael asked without taking his eyes off the warm cup of tea, glancing out the window.

Zephyr, who was preparing for training outside the fortress, turned to Raphael with sharp, hawk-like eyes. "What do you mean? Are you referring to the floating spherical object above the city?"

Raphael, surprised, set his tea cup down on the table and turned fully to face Zephyr. "So, you noticed it too?"

Zephyr nodded. "Of course. The object was very conspicuous in the sky yesterday. I initially thought it was just a magical tool, but upon closer inspection, it seems to be a concentration of energy." He wore an elegant purple kimono beneath a Shinsengumi Dandara haori and grey hakama, a style that truly represented the aura of a Japanese samurai. His appearance was striking, and from the perspective of another world, somewhat peculiar. Though such attire might not be common in the Six-Faced World, it radiated elegance and depth of character.

Raphael stroked his chin, indicating deep thought. "Hmm, you're right. I also sensed something odd about that object, but I only have speculations. It could very well be that the sphere will explode over time, and if so, the surrounding area could face massive destruction!"

Zephyr, feeling somewhat alarmed, asked, "Don't tell me you're trying to scare me!"

Raphael, with a serious yet calm tone, explained, "Hmm, I don't mean to frighten you. What I can do now is speak with Philip and warn him to stay vigilant. If the sphere grows larger, then my speculation might turn out to be true. We need to be prepared for the worst."

Zephyr sighed deeply, realising that the situation might be more serious than he initially thought.