Chapter 127

"I did expect you to be surprised but not to this extent." Added Klata under the full moon with stars twinkling throughout the night; cold air permeated her skin, yet as she smiled so warmly, the faint worry on her face became less apparent.

She donned a pristine white dress with a skirt just barely reaching below her knees.

Even if she knew it was always bound to happen, meeting up with Naell like this was something she regretted. Not to mention, even Owly was unaware.

Truthfully, Klata had hoped their masters would be the ones to lead their second introductions as pupils.

Even now, she was wishing for her master's return— not just to sort things out but to know if he was alive and well.

As for Naell's perspective, he was indeed surprised and felt a bit awkward with the revelation. Not because he felt betrayed (perhaps in some ways he did), but it was mainly because of another reason.

That was, as someone who knew of the novel, Arts and Magic, a lot of things were going in ways he had no clue about.

It was something he was scared of. Although in real life the uncertainty was a normal thing, knowing the future for a while had been reassuring for him.

Nevertheless, Naell could only sigh to himself. He actually was in no way mad at Klata. Especially since upon seeing her worried face he immediately forgave her.

'Besides, she is still Beryldot's happy-go-lucky librarian.' He thought while finally accepting her gaze.

Naell immediately returned a smile as he replied nonchalantly, "I should have known. You like books more than anyone else I know."

"Pardon?" Asked Klata to which Naell replied, "Pupils should at least like books, pun intended."

With that, both of them giggled and the awkward moment was dispelled that easily. As Klata gave a sigh of relief, Owly began with a question, "So what is this about, HOOT?"

"It is better if we talk about it inside." The one who replied was Sajae appearing from a distance, and with him was another surprise— Rizaul, who then said, "Cold evening."

Both were wearing more clothes than Klata, and yet the two seemed to be completely done with the temperature already.

As Owly and Naell greeted Rizaul back, the half-elf added, "I was just as surprised as you two."

"Where're the others, HOOT?" Asked Owly pertaining to the protagonist party to which Rizaul replied they were all still in Arigare.

"I was summoned here, you see." The half-elf explained, making things all the more clearer for Naell and Owly. Afterall the travel time between Arigare and Beryldot was by no means short.

After their brief introductions, they all decided to follow Sajae who was now insisting to continue all their inquiries elsewhere.

Owly who was also weak to the cold nodded firmly, and likewise, Naell did too.

Yet for the young master, it was not because of the temperature. He simply had a feeling that the discussion they were soon to have would be really long and wished to start as soon as they could.

'The night will be an endless loop of unexpected news.' Naell thought while bracing himself as they went deeper into the forest.

.

.

.

Their so-called hideout was far from their initial meeting place. As they went, Naell and Owly noticed the mana and aura that had been unusually gathering on the road.

And soon enough as they went further, the fog became thicker and the sense of aura and magic became diluted as if it was purposely hidden.

"Intricate magic." Uttered Naell to which Klata replied, "Thanks, I made the scrolls."

At the front, Owly flew with Rizaul and Sajae, while behind them Naell and Klata walked together blanketed in the night's hues.

"How long have you not been a normal librarian?" He said with a tease.

Klata chuckled from his words with the cold wind brushing against them and making her hair flutter softly. Soon Naell heard her mutter as they looked ahead, "Hmph. I was always normal, you just didn't ask more."

"Hmmm?" Feigning ignorance Naell replied, yet Klata only looked at him with a slight pout before looking away.

As it was the first time he had seen that kind of reaction from her, Naell was surprised.

Yet his attention was averted as he quickly noticed the librarian slightly shiver.

Swiftly Naell took off his night coat and offered it to her, earning him a smile of genuine gratitude. That act was something Owly once advised him to do, and he was glad to heed his advice on that specific occasion.

It was then when Klata, instead of wearing it just for herself, gladly shared the coat with the young master of Beryldot.

"..."

That resulted in them sharing it side by side. Naell could only smile as well and ask no more until they reached their destination.

As they arrived at the destination; the density of the incantation covering his mana detection began dispersing, and a small-looking house in the middle of nowhere began to appear.

The first thing Naell noticed was the presence of three beings inside, and how familiar their auras and mana were.

He had expected Drhys but not the other two people. As they entered, there they saw Lesjon Star, his cousin who was also surprised to see Naell.

Nevertheless, the young master of Star welcomed him normally, with his unintentional tone of mockery, "It's nice to see you cousin."

"Likewise... you're alone?" Replied Naell thinking if their other friends in that group were present.

Scanning the room, he only saw Drhys and a guy that seemed to be an older elf, the latter of which he thought was quite familiar looking.

And although he never felt any other presence beyond the group that was present, the encrypted spell that Klata made might have interfered with his detection enough to conceal the others.

When Lesjon shook his head indicating he was indeed alone, Naell nodded as Owly began questioning the people starting from Rizaul, "Riz when did you arrive, HOOT?"

"Just this evening."

"What about you two, HOOT?"

"Just this morning when you saw us." The one who answered was Drhys who then [ poof ] out cups and pastries onto the table situated in the middle of the room.

Lights began emitting from the lamps standing at every corner. The chairs that were neatly pressed into the table then pulled themselves out, welcoming all of them to be seated.

Owly immediately flew and went to try some of the bread while Klata began offering hot tea and coffee to everyone.

As Naell sat across Lesjon, he then asked, "What about you?"

"No different. I was with... Mr. Elf." Hesitantly, Lesjon answered.

It was quite new for Naell, and even Owly to see the young master of Star reluctant with his words.

They both knew it had something to do with the older elf seated at the far end of the table.

His long greenish hair paired with his bright eyes demanded authority, and they wondered if Lesjon was contemplating how to address him.

Soon as all their gaze was directed at the elf with a dignified air of a thousand experiences, that was when he spoke, "We have no more reasons to dawdle. Let's get started."