"Hmph." The Black Earl let out a cold snort but did not argue with Angel further.
Angel didn’t want to offend the Black Earl too much either. He acted as if nothing had happened and gave Dox and the others a slight smile: "You all should have had enough rest yesterday. If there are no other matters, why don’t we explore The Garden Labyrinth today?"
"Oh... oh, alright." The group, called back to their senses by Angel’s voice, responded almost reflexively, but still cast a somewhat astonished glance at the slate on Vay’s body.
Previously, they all thought the nose was just the Black Earl’s, unable to speak and needing Vay as a third-party translator. Who knew this nose could actually make sounds?
Not to mention the others, but even Vay was still bewildered. The Black Earl’s nose had been with him for a long time, and this was the first time he’d heard it "speak".
"Then let’s go, let’s leave Bilun Tree Court first." Under Angel’s call, everyone followed along in a daze.
On the way, they occasionally cast glances at the slate.
The Black Earl seemed to be annoyed by everyone’s stares and let out a heavy snort: "The principle of sound is the most basic knowledge. If you’re surprised by even this, do you still deserve to be wizards?"
The group, mocked collectively, exchanged glanced at each other.
Though that’s what he says, you never spoke before, so why now?
Vay, speaking for everyone’s thoughts, quietly asked the Black Earl that question.
"Hmph, I was just too lazy to talk before."
The Black Earl didn’t explain why he was willing to speak now, but the group looked at Angel walking ahead, harboring their own suspicions.
Yesterday, neither the Black Earl nor Angel attended the "Forest Project", possibly because that’s when the Black Earl started speaking.
With that thought, Dox felt a spark and connected with Angel via the Mind Ribbon.
Before Dox could speak, Angel said through the Mind Ribbon: "Using the Mind Ribbon with me in front of Lord Black Earl, you are indeed brave."
Dox wasn’t foolish; hearing Angel’s words, he understood that the Black Earl likely intercepted the Mind Ribbon and was listening to their secret conversation.
Dox originally wanted to ask Angel what he discussed with the Black Earl yesterday and chat about the news he learned from Vay, but since they might be eavesdropped by the Black Earl, those topics couldn’t be discussed.
With that realization, Dox spoke through the Mind Ribbon: "Anyway, I didn’t come to speak ill of Lord Black Earl; I just wanted to ask you how you got Lord Black Earl to speak yesterday."
This question was reasonable. Even if the Black Earl overheard, he probably wouldn’t say anything.
"Why do you think I’m the one who got Lord Black Earl to speak?"
Dox pondered: "Well, that makes sense. Yesterday, the lord didn’t follow Vay but stayed with you in the treehouse, probably to talk to you. Was it about the ruins?"
Angel: "What else? To reminisce?"
Dox dared not probe further. Given his understanding of Angel, the last question was answered normally; whether it was about the ruins or not, Angel’s retort suggested the topic paled. It implied those two had a deeper conversation.
Judging by the Black Earl’s sarcastic demeanor towards Angel today, they clearly had a clash yesterday, and the Black Earl might have suffered a loss. Otherwise, why lower himself to ridicule Angel?
After putting the pieces together, Dox threw a knowing glance at Angel before disconnecting from the Mind Ribbon.
The moment he broke the connection, a familiar cold snort came from behind.
Now there was no doubt; the Black Earl must have been listening to their conversation.
Dox pretended not to know, continuing to follow silently behind Angel.
Shortly after, they reached the exit of Bilun Tree Court, which also belonged to the Other-dimensional Space. Its exit lay between two maple trees.
Dox skillfully knocked on both maple trees, and the trees each opened their eyes.
From their lively gaze, it was clear these maple trees had gained a spirit.
However, they seemed not fond of speaking, simply following protocol, stretching out branches. As their branches entwined, they formed an archway.
This archway was the true exit.
After passing through the arch, they found themselves once again beside two maple trees, only now there were no buildings around, just a lush forest.
Clearly, they had left Bilun Tree Court.
Dox approached the maple trees again, snapped his fingers, and from his earring emerged an endearing green sandworm.
The green sandworm spat a ghostly green mist at both maple trees before retreating back into Dox’s earring.
The maple trees opened their eyes, and their leaves swayed as if moved by the wind: "Thank you."
"May the cross of freedom remain forever." Dox solemnly touched his chest and gave a slight bow.
After these formalities, Dox returned to the group.
Kaier, curious, looked at Dox: "What were you doing just now?"
Dox just smiled without answering.
However, Dox’s long-time friend Vay explained to Kaier: "It’s a habit of his. Not all Wandering Wizards have it as good as you and Dox. He does it to plant a good cause, so even if there’s no good result, at least it won’t be a bad one."
Kaier listened and looked at Dox with a surprised expression: "I never thought you considered the bigger picture for all Wandering Wizards."
Dox responded tersely: "I did it casually, don’t talk about some grand scheme."
Finishing his sentence, Dox told Vay: "Previously, when I explained it to you, I didn’t mention any grand perspective. Don’t exaggerate."
But Vay said, "That’s my understanding. I believe my understanding is correct, right, my lord?"
Vay directed his last question to the Black Earl but received no response, indicating the Black Earl couldn’t be bothered to comment on such a trivial matter.
"Whatever needs saying can wait. Let’s leave first." As Angel spoke, he took out the Gondola.