Yet she never saw such a pair of innocuous and untainted eyes. Just watching Dodoro’s expression made her feel safe and calm.
It would be a great pity if such a “clean” soul remained uneducated.
“Rest assured. I’ll do my best,” Trusan said as she smiled sincerely.
Angor nodded. “I will not interfere with your sessions. You may tell him, but do not force him to learn some of the extreme concepts, and don’t trigger his forgotten memory, as it might cause him secondary trauma. As for the rest, you’re free to do whatever you find proper.
“How to paint this fresh paper is up to you.”
…
Trusan never held any fixed classes. Instead, she took Dodoro out, and they did many different things, such as sightseeing in the wilderness, embracing nature, and having picnics. In the meantime, she also taught Dodoro the necessary knowledge along the way.
She occasionally brought Dodoro into the bustling city and told him about the stories of mankind and their daily lives. Even though Dodoro never showed many reactions, Trusan kept telling her stories as if she were Dodoro’s true grandmother who never got tired. The stories sounded redundant sometimes, but they did a perfect job in teaching Dodoro how to use words correctly.
Once, Angor followed behind Trusan for an entire day while using Infinite Reticence. He was content with her means of teaching, so he decided to leave the pair be. He would only talk with Trusan about her progress during dinner.
The day grew darker.
Inside a large manor located at the outskirts of Water Grasse, Leonrick paced back and forth anxiously. He would sip some wine every now and then before he started to pace around again.
His daughter, Margot, sat in front of the table while she held her chin, seemingly thinking about something.
This was what the mistress of the count’s manor, Cyndia, saw when she came to the great hall.
She looked at the butler who was in charge of serving wine. “How long have they been like this?”
The butler lifted two fingers and whispered, “Two hours, my lady.”
Cyndia scoffed at Margot and joined Leonrick. “What are you worrying about? He accepted your letter. Whether he comes or not, we’ve sent our regard. Besides, it’s not time yet.”
Leonrick moaned. “You don’t understand. If he’s really a wizard, the whole Zeal Dominion won’t stop him from doing something terrible.”
“He didn’t do anything, right? You worry yourself,” Cyndia said as she dragged Leonrick to a seat. “Stop thinking nonsense and wait. We can’t let that mister see you drinking while walking around like a fool.”
Leonrick nodded. He surely didn’t want to smell like alcohol in front of a great being.
But he couldn’t help it!
A standing clock announced that it was 8 o’clock in the evening, which meant it was half an hour away from the time indicated on the invitation letter. According to conventions, guests would usually arrive at such a time.
That sir is probably on his way… if he means to come. Leonrick thought.
A manor guard entered through the wooden door of the hall.
“My lord, the guest is here.”
“He is?”
“He is!”
Leonrick and his daughter exclaimed at the same time, but with different emotions—surprise and joy.
Cyndia and Leonrick stared at Margot.
“I-I-I just—”
“Stop,” Leonrick interrupted his daughter. “Once you apologize to our guest properly, get back to your room and stay inside.”
Margot looked about to cry. “But father! What do you mean? It’s not polite to leave in the middle of dinner!” She winked at Cyndia while complaining.
Usually, Cyndia would help her daughter in different situations. Today, however, she chose to side with her husband.
Margot’s intention was so obvious in the eyes of this couple. It was natural for a young girl to pursue a companion. But… this was not a proper companion!
She had spent a week “muted”, and she still hadn’t learned how to read the situation!
Before Margot could protest further, they heard footsteps approaching.
A team of knights walked inside, and they split into two lines. They placed their spears down on the floor in unison, removed their helmets, and went down on one knee.
As a visitor walked into the hall, they bowed down their heads one after the other.
A way of salutation that was only meant for honored guests.
Between the two lines of knights, a young man with black-and-white checkered overcoat walked in with steady steps.