The reason for this statement is that Angel came to see Tullas not to catch up, but in response to Mandhela’s agreement to test Tullas.
Mandhela, the thirteenth daughter of King Gumman, was implicated in the case of the Crimson Authority’s loss due to the false accusations of the Grand Princess, and was eventually deprived of her royal title by King Gumman and demoted to a commoner. Even so, the Grand Princess did not spare her, using various means to enslave Mandhela, ultimately leaving her to wander and end up at the Black Castle in the Fairy Tale World.
At that time, the Black Castle had not yet welcomed back "Twilight King" Isabel but was under the reign of "Twilight Queen" Isabella. Isabella was completely different from Isabel; she was a bloodthirsty witch, and under her rule, the Black Castle was a den filled with darkness and evil.
The witches here were all imitating Isabella, using the blood of maidens to bathe in order to remain forever young. And Mandhela, here, became a blood slave enduring torture by having her blood drained.
The first time Angel went to the Black Castle, he encountered Mandhela, and after her death, unexpectedly fired a White Light Bullet from the Samsara Overture at the undead her.
Because of this bullet, Mandhela later became a special undead with intelligence. In the unique geographical environment of the Black Castle, she became a terrifying Queen of the Dead, nearly overturning the Black Castle.
Later, it was still Angel who used the Samsara Overture to "rescue" Mandhela and took her to the Wilderness of Dreams, attempting to change her disposition with the relatively simple folk customs of Originheart City.
The final result... was probably quite good.
Although Mandhela still never had a good word for Angel, she became much calmer than before, especially as she learned about love here and developed a secret crush on someone.
The object of her secret crush was Tullas, who was arranged to transform Mandhela.
Tullas, this innocent fool, encountering Mandhela, this naturally dark soul, sparked an unexpected chemistry even for Angel.
Since Mandhela entered the Wilderness of Dreams, she never returned to the real world, always staying beside Tullas, almost inseparable.
Mandhela also knew Tullas was somewhat "naive," not very clever with emotions, but she still believed that Tullas accepting her constant presence meant she might be special to him.
Thus, this test took place.
Of course, this was not an unfounded occurrence; initially, it was Angel who approached Mandhela—
When Angel learned that the Magical Energy Array of Princess Castle required the blood and spirit of the Gumman royal family to operate, he asked Slaikum if a single soul could control it. At that time, his intention was already very clear, wanting Mandhela to "wander" around Princess Castle.
Anyway, not many people knew Mandhela was under Angel’s control, so if Modia was inadvertently injured or died in the royal family feud or undead revenge, wouldn’t the logic of this play be very consistent?
He could even extricate himself from the situation, a win-win.
Therefore, Dox’s spiritual perception was not wrong; Angel indeed had a backup plan. Angel had previously left the tavern alone to handle this matter.
Upon returning to the real world, Mandhela learned about Modia and did not even need Angel’s cue to know what to do. And she... how could she refuse this opportunity?
After all, Modia was the daughter of the Grand Princess, the person Mandhela hated most, second to none!
Once this trip was over, Mandhela made the only request to Angel: hoping Angel could help her test Tullas’s feelings.
Of course, Mandhela didn’t phrase it that way; her actual words were: "After meeting that bastard this time, the negative energy in my body started to fluctuate again. I need to recuperate for a few days before returning to the Wilderness of Dreams. So, I hope you can pass on to Tullas that I can’t accompany him for now."
"Also, help me observe his... behavior after my departure."
Perhaps out of gratitude for Angel giving her the opportunity for revenge, Mandhela rarely showed a good face to Angel.
Angel could naturally see that Mandhela wanted to know not only what was said but more keenly wanted to test the depth of Tullas’s feelings for her.
Hence, Angel embarked on this trip.
But the result might disappoint Mandhela.
Angel looked at Tullas’s expression, which was almost saying "What does Mandhela have to do with me," and sighed inwardly.
If Mandhela truly wishes to be with Tullas, the road ahead might be very long for her. At least, Angel feels that given the current situation, she is probably still at the starting point.
Even though Angel also thinks Mandhela and Tullas make a good pair, he doesn’t plan to interfere in their relationship.
After all, compared to Mandhela, who still treats him indifferently, Tullas is clearly closer to Angel. Besides, Mandhela’s current status is merely a prisoner in the Wilderness of Dreams undergoing psychological construction and transformation. Not interfering with Mandhela’s emotional issues is already his greatest goodwill; he respects Tullas’s personal choices more.
Angel: "I thought you would ask me where Mandhela went, given that you two are always together."
Tullas remained confused: "Being with her, wasn’t that the task you assigned Frode to arrange for me?"
Angel was momentarily speechless; that’s true, but understanding the issue shouldn’t be taken at face value...
Seeing Tullas still unaware, Angel didn’t want to delve deeper into this matter, so he directly said according to Mandhela’s words: "Here’s the thing, I have business with Mandhela, she returned to reality briefly, and won’t be back for a few days. She feared you’d be worried, so she asked me to bring you a message."
Tullas: "I see, I understand. Although I don’t know why she’d be worried about me, it shouldn’t be bad news."
Angel watched Tullas ponder thoughtfully and secretly thought: Has he figured it out this time?
Angel: "Do you have any message you want me to deliver to her?"
Tullas: "I just said it."
"Said it?" Now it’s Angel’s turn to be puzzled.
Tullas nodded earnestly: "I said it: I, un-der-stand."
Angel: "..." He must be crazy to think Tullas would figure it out.
"Alright, I’ll help you refine it and pass it on to her." Angel: "I’ve delivered the message. There’s nothing else, so I’ll send you to Originheart City. By the way, you’d better leave a message for Mandhela among the trees, saying you’ve returned to Originheart City first, since you brought her here."
Tullas murmured softly: "Can’t she just ask me directly when she’s online?"
Although he said so, Tullas still followed Angel’s suggestion and left a message for Mandhela, as it didn’t take much effort.
After Angel sent Tullas away and looked at the empty courtyard, he let out a long sigh.
"I hope this answer won’t disappoint you too much."
Angel shook his head and turned to leave.
...