'They didn't warn me.'
Elara frowned. From where she sat on the floor, she could see Miyu greeting her with a small wave of her hand. Rober was there too—he looked like he wanted to leave, but still gave a brief nod in greeting.
And Nova.
The cheeky boy walked around the place as if it were his own home. In just a few steps, he was already standing in front of her. His gaze, the expression on his face—everything about him was always far too calming.
"Heya," he said.
Elara relaxed. With this guy, there was nothing to fear.
'Look at you. Always so calm.'
His Trust was always with him.
Nova offered her his hand. She took it gratefully and stood up.
"I wasn't expecting such a sudden visit. It seems things have been getting a bit hectic lately."
Nova nodded.
"Sorry for showing up unannounced, but we're in a bit of a hurry. Since your father let us in while laughing his head off, I figured it'd be a good idea to come tell you in person."
"Are you sure?"
She glanced over Nova's shoulder. The maid was escorting Miyu and Rober to another room. Neither of them complained, and soon they disappeared down the hall with her.
'Well done, Yuyu.'
"Yeah. We're about to head to Lightflower. Uncle's fighting in a big raid alongside other factions, and we're going to go bother him for a while. I asked Miyu and Rober if they wanted to come. As you can see, they're both here."
"Wow. So, did you come to convince me to go with you?"
Nova nodded again, but didn't say anything. Elara crossed her arms before replying.
"Hey, man. You could've just contacted me through the communicator, and I would've come to meet you myself. You know you don't have to go through all this trouble for me."
Nova shook his head. In a calm yet amused tone, he said:
"I thought it'd be fun. Was it fun?"
Elara let out a small laugh.
"Not really, to be honest."
"That's unfortunate."
The boy closed his eyes with exaggerated sadness. Elara placed a hand on him and said:
"Don't be sad, man. Someday you'll manage to say something funny."
"Sure. Someday."
"Alright then, if that's all, go with Yuyu and give me a moment. I'll go put my armor away."
She picked up her sword from the floor and her shield from the bench. She moved away from Nova to leave the hall, as Yuyu—the maid—had already returned to the doorway. However, the boy tilted his head, confused. His relaxed, fresh voice echoed through the large, empty hall.
"Are you coming with us? If you're busy…"
"I thought I was subtle enough about it," Elara said, turning around to look at Nova.
He raised an eyebrow, waiting for an answer. Elara felt like she was being treated like an idiot.
"Oh my god. I am going with you! How can you be so literal?"
Nova seemed amused by that. He adjusted the collar of his trench coat slightly.
"Too literal? I don't think so. You'd be surprised by the metaphors I'm capable of using."
'Sure. He means in his own head.'
Nova is the kind of guy who runs on internal monologues. What he doesn't say out loud, he always says in his mind. It's a great way to think before speaking—ensures he doesn't say something stupid.
Elara seemed to like that comment, letting out a soft laugh as she walked toward the exit.
"Looks like you can say funny things from time to time."
***
A few minutes later, the group was gathered in a smaller room. Elegant, expensive wooden furniture filled the space, perfectly cushioned for guests. The large window at the front had a pair of wine-colored curtains tied back so they wouldn't block the natural daylight.
A small tea table sat in the center, topped with trays of various snacks, sweets, and visually pleasing drinks. There were also two cabinets with glass doors, storing numerous fine cups and small luxury plates.
Nova grabbed a cookie from the table while waiting.
'This place is still massive.'
They had to take a bus to reach the grand mansion located deep within a vast forest, toward the Calem mountain range. The sight of the huge structure was always both magnificent and overwhelming.
Tall white walls in a rustic style, supported by countless pillars, rose from the middle of a sprawling garden of freshly trimmed green grass. The roof was a deep blue, blending perfectly with the sky and its silver clouds.
There were plenty of flowering bushes shaped like adorable creatures from the city's folklore, along with large trees surrounding the entire estate.
It had always been a breathtaking view for visitors.
'Hm… This thing is delicious.'
He took another cookie from the table and turned his gaze toward Miyu.
The feline girl was sitting on the sofa to the right side of the room. She ate and drank her tea with adorable enthusiasm. Her reddish tail swayed atop the sofa cushion, responding to the sweet emotions the snacks stirred within her.
"What? Why are you staring at me?" Miyu asked, her mouth full.
Nova smiled calmly.
"Don't eat so fast. It's bad for your digestion."
Rober cut in, laughing. Holding a cookie in each hand, he said:
"If you eat like an animal, you'll get fat. You'll end up looking like one of those ancient chubby cats!"
At that comment, Miyu snapped the cookie in her hand. She glared at Rober with defiant eyes and a sinister smile.
"You always do everything you can to make me angry."
"Ha! Look who's talking!"
Sighing in exhaustion, used to these sudden arguments, Nova stepped between them.
"Calm down, both of you. We're in someone else's home. At least try to be a little respectful."
Rober scoffed and looked away. Miyu sighed irritably and went back to eating.
Knowing he'd managed to stop a fight between the two, Nova sat down beside Miyu and waited.
After a few minutes passed, Elara finally appeared, accompanied by the maid. The Luzbel girl was now wearing a comfortable, one-piece white summer dress and a pair of cute sandals.
"I'm ready. Let's go."
Nova nodded at Elara's words—and also at her outfit. No matter what she wore, she always looked good.
Miyu noticed Nova's reaction and frowned. Without thinking, she jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow, making Nova choke on his cookie. Rober smiled, entertained, while Elara tilted her head in confusion.
Nova cleared his throat so he could swallow the cookie. Then he looked at Miyu, who pretended she hadn't done anything.
'I'm starting to think you're genuinely evil, Miyu. I don't even understand why you hit me!'