Cassandra watched as Sir Lumin-no... He... he wasn’t Lumin. He was Amaniel, her manager at Knowledge Emporium.
He was the person she set out on this journey for. To find him, to see whether he was really dead or...
Cassandra thought as Amaniel talked with the gate guards.
Strangely, they too were friendly with him, and even seemed to look at him with gratitude and awe. Just like the people at that inn or the frost-kin village.
He seemed to be welcomed well everywhere he went. His personality, too. It was similar to his previous self but also different. The core of their beings was the same, but his face, his voice, and his identity were all different now.
Strangely, even her appraisal skill couldn’t detect his true self.
Only just now, when she used the system to find Aman, did she confirm his identity. Even then, she still struggled to process it. But their next conversation confirmed everything.
If so, the relic or art he was using must be pretty high tier to be able to block her appraisal that easily.
But then again, since everything was logical till now, she didn’t suspect him at all. Well, who would?
There was a tiny bit of familiarity, but she didn’t anticipate that he would end up being the person she was searching for all along.
And maybe so, she couldn’t think properly now. Didn’t know what to say or do. How to interact with him from now on, after all that happened...
She shook her head subtly as Amaniel gestured for her to follow after him.
They walked through the long, snowy road leading to the inner parts of the keep. Amaniel stayed silent, probably giving her time to figure things out and think properly.
He was considerate as always, but...
Why is he pretending to be someone else?
She understood from his words that he didn’t want her to ’expose’ his real identity. That he wanted to stay hidden.
Was he in some kind of trouble?
Could it be that someone was after him?
Or was he badly injured during the explosion and severely burned? Was that why he was using a relic to hide his real appearance?
She had many questions but no answers.
She could ask the person himself, but she doubted whether he would tell everything. And it was probably not the right time or place to ask such matters.
They needed to be alone or talk in a way nobody could hear or see them.
He seemed a bit wary of his surroundings, too.
There must be some story behind his ’death’.
If not, he could’ve just told her directly, instead of playing such ’mystery’ games.
But he really staged it well, using my own moves against me...
She thought, recalling their conversation during the shop tour.
His petty side is cute too...
She shook her head inwardly, shooing away the distracting thoughts.
She would have to address them later, when she was alone and could think more properly. About those feelings she ’sensed’ but never dared to notice.
...It’s really complicated...
And soon, after passing through the town and the damaged areas, they arrived at the upper keep, stopping at the Eclipse Castle.
They were welcomed by an old butler called Veylan.
"This lady is here to meet the baron and baroness." Amaniel introduced her to the butler. "Please, give her a proper welcome and a place to stay."
"Yes, Sir Lumin," Butler Veylan nodded before ordering a nearby maid to prepare a guest room.
Cassandra wanted to say something, but decided to stay put. It was better for her to observe and wait for now.
"How are they? Did he wake up?" Amaniel asked Veylan.
"They are fine, but lord hasn’t woken up yet. Sir Avir said that it will take a few more days before he does." Veylan reported. "How did your visit to the city go? Were you able to find the necessary materials?"
"It went well, and yes, I found everything I was searching for. So, I have to meet the Head Healer soon." Amaniel replied while taking out a storage ring. He handed it to the confused Veylan. "There are a few things here. They will be useful for the soldiers and the injured. I can trust you with this, right?"
"This..." Veylan looked at the ring and Amaniel repeatedly, struggling to say something. He wanted to refuse, but they were really short on resources right now. "T-Thank you, sir, thank you. I will make sure they are used efficiently. The Keep will never forget your kindness."
Cassandra listened to their conversation silently and picked up a few info.
It seems like Amaniel’s parents were injured, or even in a critical condition. That blizzard he talked about must have been really severe. If so, could she talk with them today, or even tomorrow?
Was that why he asked the butler to prepare a room for her, anticipating it?
She sighed inwardly. Whatever the case, she finished her purpose for coming here. She could even leave if she wanted. But...
She wanted to know more, what happened and was happening.
And she had a feeling she would get to know them soon. From Amaniel himself.
"Do you think they can meet with the lady today?" As if reading her thoughts, Amaniel asked the butler. "And it seems like she wants to talk about Young Master."
Veylan glanced at her, hesitating. "This... I’m afraid only Lady can do it. And... It’d be better if you talked with her yourself first and told her, Sir Lumin. After all..."
"...I see." Amaniel nodded thoughtfully, then turned toward her. "Lady Cassie, would it be ok for you to wait a little longer? Do you have spare time?"
"Yes, of course. I can wait for a few days." Cassandra answered.
"Great, thanks for your understanding." Amaniel bowed slightly. "And sorry for not telling you before about this, I will make it up to you."
"...Mm." Cassandra nodded again, wondering if he meant other things too.
"Good. Then, let’s talk everything over a warm meal, what do you say?" Amaniel asked.
"That’s alright too." Cassandra agreed.
Amaniel hummed in gratitude before turning to Veylan and asking him to make lunch for them.
Then, he asked Veylan to escort her to the guest room. He said he would check up on the lord and lady first and return quickly. He also promised to talk about her matter with them.
"Miss, please follow me." Veylan gestured for Cassandra after Amaniel left.
With no choice left, Cassandra followed after him.
Well, she would have a little more time to process everything this way, at least.