Chapter 223 - She Wants to Build A.... (1/2)

”Currently, they've barricaded themselves in their city. No humans are allowed inside.” Marin shrugged. ”That's their rule, so, unless you can convince them from the outside, or have someone they know negotiate for you, then you probably won't be able to get in.”

”Huh...an entire city of enchanters, hmmm...” Robin pondered.

”Ah, no. Only the gnomes are enchanters. There's two other factions which are a part of the city. Don't get me wrong.” Marin corrected.

”Is that so?” Robin scratched her head. ”Well, we've got Chelsea, Liam, and Quinn, so it isn't like we don't have any negotiators.”

”Wait, they're not human?” Marin asked, mildly surprised. ”Huh. Usually I can tell them apart, but I guess their technique is near perfect.”

”Well, I guess we know where we need to go next, then~!” Robin decided. ”Do you, by any chance, have a general map of the area?”

”The city isn't on any official maps as they don't like bothersome fools fumbling about in their area. As for a more detailed map, they're all local and confidential, so I can't help you there.” Marin shook his head.

”So we're out of options now?” Robin looked at Jasmine, hopefully. Perhaps she might know something about enchanting? Jasmine shook her head imperceptibly.

Enchanting required extensive knowledge of the runic language. Gnomes kept their runic tomes, jealously. Moreover, all enchanted items had a failsafe in place to prevent observation of the original runes.

”Not quite...” Marin thought of something. ”You're staying at Lave Mercantiles, right? They sometimes have dealings with the gnomes, so they might have a more detailed map of the route with them.”

”Bastian does?” Robin asked, surprised.

”If it's young master Sebastian Lave, then he is indeed the person I am referring to.” Marin agreed.

”Ho. Looks like we need to have a chat with Young Master Sebastian, then.” Keith noted. Robin blinked. She didn't like the idea of talking to Bastian again so soon. But she didn't let it show on her face.

”Haha. Looks like we're heading back now~” She joked, before ruffling Felix's hair. ”You be good and learn from Marin, okay? I look forward to the time when you're a full fledged wizard.”

”Mmn! I will!” Felix was still beaming with happiness at being accepted as Marin's student.

Robin nodded a farewell and turned to leave.

”Ah! Use the front door, this time, Hero Robin!” Marin cautioned.

”Eh? Oh! Ahahaha~” Robin was startled by the request. But then she recalled the last time she left was via the window. She could only laugh sheepishly.

”It couldn't be helped last time, I didn't have time to use the door.” She tried to explain. ”Normally, I always use the door, okay?”

”Riiiight.” Marin looked at her with a neutral expression, unconvinced. Christian and Keith smirked. The rest could only chuckle at Robin's antics.

Robin sighed.

It seemed she had to resign herself to being the comic relief for a time.

”In any case, farewell!” Robin waved a goodbye, before walking down the stairs probably. A group of snickering companions followed along behind her.

___

However, his mindscape's library of books was already very big. And he was destined not to finish for a long time...

”Master Lave? Are you awake?” Fest knocked on the door to the study, causing Bastian to open his eyes out of reflex. The librarian mindscape vanished away, replaced by the study.

”Yes, I'm awake. What is it, Fest?” Bastian asked.

”Robin and the others have returned, and would like to discuss something with you.” Fest announced.

”Oh?” Bastian felt surprised, but after a moment he answered. ”All right. Where are they? I'll go see them.”

It was a rare moment for Bastian. After all, as the owner of Lave Mercantiles, usually it was people who came to see him in his study. It was once in a blue moon that he would be the one receiving others by going to them.

But, this was one of those times.

”Good Morning to you all.” Bastian greeted the group, a pleasant expression on his face as he was curious what they had come to see him for. ”It's not every day that I see you all together... and awake. What can I help you with?”