Chapter 2: As Long As Your Young Land Here Doesn't Mind Me Tagging Along

He looked around dazedly, turning toward us before his gaze settled as if he had finally found what he was searching for.

"Ah, yes, Mr. Luis," he said, walking toward us.

I examined the man. He had a warm and enthusiastic demeanor, his friendly expression making him seem approachable. His round glasses sat neatly on his face, complementing his well-groomed mustache and neatly combed dark hair, giving him a refined appearance. Dressed in a brown tweed jacket, a vest, a white collared shirt, and a red bowtie, his attire exuded a scholarly or formal air, as if he belonged to an institution of some sort. His outstretched hand reached for Professor Dawkins as he approached.

"Gusto, it's been quite a while... It's nice to see you once again," the professor said, seeming familiar with the man. Moving forward, they shook hands.

Professor Dawkins asked, "I hope my vague description of this place didn't make it too difficult for you to find us."

"Haha, need not worry about that. Trust me, I've navigated my way through places described even more vaguely than this," Gusto chuckled awkwardly. "Although, I may or may not have scared the ghost out of a small family to the west side in the middle of their dinner on my first try," he admitted, scratching the back of his head.

"So, how have you been? It's been too long," Dawkins said.

"Honestly, it's been very stressful. To be honest, perhaps tutoring the kids of those rich nobles and aristocrats might not be my thing after all," Gusto replied with a sigh.

"I see," Dawkins nodded. "I must admit, when I received your owl, I was a bit curious—what was it that you urgently wanted to tell me that couldn't wait?"

While the two conversed, my eyes wandered across the early morning darkness. The dense fog that was normal in Luren gave the streets an eerie atmosphere. Old brick buildings flanked the street, their dimly lit windows barely piercing through the heavy mist. Soft, muted lighting from scattered lanterns provided a warm but faint illumination.

Just as I was about to shift my gaze, my vision unintentionally landed on something unusual in the shadows—a dark alley between two buildings. I squinted, barely making out a figure concealed in the darkness, draped in a hooded robe that covered its entire form, save for a pair of crimson eyes peering out from beneath the hood, staring directly at me.

I blinked once, and the figure was gone.

Yet, even in its absence, the unsettling sensation of being watched remained, sending a shiver down my spine.

When I turned back to Professor Dawkins and Gusto, I noticed they had abruptly stopped speaking.

"I think it's best we don't have this conversation here... Don't you agree?" Gusto asked, looking around warily.

I was stunned. Did they also sense we were being watched?

"I understand," Professor Dawkins nodded. "How about we continue our conversation on the way to the Spire? After all, we have a banquet and an opening ceremony waiting for us, and it wouldn't be nice to keep our kind fellow over there waiting too long," he said, gesturing toward the carriage driver, who had been sitting there for over an hour. Even I had forgotten about him.

Gusto shook his head, turning toward me. "As long as your young lad here doesn't mind me tagging along," he said with a smile.

I immediately waved my hands. "Not at all, sir. Your company is very much welcome."

Gusto nodded, muttering, "What a respectful young lad."

"In that case, after you," Professor Dawkins said as the carriage door swung open.

I stepped inside, faintly hearing the soft clanging of the seat bells.

"Onward to the Spire, then!" Gusto declared, raising a hand in the air, his voice filled with optimism. "It will be lovely to see the old chapels and ancient academy grounds after so long."

After I entered, Professor Dawkins followed. We waited a few seconds for Gusto, who lingered at the door, surveying the surroundings carefully, his hand resting on the frame.

It was only after Dawkins reminded him that we had somewhere to be that Gusto laughed heartily and finally stepped inside.

Through the small glass window at the side of the carriage, I could faintly see the outlines of buildings shifting as the carriage moved forward. Then, with the rolling of the wheels and a slight shake that made the three of us grip onto something for support, we knew—we had taken off.