Another world, Celeste

Chapter Fourteen, pt 2

From the corner of my eye, Luda and Roy are baffled that I'm addressing the Elder Spirit in a friendly manner. A soundproof barrier is evoked in the room to prevent anyone from listening in. This reminds me of the first time I came into this office. A lot has happened since then. From the head of the table, Lord Sol commences the meeting.

"Before we begin, I would like to clarify our status once more to Iris before there are any doubts. Even though this is not an official gathering, I am named Sol of Kirashira; sage of the elves."

"I am the chosen Chief of Kiln Mountain; sage of the dwarves."

"I am Elder Spirit; sage of the spirits."

Unfazed by the sudden change of ambience, Roy and Luda reintroduced themselves respectively.

"I am Roy; sage representative of men."

"Likewise, I am named Luda of Kirashira; sage in training."

I instinctively lean back when each one of them smoothly takes turns to introduce themselves towards me with an air of significance.

In a daze, I blurt out these words. "I'm Iris; an otherworlder."

Luda and Roy blankly stare at me. After realising my mistake, I try to explain in a hurry but failed as I couldn't find the right words for it.

"Ah, you see..."

Auntie El says, "It's alright. They know you received the blessing of the goddess."

"I also told them that you have a peculiar eccentricity." Lord Sol state my charming quirks.

Chief adds by saying, "Let us not forget the goddess bestowed you in our care to be your guardians."

"Technically, she told me I could trust the sages," I mumble to myself.

I look up to see what kind of expression Luda and Roy are showing. Surprisingly, it doesn't seem to affect them that much, or maybe they had time to process before I arrive.

"Who else knows?" I ask carefully.

"There is another sage and his successor. I told him of your existence." Auntie El answers me.

"How did he react upon hearing it?" Chief asks Auntie El.

Chief's low tone with grim expression suggests the importance of Auntie El's response whilst the tension in the room becomes heavier and painstakingly quiet.

"He expressed his curiosity towards Iris." Auntie El glances my way.

"That could have several meanings." Lord Sol remarks with a complicated face.

"He will not harm her. I am certain he will grow fond of her." Auntie El says to put them at ease.