Just as I was about to open my mouth and pester the man beside me who had gone mute, someone suddenly appeared out of thin air. Four sets of eyes were currently nailed on that person, two of those were filled with incredulity, while the remaining two were both calm.
Luminous white robes rustled as he moved, standing straight and proud in the middle of the room. I blinked at the image of Janus who seemed surprised upon seeing the three of us there. Her golden irises widened for a fraction as his eyes slid from one person to another and then to the smiling Nine at the side.
His gold dangling earring rattled when he turned his head, emitting a low noise within the room that suddenly got silent when he appeared.
I saw it right, did I? He definitely teleported here.
There was only an awkward silence at first, not one of us was speaking but some of us did look at him strangely.
"Lord Janus? Why are you here?" I muttered after a while.
I didn't know he would appear here at all! What kind of business does the great magician even have in a tiny establishment such as this? Is he here to buy books as well? But isn't there an archive section in the tower?
Janus's mesmerizing golden eyes went to me and smiled. It was a positive gesture yet I could sense a little bit of awkwardness in it.
"What? Am I not allowed to be here?" was his response.
Ah... Both Lukas and you sound the same...
Speaking of Lukas, the frown of his deepened when he saw him appear. You know what, you're going to end up with that face for real if you keep doing that. Why is he always angry at everything?
Estelle was also tongue-tied, even worse than before. She could barely talk earlier because of the awkwardness, I really pity her.
Hmm? But... isn't this nice? Janus is here so that meant the fateful encounter is actually followed, though it was very much different from the original. Plus, she actually met two male leads in one day, even if it's not my brother and it was Lukas instead.
Janus glanced at the three of us. Even with that simple move from him, to me, he seemed like he's looking down on everyone but not in a negative light. If it was others, they might have appeared arrogant and haughty. He has this regality that only a monarch has and if it's possible, he even exceeded the current royals in terms of decorum and imposing nature.
Maybe this is the reason why the Emperor and Empress call him a Lord.
But... should I talk? Should I not? Maybe I shouldn't... yes... Let's not make unnecessary actions.
I had just told myself that and the door to the shop opened. Then entered two people who were also not falling short with regards to their background. One is the crown prince of the empire and the other is the captain of hundreds of royal knights. Yep. They were Ezekiel and Nathan. They appeared and completed the whole picture.
What's with this gathering of stars in one place? What kind of development is this?
You know... if you look at us right now, all the key characters of the novel are here. The supposed-to-be villainess, aka, me; the four handsome male leads; and the adorable main character.
This... this is...
I stared at the two newcomers with wide eyes, feeling absolutely gobsmacked to see both my brother and the prince.
Why are they here? What is going on?
The two also stopped just in front of us, not even mere meters away from the entranceway, and were looking at us with the same stunned expressions. Both of them were in a commoner's clothes, just like Lukas, but that wasn't important to me. I want to know what the hell is happening here.
"Nadia? Lukas? You're here?" Ezekiel was the first to open his mouth, astonished to meet us here. His eyes then went past us and got even more surprised– "Lord Janus as well? Why are you all here? What's going on?" he added.
Exactly, my cousin.
I'm floored too, you know. Can't you see from my expression alone? Every single one of us kept repeating the same phrases and I can't even blame them for that. This day is just filled with shocking things that kept coming one after another.
And speaking of expressions, just look at my brother. His brows were strung together, gazing at us in confoundment. In the area of facial mien, Lukas and he share the same trait, always frowning.
But unlike Ezekiel, his concern falls more on me than anyone else here. His eyes only glanced at the others for a moment before the same ruby eyes met mine.
"You're alone?" He inquired but with a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice.
I shook my head, "Uno and the others are guarding me."
Nathan only narrowed his eyes but said nothing more. I could still feel that he's not fond of the thought of me walking around alone though. Typical Nathaniel and his protective nature.
"What a coincidence, huh? I didn't expect to see everyone here," Ezekiel commented with a small laugh.
The flower filter was also working this time too, giving Ezekiel this flashy prince appearance that had never failed to capture the hearts of the people. With the exception of those who are close to him, of course.
I let out a slightly nervous chuckle, "Hahaha yeah... so weird, am I right?"
I still can't recover from the fact that everyone is present, and I meant everyone that plays a huge part in the novel.
How did this even happen? The Gods must be having such a great time in their domains right now. Fate must be even drinking tea as she watches me be flustered and overwhelmed in the head.
"You should have brought at least one servant with you," Nathaniel remarked, reprimanding me.
"Ahh come ooon, I wanted to be alone today. That's not a big issue, is it?" I countered.
"Bring someone next time," Nathan declared.
"Why? Why are you mad right now? It's not as if this is the first time I roamed around without an escort," I couldn't help but ask. My brother is in a sour mood and I don't even know the reason, what the heck.
Nathan sighed in exasperation, "It's dangerous right now, Nadia."
Dangerous? Lukas also mentioned something about danger earlier, what's with that? Is this because of the attack during the founding ball? So it's really a big deal then? Yet this brother of mine said I don't have to worry because it's nothing! You liar...
I began to frown now, matching Nathan. Ezekiel glanced at the both of us, heard the exchange, and felt the growing tension in the air.
"Now, now... Your brother is just worried about you, Nadia. It's really not safe right now and to be honest, I share the same opinion as him. You shouldn't walk around alone for the time being," he said just to ease the strain between us.
Pouting, I mumbled, "Fine. But I was only strolling around the capital. Nothing would happen to me within such a large crowd, you know."
"Strolling?" Lukas repeated and started chuckling.
I turned to him and glared. Lukas only snorted when he saw what I did, looking very much amused.
What's with him? He wasn't speaking this whole time and now he's making fun of me. I really dislike this guy...
I didn't notice Nathan's odd look he sent our way because my whole attention was at the man who's grinning like a snake right now.
"Lord Janus, what a coincidence to meet you here," Ezekiel called out.
"Prince Ezekiel," Janus replied amiably– "Are you perhaps on a patrol?"
My eyes traveled towards the magician who's being friendly with my cousin. Can't help it either, he's an eye-magnet.
His brushed-up ash-blonde hair that is long enough to reach his shoulders was neat and tidy. With that hairstyle of his, his equally magnetic face is free for everyone to see. He really is shining like the sun, much more than the bright Ezekiel himself.
Blonde hair... Striking golden eyes... Pale fair skin that stands out even more in his white robes... That gold earring on his right ear which just adds more features to him... He's handsome alright.
I am being surrounded by handsome men right now, aren't I? What a blessing...
"That's right. By the way, why are the three of you together?" Ezekiel inquired afterward.
"We're not together. I just came here," Janus replied just as immediately.
Ezekiel blinked, "Oh?" His eyes then went to us curiously– "Both of you came together?"
"Uhh..." I trailed off.
He must have noticed the brief exchange between me and Lukas that's why he assumed that. He's not wrong though, but how do I say it?
I mean, my brother is looking at us suspiciously right now... His eyes were nailed more on the man beside me though.
Lukas cocked his head to the side, "What? I found this suspicious lady on the street and arrested her."
I immediately snapped at him, "Hey! What are you saying?"