“Who are you?”

At Vasen Lark Orazen’s question, the Garuda opened his beak to talk, but Hwee Ravina Muel was faster.

“Mazdari?”

“Ah, it’s been a while, Ravina.”

Vasen looked back at Ravina.

“Do you know each other?”

“Yes. This man is…”

Ravina didn’t know how Mazdari had gotten there, so she couldn’t immediately think of how to introduce him. A non-believer like herself was only able to walk alongside Vasen since she had devoted her knowledge and wisdom to Black Scale, and also because Kyle approved of it. For a wandering alchemist like Mazdari, it would be better to lie about his identity.

While Ravina was hesitating, Mazdari sat down in front of Vasen.

“I am an alchemist, Prince Vasen.”

“An alchemist? Do you know me, Garuda Mazdari?”

“I didn’t until recently.”

“You must be in the same group as those fellows over there.”

Vasen pointed at the line of Trolls walking along the coastline with his chin. They were all armed, but they had neither attacked nor drawn their weapons.

The noisy Astacideas noticed and didn’t know what to do. Then, the Astacidea island lord came running from the distance.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness! I have something to tell you…”

“It’s too late if you’re talking about Trolls coming to shore.”

“Oh.” The island lord bowed and continued to say, “I thought that was a merchant ship from Danyum and didn’t see the need to let you know at first. But then from the ship came armed Trolls, so…”

“Did you inform the...