(Not Continued Again)
5. A decision

The demanding gaze given by Evander and Sebastian was very burdensome. In her seat, Elthia lowered her head. The advice Sebastian gave almost resembles the advice his mother used to give. Without even asking, Elthia already knew that her brother was very angry right now.

"I'm sorry." An apology to the one that Elthia spoke so many times. His face looks very tired. Sebastian's angry expression was twice as scary as usual. The deadly smile of the brother when he was angry always managed to make him goosebumps. Now, Elthia regretted ignoring Sebastian's call while she was chasing Rio earlier.

"I admit I was wrong."

"Next time don't repeat."

A warning given by Sebastian, Elthia angguki. Elthia hoped, this smile that her brother had turned into normal again. It feels terrible to be given hospitality in times like this.

"I'm sorry."

"Already brother. Look at Elthia's face. Brother doesn't want to make her cry, does he?" Evander who had been silent, sighed. The slow pat he gave Sebastian's hand, melted a little anger that was seen on the brother's face.

"He must have had a reason why he suddenly ran around like that."

Elthia looked at her twin brother full of days. This defense Evander gave really helped him.

"So? Would you like to tell us where you know the boy?"

Elthia guessed, she could breathe a sigh of relief after this. But unfortunately, apparently Evander also has a curiosity that is not less powerful than Sebastian. Both of his eyes glanced at Rio who was deliberately distancing himself. Due to the possessive nature that his two brothers had, Rio purposely relented to give an explanation and let the two Lucretia brothers talk to their only sister. Honestly speaking. Elthia actually slightly objected to the hospitality that Rio was giving towards her two brothers. This action that Rio took was somehow impressed as if he was trying to watch the situation alone, to Elthia.

"Ah. That's...."

Urged by two people who are so dear to him, never once did Elthia think could be this terrible. The demanding gaze that emanated from these two pairs of eyes in front of her was somehow impressed as if Elthia was caught off guard while committing a criminal act alone.

"I-I met him in a dream." Elthia laughed stiffly. This absurd reason is certainly not acceptable. But, even so. It's even more impossible if he tells the truth, right?

I'm sorry, brother.

There was no other regret, which Elthia regretted more than this moment. Lying to his two brothers, it felt quite heavy for him.

"J-so, just calm down. He's not a dangerous man, really."

"Are you sure? Either way she-"

"Yep. Forgive my impoliteness, gentlemen. But, can you guys give me a chance to talk to him as well?"

Sebastian's words stopped by Rio, managed to divert the three Lucretia brothers. Elthia looked at Rio full of gratitude. If only Rio remained silent as before. Elthia was sure that she would only get a longer piece of advice.

"Can you just let us talk alone?"

As Evander and Sebastian did not move on from there, Elthia felt a little uneasy. If these two brothers remained by her side, Elthia's curiosity would not be answered. So, because he did not want to waste this opportunity in vain. Elthia tried to persuade. The clearest look he had, he gave.

"If he dares to mess with me, he'll kick him. So, let's talk to both of us first, okay?"

The gaze of looking at Sebastian with a paper-flat expression, felt extremely piercing to anyone who saw it. However, it was not too influential for Rio. The calmness of Rio who became the object of the gaze of the elder brother was quite aweful to Elthia. All along, no one had dared to raise their head upright in front of this other side of Sebastian. Fooled by the father, the people who got this gaze must always look down or take their eyes off. So, Elthia was quite surprised at the courage shown by Rio right now. Moreover, the relaxed reply he gave."Just chill. I'm not gonna hurt him, I'm."

Rio rubbed his head slowly. The hostile nature shown by Sebastian was very irritating for him. "I'm not the type of person who likes to trouble yourself by looking for trouble. Besides, the time I have is not so free." He said as he glanced at Evander who had been standing next to Sebastian.

"So, could you step aside for a second. Brother?"

Sebastian glanced at Evander who was by his side. The armband given by Evander, the gesture of the brother who did not want any further commotion succeeded in reducing his stubbornness.

"If you dare touch her, I'll cut off your hand!" threaten Sebastian without containing any jokes. Before leaving Elthia to talk alone with Rio, she took the time to stroke her sister's silver mane.

"If you can, don't hold yourself back, yeah."

This message delivered by Sebastian, in reply in the form of a bright smile by Elthia. "I won't hold back."

Sebastian smile. This answer Elthia gave, at the very least, managed to reduce her worry a little. "Smart sister."

"Don't force yourself, yeah, Elthia." Evander also reminded. The smile he made looks no less annoying than Sebastian.

"If you feel threatened, don't hesitate to call us."

The message conveyed as if he was about to go this far, was very embarrassing. Although Elthia knew both her sisters were very protective of her. He did not expect them to be so excessive like this. "D-yes."

Sebastian and Evander's distance from her gave Elthia little room to breathe. Seeing the unexpected hostility directly drained his energy. Elthia really felt bad. If he met Rio who was clearly familiar to him, his two brothers reacted like this. What if Elthia met, let alone befriended another boy while already at the academy later? Elthia could not imagine how much hostility Evander and Sebastian showed. He could only hope that his two brothers would not overdo it. Especially to embarrass themselves.

"Where do you want to know?"

The question Rio asked broke the Elthia daydream. Gutting slowly, Elthia stared fixedly at Rio who was now in front of her chin.

"Tell me. Why can I be like this."

Rio sighed. This serious face that Elthia was showing somehow felt burdening her. Rio glanced at the figure of the gray-haired boy standing faithfully beside him. The nod given figure, the more added the burden he felt.

"You were chosen as someone who could change destiny." Rio started to explain. The two red netra of hers, she let him gaze directly at both the green and blue netra belonging to Elthia. "For the sake of changing the existing scratches. You were sent here to make a different ending."

"But, what about Elthia's real soul?" the explanation Rio gave teased Elthia. "If I were inside her body, wouldn't that mean she'd be as good as dead?"

Rio shakes. "No, Novella. Elthia's soul is not dead." Rio played his finger on the table. The words of Elthia-Novella-just now sounded less wearing to her. "He's been with you all this time."

"What do you mean, his soul is fused with mine? Who is a girl from another world?"

Rio smiling. "You can call it that." The reaction of the response Elthia gave was a little comforting to him. Just this time Rio saw that there was someone who could act this calm even though the death prophecy was already visible in plain sight.

"Elthia's life is not that short. However, neither is it as long as the plot is written." Rio drank the drink that was in front of him. The peaceful atmosphere of a place where no one but the three of them were here, gave her some leeway. It felt like talking without many people paying attention like this was much more pleasant than his previous encounter with Elthia in this world. Rio was grateful, he brought enough money to rent the entire place in this restaurant. So, he does not need to worry about someone who allows to eavesdrop on their 'unusual' talk now.

"Have you done the 'deviation' of the storyline you already knew?"

"I avoided meeting that would allow me to meet Prince Luca." Elthia breathed in tiredness. His eyes look bright. "This little act I took, I didn't expect to bring about such a huge change."

"What kind of big change?"

Elthia looked closely at Rio. Both of Rio's black eyes which were now in red still felt very foreign to him. "Evander and I can use magic."

Elthia pointed at the small spoon located on Rio's cake plate. Along with the movement of his hands, the spoon also moved. What Elthia is doing right now, certainly does not go unnoticed by Rio. "As you can see. The rise of this magic power was the least I expected."

"It's faster than the allotted time." Rio watched closely the spoon that Elthia moved by using the magic that was before her. "Did the kingdom know?"

Elthia shook her head. "Because we resurrected him while he was training in the woods near Lucretia's residence. The spread of this information can be prevented well."

"The royal side doesn't know it yet, does it?"

"They don't know it."

Rio glanced back at the figure that was beside him. The strange smile that the figure again made, felt annoying to see. "How did Mr Terrene react?"

Elthia sighed. "Dad gave us two choices."

"What kind of choice?"

Given how serious the expression of the father when knowing his twins can use magic, Elthia believes the choice given by her father must have been very well thought out. "He asked us to think about whether we wanted to study magic at the Secilia academy, or at home by calling a powerful sorcerer from the land of Yodea our personal teacher."

"The teaching of a witch from the land of Yodea is very risky."

Entering a country requires a permit. Of course, the identity of a person cannot be kept secret that easily. Each name of the person passing by, who came in or out had its own list. And the list is certainly overseen directly by the kingdom's trusted people.

"I know that. Asking a witch from a neighboring country is not so safe. Even though you can fool the king. That doesn't mean the king is completely blind."

"King Istvan must have had a lot of spies."

What Elthia said made Rio also influenced to think hard. Storing big information in the form of the child can use magic is very risky to do. If the nobles who hate the Lucretia family find out that the lord Arys Terrene Lucretia holds that much information first than the King. The chances that Lucretia's family could be accused of being traitors trying to usurp the royal throne are high.

"So, did you choose to study at the academy of the Secilia?"

"Learning there has less risk than calling a witch to be a teacher." Both have risks. Elthia chose to take the decision of herself getting less losses.

"Because of its location near the border of the two kingdoms. The spies found in the academy are not as numerous as in its immediate borders."

"Even if caught, it'll be delivered directly to the king, yes?" rio muttered once he realized the true meaning of Elthia's words. Because the Secilia academy was a place that not just anyone could enter. The possibility of which nobles were able to enter it was predictable. In addition to the prince, the son of the top officials of the palace such as the prime minister, advisors and the four-season chivalric chief. Children who are not born under this important position cannot register there. Which means, the family below from the royal position of marquess² or count³ such as viscount⁴, as well as baron⁵, is not included in the list of people who are allowed to set foot there.

"Have you any information about which nobles sent their children there?"

This question that Rio asked made a line of proud grin on Elthia's lips. "Because most of the high-ranking noble children other than Lucretia had already graduated from the academy. Only the two sons of Marquess Campbell, as well as the three twin sons of Marquess Amnytas are left." Elthia was quite grateful that luck would take her side this time. Had the information that Elenio had provided contained some other noble names, Elthia would not have chosen the academy. The Campbells and the Amnytas have no bad record of Lucretia's family, and they are also someone who can keep secrets well. So, Elthia was quite calm if only she had the possibility of meeting one of the five people later.

"Because you've decided to enter the academy. I want to make sure if you already have familiar⁶ by your side?" Rio was watching Elthia closely. The astonished reaction mixed with the shock he saw, making him sigh tired. "You still don't have anyone familiar, do you?" the question is answered in the form of a confused look. Rio patted his head slowly. The light pat on the shoulder that the gray-haired figure beside him gave it, Rio tepis.

"Because the real Elthia is not told ever made a contract with the familiar. I don't know for sure if I'll get it now or not."

"What about something new that's around you?" ask the gray-haired figure while smiling thinly. "Every familiar would definitely search for their master by itself. Because Miss is now a witch. Familiar that matches the magic that miss has, will certainly look for the missus in order to make a contract together."

"Every familiar has a different magic power. If the familiar had great magic power, he would naturally look for a magician who had power as great as himself." Rio replied as he slowly elbowed the waist of the figure beside him. The soft ringing that came out of that figure, Rio ignored.

"Because I was too curious I forgot to ask who exactly this person beside you is." Elthia pointed at the gray-haired figure who could only reciprocate Rio's harsh treatment with that smile. If only the figure who also both had red eyes with Rio did not join in their conversation, Elthia would certainly not be aware of its existence because it was too engrossed in her own curiosity.

"He's familiar to me."

The answer Rio gave made Elthia blink her eyes in disbelief. "So, you have a familiar?" Well. Elthia already suspected Rio to be a powerful magician because Rio was able to send him to this world. He just did not expect if the figure he thought as Rio's brother turned out to be a familiar who also had the same strength as the master.

"Greetings to Miss Elthia. My name is Altair. Miss can call me Alta."

Unlike Alta who was happy, Rio actually looked annoyed when introducing Alta. "His real name is Panavela." He said while giving a sharp look to the familiar.

Regardless of what the matter was between Rio and Alta, Elthia had no intention of interfering in it. "What about the name? Is it called the Altair Panavela or the Panavela Altair?" because Altair is the name Rio gave as proof of contract. Elthia was a little curious about the pronunciation of the results of the merging of the two names.

"Because the name our master gave us is very valuable. The name of the gift is usually mentioned at the beginning."

Elthia nodded in understanding. Alta's explanation is so simple that it can be easily understood. "Altair Panavela. What a beautiful name." Praise Elthia without the slightest hint of lies. His two brightly sparkling eyes, further adding to the spirit of Alta who was looking at him.

"Just like me. I'm sure your familiar later must also have a name that is no less beautiful." Alta smile. Not like someone. The calm aura emanating from Elthia's body felt very pleasant to her. "That's lucky the familiar who was chosen as your protector."

Besides having a beautiful master. They are also lucky to always be treated well. His envy...

Alta glanced at Rio who had a sullen face beside her. The annoyed expression that Rio was trying to hold back, was already an ordinary sight. Compared to Rio's usually stiff face and slightly impressed awkward towards others. Alta preferred the irritated expression of her current master. To him, there was no best spirit enhancer medicine other than Rio's sullen face. Uh. Or rather El, huh?

"Either it resembles a favorite animal, a favorite plant, or it resembles someone precious."

Rio who could no longer bear to be ignored, interjected. The world seemed to belong to the two who previously Elthia and Alta occupied, destroyed it in an instant. "As long as it can attract the attention of the person they are going to protect. Familiar can change the shape of his body into anything except inanimate objects."

Because Rio did not want his words interrupted, as well as himself being ignored once again. Rio ordered Alta to move twenty steps back. As a familiar-beings magic created to protect the chosen one, Alta could not argue with what Rio ordered her to do. Alta was forced to obey. A grunt was clearly heard from his mouth. While the two blood-red neutrals of hers were unceasingly staring at Rio, the master who had always treated her harshly.

"Have you, after awakening the magic power, any animal, plant, or person suddenly appeared before you without any apparent origin?"

Elthia plays her hair pony. The memory of what had happened to him all this time, in turn back.

"There were two orange cats coming at us."

When Eltiha and Evander had already awakened their magic power. Nothing strange happened, other than Astrella and Astra.

"Have you two given him names?"

"We have given both cats names."

Rio sighed in relief. This confession that Elthia gave calmed her down. "Then you call it a contract agreement in front of the two cats. If you mention it, the cat will officially be your familiar."

"Did they also have a human form like Alta?" it would be better if Astrella and Astra had a human form. Because, that way, Elthia could use them as an excuse for the rejection of additional guards that Sebastian might provide later. Elthia didn't want to be someone flashy on her first day of study. Especially the warm conversation of people. Anticipating Sebastian's protective actions by making Astrella and Astra his shield, Elthia felt, it wasn't a bad thing to try.

"Depends on the magic power that the familiar has. The more magic power they have. Then, the better also the form they could take in order to be by their master's side." Rio's butt-backed. Alta's whimper who begged for mercy behind her to be allowed to rejoin, Rio considered it like the wind then. "So far, is there anything else you'd like to ask again?"

Elthia thought carefully about what else she wanted to know. Because before Rio said that he was quite busy at this time. Elthia had to sort out a few questions that allowed for short answers without needing to take much time. "As the only stranger I know here, can you attend my tenth birthday party?"

Elthia's unexpected question suddenly made Rio blink. Raut did not believe that as if saying that Elthia had wasted the opportunity, not a little he hid. "You sure you don't want to ask me anything more important than that?" tanyanya while tapping the table slowly. Beautiful face full expression of Elthia's calmness, Rio's paying close attention. "I'm a very busy man, you know."

Elthia shook her head. The advice Rio gave him subtly rejected. "Rather than an answer, I think it's the help I need most."

Elthia smiled. The defiant words Rio proposed would not affect him. "You're a good man, Rio." Elthia pointed at her green-colored right eye, gesturing to Rio as if she also had the same red-colored eyes. "Aren't people born with red eyes often portrayed as cursed in a story?"

Rio chuckled a little. The implied meaningful words that Elthia had said just now, were extremely unexpected to her. "Not everyone in the story has a good heart, Novella."

"I'm sure you dragged me here didn't mean to overthrow me." Elthia shook her hand slowly. Sebastian's threatening way of speaking by using a smile as a mainstay weapon rubbed off on him very well. "Because that coincidence is you. I guess it wouldn't hurt to drag you into this mess as your responsibility for my being here."

Rio scrambled slowly his black mane. "Even if you're a bookworm. You're not as geeky as you look, are you?" he glanced at the two thick books stacked beside Elthia. "You've become a little more terrible than you were before, Novella." Rio leaned his body against the chair. Both of his red netra glanced at Alta who could only helplessly stand watching from where she was.

"I have to fit myself well as 'Elthia' here." Because maintaining a position while maintaining a good name as a noble has become an obligation that he must do. Elthia certainly adjusts the properties she has as 'Novella' as well as 'Elthia' at the same time.

"Just be honest. It just so happens that there are some similarities to this trait that we have that it makes it a little easier for me."

"The real Elthia never threatened anyone with such a horrible, sweet smile as she is today." Comment Rio. A soft snort came out of his mouth. "Unlike you now. 'Elthia' is a kind-hearted girl who never uses others for her own sake, Novella." Rio noticed the two dazzling netra and different colors in front of him. Just like Elthia, now Rio also put on a smile that was no less sweet.

"The behavior you're showing right now is a little bit of the opposite of the original character."

"Oh, Rio. You're so funny, anyway." Elthia laughed softly. Her beautiful face is innate from birth looks more sweet thanks to the beautiful arch. "Didn't you say 'Elthia' life was important to other people's happy endings?" elthia's index finger tapped slowly on the table. The smile did not faint even a little bit from his face even though Rio was looking at his surprised self.

"Don't tell me you forgot it?"

Rio raised both his hands in surrender. "I didn't forget it." The words he spoke right before sending Elthia into this world managed to silence him completely. "alright. I'll take responsibility." Because Rio knew arguing with Elthia even further would only make her look even more miserable. Rio chose to follow Elthia's wishes. Aside from being a form of responsibility as the only alien figure known to Elthia in this world. Rio also has to take responsibility as someone who has sent him here.

After all, I was used as a road guide without being explained anything.

Rio glanced at Alta. He is sure, what he feels now can be felt well by the familiar irritating him that one. Otherwise, it was possible that Alta could smile that wide, enjoying every agony that Rio felt.

"I just need to come, don't I?"

Elthia nodded. "You just have to come as my friend."

"Friends close, more precisely." Rio gave emphasis. He rolled his eyes when Elthia responded to a slow clap of hands.

"It's only temporary. You can be free once I've found a rival figure for Luca." Elthia was still smiling cheerfully. Even though she knew Rio was a little dislike of her one personality, Elthia still continued to tease him. It feels good to be able to see the careless expression of a figure who has been as good as heart to send him to this world, that is.

"So, as a friend. Can you call me by my new name from now on?" it would feel strange if Rio mentioned the name he had before. No matter how longed Elthia will be the name 'Novella' she once had. Elthia could not use it anymore. In this world, her figure as Novella was not known by anyone other than Rio. Actually Elthia wanted to be called as 'Novella' again like before. However, the circumstances he had did not allow him to be more selfish than he is today. It was enough, Elthia dragged Rio into her troubles. He did not want his selfishness to have a worse impact on the family so loved 'Elthia'.

"Rea. Do you mind if I call you that?"

Elthia blinked her eyes in wonder. This nickname Rio mentioned never once had he heard before. "Rea?" reworked. Either Elthia misheard, or indeed that was what Rio said. The call was foreign to his hearing.

"I took it from your current name, Sheriane. As well as the name you used to have, Sandrea." Rio explained. The astonished gazes that were seen in the two different colors were, for some reason it felt so distracting to him.

"With this, you won't forget who you were, or who you are now, will you?" considering the figure of this beautiful girl in front of him as 'Elthia' was very strange. Because, Rio was already used to knowing her as a Novella figure. Seeing the figure of someone who is often seen with a completely different appearance like what he is currently experiencing, of course it will feel very confusing. So, as an alternative that Rio knew the figure of 'Elthia', as well as Novella at the same time. Rio chose the call as a form of proof, if he had really known the two.

"Rio...."

The tone-filled call was moved, making Rio flinch from his daydream. The two eyes of Elthia's different colors that glazed over when she looked at him felt very disturbing. Rio gulped his saliva nervously. The reaction Elthia was showing right now, somehow caused a dangerous bad premonition. It felt like Rio was going to get something terrible, like the unnatural surprise his father used to give him.

"I thought you were just a criminal who could send me to death. But, it turns out you're such a kind-hearted figure that it's adorable, huh!"

Elthia's tight grip so suddenly on her hand made Rio's face instantly paled. His bad premonition proved! Rio really got something dangerous!

"R-Rome..."

The cold sensation that was so piercing behind his back made Rio instantly shudder. Nah! Nah! It wasn't Alta's smile that bothered her! Rather than the killing gazes of the two silver-blossomed people who were a little further away from his familiar that was what unsettled him! Rio knew the two brothers 'Elthia' were very affectionate towards their sister. However, he did not expect that the two people loved 'Elthia' within abnormal limits!

"H-hey. You didn't mean to exchange your life for mine, did you?" Rio tried to remind. His two red eyes glanced towards the spot where Alta was standing, signaling that now it was not only the familiar, who was watching the two of them.

"I'm sorry. Because I'm too happy---"

"Yes. Ja. I know it! So, can you let go of my hand right now!?"

An apology without any evidence would be useless for Rio. It felt annoying when he was in a state of danger, Elthia actually teased him more like this.

"Hehe.. You've seen for yourself, right? Strength between brothers?"

The question posed in no tone contained Elthia's remorse, making Rio cluck. Rio scrambled his black mane slowly. The giggling laughter of Alta who was mocking him, further added to his existing annoyance.

"You're this.. really.."

Rio did not continue his words. Instead, he let his sentence hang just like that. Let Elthia be curious about the continuation. Think of this as retaliation because the girl had dared to tease him.

"All right, Young Miss. Looks like it's time we ended this unexpected encounter."

Rio who saw the position of the sun getting higher, glanced at Alta. Think of the familiar given hers as a sign of approval, not escaped the attention of Elthia.

"As a child. You're really busy, aren't you?" Elthia stood up from her sitting position. Once he stood up, he gave his greetings as a form of courtesy between fellow noble families. "Thank you for your free time." Although Elthia knew this pleasant greeting would be useless since she had already forced Rio to obey her will, Elthia still continued. He bowed his head a little. A sweet and fake smile Elthia.

"I'm sorry for my audacity to take your time, sir."

In response, Rio gave a light nod to Elthia's pleasantry greeting. People who do not really like this attitude of formality like himself, show bluntly his anger. "At another time. If we meet again, I hope we can meet in a better way." Rio slowly flicked his hand. Alta who understood the gesture immediately approached and took something out of her shirt pocket without asking much. The gray-haired familiar handed the thin paper in the form of an invitation to Elthia.

"If you want to see us. Miss can show this to the bodyguards guarding our residence."

Elthia noticed the invitation paper that read Rio's full name that Alta had given her. His brows furrowed in wonder because they did not find the surname that had become the hallmark of nobles in the long name Rio. "Alterio Lindra's. Where's your family name?" it was only natural that at the first meeting they met Elthia did not mind Rio's full name. Because, in the world where the place before it came from, a person's name is very rarely using a surname. But not in this world. Because the continent of Lucinda consists of the arrangement of the royal system. Family name is very important as an identifier as well as an identity confirmation. Not just the nobles. In fact, the common people of this continent also had it. So, why does Rio name only consist of two words? Why does his family name not exist?

"I can't tell you right now." Rio who understood the confusion of Elthia, sighed softly. After all, they had only met officially here. Rio could not tell about himself straight away to Elthia. "I'll tell you at the right time."

Although Rio's words seemed strange, Elthia tried to respect him. Because he had asked too many questions, Elthia quite understood Rio's attitude on this one.

There may be problems in his family.

Elthia once again paid her respects. "See you later, Alterio." Both of Elthia's eyes were staring at Alta who was a few steps behind Rio. Elthia smiled back, as Alta also paid her respects.

"So much as you are, Alta."

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Elthia."

Elthia nodded small. As soon as it seemed that this parting was enough, Elthia begged for retreat. Her tiny back that was moving away, Rio noticed. The bright smile that he showed when he was together again with the other two Lucretia brothers, did not escape the attention of Rio and Alta.

"What do you think?"

The question that Alta asked him when the three Lucretia people had already left was, Rio retorted with a flat gaze. The friendly face he had previously shown Elthia disappeared somewhere. Just like the fake mask that had been released, Rio's facial expression changed drastically. A smile is not the least seen adorning the beautiful face he has.

"Bother." His comments. Not only did his eyes change. In fact, the cheerful tone full of lightness also disappeared. It was as if the warmth he had before was merely the light of a fire in the middle of the night. The absence of the figure of Elthia who became such light, made Rio return into concentration. Alta who had gotten used to this drastic change in her master's attitude, smiled. The pure nature of her heart did not change even if Elthia was no longer visible to her eyes.

"Don't be like that, El. I've been working hard, bringing her here." Alta spun slowly in front of Rio. Just how piercing was the gaze Rio gave her now, Alta did not respond to it. As long as his hiss had not been heard coming out of Rio's mouth, the alarm of danger that could endanger his life had not yet sounded.

"At least appreciate this effort of mine."

"You didn't do it." Alta's excessive complaints were coldly responded to. Rio took himself back. The food was still a little, he noticed.

"It's all Leander's, isn't it?"

That precise guess silenced Alta. The pride he had instantly evaporated. "Can't you pretend you don't know anything even if it's just for a little while?" Alta sat herself down at the place where Elthia had sat before. He held both his hands. The two blood-red neutrals that were no less dense were staring back at Rio flat.

"Just be honest. I'm getting sick of this one attitude of yours."

"Your own fault is too weak." Rio grinning. Alta's wry smile that felt stunned by reality, comforted her. "Your heart reads easily."

"Damn." Can't argue, Alta clucked. Having a super cruel master like Rio was tolerably torturing his inner health. "If you've found out, why would you take it for granted?" Alta knew, Elthia's request approved by Rio must have a strong reason. Without the benefits obtained, this one Master is not possible to agree with it. "You know, toying with other people, especially a girl, is not a good thing."

"I'm not playing with him." What Alta said slightly offended Rio. "Instead, I helped." Both Rio eyes were glaring sharply at Alta. The slow snort of her annoying familiar seemed so demeaning.

"Are you sure?"

"As one of those who misled him, you were very brave."

"It's not like your shadow, really."

"What's your goal?" alta's casual response was very suspicious. He made himself a guide without being given an explanation like this, had lit the danger symbol that belonged to Rio. "Is this again a 'surprise'?" Rio growling. Netra as red as her blood gleamed wrath.

Alta stroked her grey mane plan. "It's not easy to keep secrets from people like you." Though Alta had tried her best to save her emotions from Rio. But unfortunately, because his ability to hide his emotions was still far from Rio, what Alta tried to keep from the master was still able to be read well.

"We have no other purpose than what you already know." Admitting everything and being honest about the matter of Elthia, was the best course of action Alta had. Making Rio's wrath even further, was not included in his list. Alta did not want Rio to vent his frustration over Leander's actions, to her like this.

"You can call this a surprise." Alta glanced in any direction. Rio's demanding gaze directed at her felt extremely stifling. Under that horrifying gaze, Alta took her breath. Before giving his answer, he made sure he was actually breathing first. "Every good coincidence unexpected at the same time."

"It's annoying."

The hissing coming out of Rio's mouth made Alta shudder. Alta admitted, she was indeed used to Rio's sudden change of attitude. However, he was still not used to his master's rude swearing when he was angry.

Oi. I've only been her familiar for two months. Can't he treat me softer even if it's just a little bit?

"You can't take your words back." Alta reminded. It takes a lot of courage just to say that short word. In his heart, Alta cursed Leander. Had Alta been able to know this would happen, Alta would have gladly given a rejection. This fellow familiar is annoying. The arbitrary nature he had as a senior familiar was, to be honest, extremely troublesome for Alta.

"Leander told me. If you become a good guide and let the girl's real name 'Novella' change the streaks of cruel destiny that exist." Alta took her breath. Either this is because he feels too nervous or scared because his life is being threatened. The piercing aura emanating from Rio's body felt even more gripping than usual. Under the pressure of Rio's wrath over Leander. Alta realized a few things. It was only fitting that his senior had always avoided meeting with Rio. The angel-faced master who made a contract with him was not as beautiful as he looked. Rumors that Rio is an angelic incarnation that gives peace are in fact very wrong. Rather than looking like an angel known as a figure who always does noble deeds, Rio more like a demon figure who always deceives humans with a stunning side like an angel he has.

"Leander will stand back by your side. And he said, that he would give his oath of allegiance."

Alta glanced at Rio. He hoped that the message containing this tempting offer could ease Rio's anger. Alta knew that Leander was no ordinary familiar. Unlike her, getting a vow of loyalty from an ancient familiar like Leander was clearly much more valuable.

"He promised, didn't he?"

Alta nodded. Such an important promise is very unlikely to be a reef. A familiar's faithful vow to a witch cannot be toyed with. Because, behind the oath, there is a strong visible bond, which cannot be underestimated. In addition, their loyalty as familiar to the master can be interpreted as a form of self-esteem. So, if a familiar dared to betray his master, then at that time he would lose his honor. Once tainted, a broken promise cannot be returned. For the familiars who were recklessly betraying their masters. They only have two choices. Exiled for thousands of years or killed directly by his treacherous former master.

"alright. This time I'll take it."

The slight easing of Rio's anger gave Alta some breathing room. He was grateful, Rio always thought of something with a cool head in any situation before making a decision. So, Alta was saved. Secuil Leander's form of responsibility is also grateful. Without the promise that Leander offers, Alta believes Rio will definitely give a rejection for the umpteenth time for their 'surprise' giving without needing to think much.

Marquess (Marchionnes) \= This noble title is under the duke, and above the count (earl). The land of marquess power is located on the border of the kingdom. Therefore, a marquess is believed to defend and fortify the kingdom, against neighboring kingdoms that become enemies of the kingdom. Wife of a marquess, commonly referred to as marchionnes.

Count (Countess) \= Ranked third in the title of nobility. The Count (earl) initially served as the royal governor. They collect tax penalties. In return, they would receive a third of the money they collected. In times of war, they would also lead the king's army. The earl has the title "earl of.." when the title is derived from a place name, or "earl of.." when it comes from a surname. For a woman who has the title of countess also uses the title of lady, but her husband does not have a title unless he has his own title.

Viscount (viscountes) \= This title comes from the time of the Roman empire, which refers to the regional police chief. The use of the viscount title was also an honorary title for the heirs of the earl (count) or marquess.

Baron (Baroness) \= is in the last rank of the title of nobility of the word baron in Latin 'Baro' which means 'free people'. This title is conferred by the queen to those who are considered meritorious. Baron degrees are only used in legal or formal documents.

Familiar \= Creatures born of magic. Familiar is the 'right hand', as well as the 'eye' for a witch. Creatures created from the flow of mana between the silver tree and the tree of this world, could also be referred to as the 'shadow' of the witches, he said, or a guard who helps a witch to manage well the magic capacity of a witch.