"In the end, you were the ones who made it this far. I was merely the catalyst." Ang's tone was calm, yet carried a trace of sincerity.
Ade continued to look at him with blazing eyes, filled with respect.
To him, Ang was not merely a lord, but more like a guide.
Ang turned his gaze toward the unfamiliar mage beside Ade and nodded slightly. "And this is?"
"Oh, my lord, this is Olivia." Ade hurriedly introduced him. "We met during our travels, and he has now joined the North Wind Territory."
"Hello, Olivia. Welcome to the North Wind Territory." Ang extended his hand with a gentle expression.
"My lord." Olivia immediately gave a standard mage's salute, respectful but neither servile nor timid.
"This is Ade, one of the second generation of mages in the North Wind Territory." Ang turned and introduced him to Dana.
"Ade, hello! I'm Ang's companion, Dana of the Minotaur race!" Dana threw an arm around Ade's shoulder and laughed heartily. Dana's towering frame was mountain-like, yet Dana spoke with the warmth of an old friend.
Ade froze slightly, startled by the sudden familiarity, but quickly laughed as well and shook Dana's hand.
"You're pretty good! Come play with me often from now on!" Dana said bluntly.
"Huh? O-okay!" Ade was a little dazed, but still nodded in agreement.
"Natiya." Natiya introduced herself politely.
"Linya," the young girl beside her said softly.
Surprise flashed through Ade's eyes. The pointed ears and temperament of these two women were far too recognizable—they were elves.
To have elves as companions, Lord Ang truly was no ordinary man.
"Let's go. We'll return to the city first." Ang looked ahead.
"My lord, I've already informed Lady Quintina. She should be here shortly," Ade added.
"Then we'll wait for her a while."