Though this play was only an illusion, the story itself was not fictional.
In other words, Alex truly existed.
Though Fingernail Granny did not know who exactly the Alex in the story was, she inexplicably had a premonition that even if Alex and "him" were not the same person, there had to be some connection between them.
"Can you tell me where the story took place? And where is the protagonist, Alex, now?" Fingernail Granny's voice was very soft. Though there was no great emotional fluctuation to be heard, Angel caught a note of urgency tempered by caution in her question.
Under Fingernail Granny's hopeful gaze, Angel shook his head. "I don't know either."
That answer made it hard for Fingernail Granny to conceal her disappointment. "Then why do you know this story? And how can you be sure he was real?"
Angel silently watched Fingernail Granny.
In Angel's impression, Fingernail Granny had always been shrouded in layer upon layer of mist—a composed, powerful, and mysterious witch.
He had never seen so many shifts in emotion upon her.
It only made Angel more curious. After some thought, he replied, "Before I answer those questions, may I ask why you care so much about Alex, Granny?"
After a pause, Angel lowered his voice. "Do you know him?"
Fingernail Granny fell silent, seemingly considering whether to tell Angel. Only after the second hand of the castle-shaped mechanical clock nearby ticked around three full circles did she break the stagnant air.
Yet Fingernail Granny's first words had nothing to do with Angel's question.
"Vifit should have already agreed to trade with you, right?"
Angel was stunned for quite a while before he realized that Fingernail Granny was likely referring to the Lucky Scroll in Vifit's possession.
Angel nodded. "More or less. Why do