At the Crystal Hotel's VIP suite, Angel met with members of the Singers and the Featherwood Clan.
Only a few hours had passed since they escaped the Hero Dungeon. Excitement still burned in their eyes as they discussed Wonderland's rules and the underlying logic of the chat window. But when Angel arrived, the room fell silent.
Magic Flute was the first to speak.
He looked around and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, leave. Lady Roseleaf and I will stay."
The others rose and filed out. Even Ye Jue, who had led Angel there, pointed at himself and asked tentatively, "Do I have to leave too?"
Magic Flute nodded.
Soon, only Angel, Magic Flute, and Lady Roseleaf remained.
Magic Flute bowed silently to Angel. His black-and-gold skin rang like struck metal—a Singer custom that showed respect to an honored guest.
Lady Roseleaf bowed as well. The rosebuds adorning her gown of rose vines bloomed as she bent, releasing a lovely fragrance. This was a Featherwood Clan custom, likewise a sign of respect.
Magic Flute and Lady Roseleaf represented the Singers and the Featherwood Clan. Given how little they knew of Angel, they had no reason to show him such profound respect.
And although they had bowed when they last met, their gestures had been nowhere near so formal.
Angel suspected this was probably not their own idea.
Perhaps Ms. Gosha had instructed them.
Had Ms. Gosha "learned" something else?
Though Angel pondered this, he returned their bows politely.
Then they took their places.
Angel sat opposite Lady Roseleaf. Magic Flute remained standing nearby—not because he did not wish to sit, but because his body was much like a metal statue, and sitting was inconvenient for him under normal circumstances.
Lady Roseleaf spoke first, her face full of remorse. "Mr. Angel,