Long Road, Fragments of the Past III

The others nearby seemed to notice something strange between the two of them and stopped to look at them. Nemesis felt Brando's gaze and quietly replied, "I once heard someone talk about the beautiful scenery beyond the Sea of Flashes—"

"You heard someone talk about it?"

"Mm." Nemesis nodded. She seemed to have no intention of saying anything more. She took off her cloak and hung it over the back of her chair, then turned around and sat upright with the formal bearing of a knight.

Brando looked at her and did not press further—but he knew perfectly well that this was impossible! He had seen scenery like that before: endless emerald waves, sunlight scattering sheets of white-gold across the sea, and, where sea met sky, the pale brown peaks of the Kalanga Mountains thrusting into the clouds.

But the memories from that time were like an old photograph that had faded and yellowed with age. He could vaguely remember the faces in it. One of them was gradually coming to life, overlapping with the face of the female knight before him, as though color had been restored to it.

Brando frowned slightly, his thoughts a tangled mess. Trivial details from several years ago, several months ago, and even several days ago intertwined, forming vague and uncertain ideas.

A thought that made him tremble slightly emerged—

Could Senior Bai Jia really be her? Has she recognized me? Or has she merely recognized my identity as a player? Is this a test? Brando's fingers trembled nervously. His fingertips repeatedly brushed the smooth edge of the wooden plate. His throat felt dry, and his heart pounded.

The round table also fell silent, leaving only Laurenna and Firas whispering to each other.

Brando secretly watched Nemesis's direction, feeling caught between hope and fear.