Paul listened to him and simply shook his head calmly. "My choice won't change. The Secret Art Society's path isn't suitable for me, nor is it suitable for Arda."
Seeing how firm he was, Nathan's face showed a trace of impatience, and his tone turned cold. "Suit yourself. I've said everything I needed to say. Don't blame anyone else if you regret it in the future."
He stopped dwelling on the subject and continued answering the earlier question. "As for Mother's whereabouts, she did meet with me. She said she might return to Gabella first, since there are still some matters to handle on the Secret Art Society's side. I don't know exactly when she'll leave or which route she'll take."
He added, "Mother has always had her own ideas about what she does and never tells me much. I can't be bothered to ask." Despite saying that, his tone still concealed a faint, almost imperceptible concern.
Paul smiled and invited Nathan, "Since you don't have anywhere definite to go for now, why not return to Lakeheart Town with me?"
Nathan, however, immediately took a step back like a cat whose tail had been stepped on and firmly refused. "No need. I have my own business to attend to, so I won't be returning to Lakeheart Town with you."
Without looking at Paul again, he turned and headed toward the woods. His figure soon vanished into the shadows, leaving only Paul and his attendants standing where they were, along with the dwarf still bound and unable to move on the ground.
Paul gazed in the direction Nathan had disappeared and remained silent for a moment before shaking his head.
He lowered his head and looked at the dwarf being held up by the guards. A filthy rag was still stuffed