"Did you really find that lake in the end?"
Shade asked. Professor Drake flipped through the red photo album and nodded gently:
"Yes. In fact, that lake was called the 'Lake of Sages,' or rather, 'Lake of Cherub.' The famous fairy tale, 'Water of Wisdom,' was actually adapted from our local Legend Series, or at least related to it. But young man, I cannot offer you any more details. Look at these legs of mine. I only remember finding the way to that lake, then secretly setting out to find it without telling anyone. By the time I was discovered again, I had become like this."
Shade frowned slightly:
"You don't remember anything at all?"
"Yes, nothing at all. I have no idea what happened. I'm not even sure whether I really found the Goddess, but something strange must have happened back then."
The professor let out a long sigh:
"You may have someone copy my research materials and take them away. I only hope, Mr. Watson, that if you truly find the 'Goddess in the Lake' again, you can ask her what wish I made all those years ago."
"Is that important? I thought you had already let it go."
"I used to feel that I had, but..."
Professor Drake looked out at the sunlight:
"I'm already so old. Perhaps I'll die in a few years. Before I die, I truly want to know what wish I traded these legs of mine for. I really want to know."
Shade could feel his wistfulness and nodded:
"If I can find her, and if it does not require a price, I am willing to ask for you. Also, may I look at your legs? I merely have some doubts about what exactly happened to them."
The professor fell silent for a