The group walked silently to the treehouse. Though it was only a few dozen meters away, two attendants had somehow fallen in behind them, their eyes wary.
Dara did not stop at the dining hall. She pushed open a hidden door and led them upstairs.
Beyond the door was a living room, warmly furnished in soft tones.
Caleño was lounging lazily on the sofa. Seeing so many people come up, he hurriedly sat upright, swept his gaze around the room, and settled it on Anse.
Dara slammed the door shut and said urgently, "Boss, they brought back a little elf from outside!"
"I know. What are you so nervous about?" Caleño walked over in a few strides and poked Dara in the forehead. "Use your brain. If they'd really kidnapped her, why would they come stay here?"
"Sit down. My sister will be back soon." He waved them over, hurried to the wine cabinet beside them, and took out a bottle of wine and several glasses. His expression was expectant. "Quick, tell me what happened just now."
"You saw it?" Anse sat on the sofa with Clara in his arms. After fighting for so long, more than half the magic power in his body had been drained. He really was a little tired.
"I saw it first, then called my sister to help. She has a horse, so she got there faster." Caleño laughed heartily, clearly delighted by the spectacle.
"Thanks." Anse had not expected Caleño to be so loyal.
"No need to be polite." Caleño poured wine for everyone and urged them again, "Come on, tell me. How did you end up burning a ship?"
Anse was naturally happy to satisfy his curiosity. He began with the Conch docking, then moved on to discovering the anomaly, stopping Clara, being