Noticing He Xi and Fivik's reactions, Zoya still hadn't quite figured out what was going on, but the hand resting on her dagger slowly relaxed.
She blinked, bewilderment filling her violet eyes.
"I remember. It was a wonderful book. But what is Mister Trist doing here? What does he have to do with this?"
He Xi smiled mysteriously. "Actually, Teacher Fivik likes that book too. And just like you, she's been wondering whether there'll ever be a sequel. She's even more eager than you are."
"Really?"
She hadn't expected the powerful Archmage to share her interests, and the discovery made her feel much closer to Fivik.
Fivik was delighted, too.
Partly because she'd unexpectedly discovered a kindred spirit.
But also because, as a fellow reader who'd suffered from the lack of an ending, she could now smugly share some good news: the author himself was right here!
She was already looking forward to the Moon Pupil Elf's surprised expression when she learned the truth.
[Intelligent Halfling... Parsing Points +2]
Feeling the Favorability notification pop into his mind, He Xi decided he really was a genius.
Once Zoya had digested the news, her Favorability might even increase.
Meanwhile, not far away, Trist had gone completely rigid.
Why was this rogue here, too?
And why did she like his book, too?
The most important thing was... he hadn't finished writing it yet!
He'd been writing a new book this whole time.
Why had Mister Galen suddenly brought it up...
Still, it wasn't as though he could blame him. After all, he didn't know anything.
With that in mind, Trist decided he'd make Mister Galen suffer a little in The Picky Gourmet to console himself.
"So... Mister Trist really is a Drow Elf?"
After learning Trist's true identity, Zoya showed no hostility. In