"..."
Hearing Eileen speak with such conviction, Frieren's hopeful excitement deflated at once, like a balloon with a hole in it. Her whole demeanor sank.
If anyone else had told her that, she probably wouldn't have believed them. She would have insisted on going back right away to check for herself.
But when it was Eileen, Annie's disciple, saying it, she had no choice but to believe her.
So, dejected, she thought it over, then silently picked up the old book again and buried half her face in it, letting out only the faintest, most regretful sigh.
After all, the shortcut to a treasure trove of knowledge—the magical books, countless times more numerous than those here in the Magic City—was completely out of reach now. Naturally, she wasn't happy about it.
"..."
Fern looked over the contents of the magical letter once more. After thinking it over, she turned to Eileen and asked softly, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty and hope:
"Eileen."
"Lady Annie... will she really come back?"
After all, Annie was the most important companion in her life apart from Lady Frieren. Now Annie had left without warning, and Fern didn't even know if she would return. She couldn't help feeling regretful.
"I don't know."
Eileen shook her head, her expression turning just as confused and uncertain.
"I'm not brushing you off. I really can't say."
"She might suddenly show up tomorrow with a big smile, then complain that we're moving too slowly."
"Or..."
"She might get so caught up having fun that she won't come back for ten thousand years."
That was probably the truth!
Eileen knew that when a certain someone had left before, she'd said she'd come back to see her when she had time. But what had happened?
If Eileen hadn't gone