"I'm back, Aini."
Liszt greeted Aini, the Phoenix-Roosting Parasol Great Elf. Amid the many chaotic emotions of the elves, he sensed its thoughts—it longed to get close to Rio.
This was something Liszt had intended to resolve anyway, so he sent back a reassuring emotion, then waved his hand. All the Little Elves immediately followed behind him, chirping noisily as they returned to Thorn Castle.
"Zyra, take them back to the worm room. I'll visit you in the worm room later."
"Wah! Whoever disobeys, Zyra will beat them up!" Having received Liszt's order, Zyra immediately began throwing its weight around again—clearly, it had become one of Liszt's trusted favorites. Otherwise, why hadn't Liszt ordered another Great Elf around, choosing it in particular instead?
Though Liszt's real reason was simply that Zyra had a more violent temperament. A bully's intimidation was always more effective.
Driven off by Zyra, all the Little Elves had no choice but to fly back to the worm room along the corridor. Only Aini remained unmoved, still following Liszt.
It could no longer wait to approach Rio and sniff the sulfur-scented aura of flame.
"Master, now that you've returned, do you plan to rest for a few days before leaving again, or will you wait until after the New Year festivities?" Butler Carter waited until Liszt had settled the elves before speaking.
"I'll leave after resting for a few days. As for the New Year festivities, we'll see. I might not make it back to Thorn Castle in time to celebrate."
"If Master does not celebrate the festival at Thorn Castle, this year's festivities will lack any atmosphere. I still miss the atmosphere of Thorn Castle's first New Year celebration last year." Carter spoke regretfully. During last year's New Year festivities at Thorn Castle, both the Long-Yam