Delight?
Ruger tilted his head as he watched the fellow who had stopped in his tracks.
With a High-Rank Wizard's mental power, combined with the caution of someone newly arrived in an unfamiliar place, it was perfectly normal to quickly notice what made this garden special. Some heartfelt excitement was understandable, too.
But no matter how Ruger looked at him, this fellow seemed to be feeling more than delight. In fact, it was not merely a matter of degree. There was something slightly different about it.
An inability to contain his emotions.
An intense emotion that overlapped with delight yet differed from it had, in that instant, even torn apart his usual refined, mild-mannered demeanor.
That silent gesture of raising both hands high even let Ruger, with his considerable spirituality and keen perception, detect a fleeting trace of madness.
Madness?
Ruger tilted his head.
That seemed understandable, too. Faced with these strange and marvelous treasures of every description, even someone who rationally knew what to do and how to approach them would inevitably have one or two amusing, outrageous notions flash through their mind. It was like a child's fantasies: wonderful, but difficult to realize. And before that Old Wizard, the two of them were no different from children.
After a long while, the High-Rank Wizard finally emerged from his stupor and returned to normal.
Ruger smiled faintly.
But before he could turn to leave, the High-Rank Wizard started walking. His earlier smile was gone, and his face looked quite calm. Without greeting Ruger or even glancing his way, he plunged straight into the flowers. Leaves rustled as they swayed and brushed against his robes, the sound gradually receding.
Ruger was somewhat taken aback. Strictly speaking, a Kobold like him could not fully enjoy this beautiful garden of books. Its