The fragrance of fruit tea drifted from the cup. Mahama had already drained it, leaving bits of fruit pulp clinging to its sides. The three people beside the stove each held a different pose: one seemed to be studying the cup in his hands, one sat smiling silently like a spectator, and one watched with curiosity brimming in her eyes. All three appeared to be staring at Mahama, whose face mingled confusion with contemplation. But they were all practitioners of mental power, and the mental power enveloping Big Guy from every direction could no longer be concealed.
Mahama gave an awkward smile and took it upon himself to brew another pot of tea.
Big Guy seemed to have realized something. With Ruger's remark about waiting for rescue together, and the exposure of the name Mènmèn during their confrontation, Big Guy quickly pieced a few things together in that large head of his.
The three of them watching him in silence were clearly waiting for him to speak.
"Um, well-"
The moment Mahama opened his mouth, his stomach rumbled.
Varin stood, took out another Crystal Stove, and began preparing dinner for four off to one side. The dinner they had missed would now take place somewhere else, only without Zorn and the other wizards. They had probably already enjoyed the original spread outside.
As Mahama brewed the tea, he gave Varin an awkward smile, seemingly taking the opportunity to organize his thoughts again.
"That jar really was an oddity."
He looked at Ruger, then glanced at the other two after speaking.
"The only bad thing about it, I suppose, was that it had an owner, and that person was hiding inside the jar while I carried the thing around like a clown," Mahama said with a shrug. "The last thing I