Odys walked along the street as casually as ever and asked Bernadette, who had suddenly appeared beside him, "How long have you been here?"
Queen Mystic said, "I came to Isara a few days ago, after leaving the Argo."
She pointed ahead. "The desserts at that café are excellent. Shall we talk over something to eat?"
"Sure." Odys picked up their earlier conversation. "Why did you suddenly decide to leave Backlund for Lenburg?"
He remembered that Bernadette was supposed to remain in Backlund for some time yet.
"I told you, didn't I? There's an opportunity I'm waiting for here," Bernadette said vaguely.
In truth, after spending time with Odys, Bernadette had found being alone in Backlund rather dull.
She had no idea when the opportunity she awaited would come. When Odys mentioned last week that he was going to Lenburg, she decided to arrive before him. That was how they had ended up meeting on the street.
For Bernadette, this trip to Lenburg was more of a chance to unwind. She had suddenly realized that, after trying for so long without finding an opportunity to advance, she might as well wait.
And since she enjoyed being with Odys, she could spend more time with him.
At the café Bernadette had indicated, she ordered coffee and desserts with practiced ease. Their order soon arrived. Odys took a bite and found the cherry cake really was quite good.
They chatted, and Odys remarked, "You seem familiar with this place."
"For a while, I missed my student days, so I earned two bachelor's degrees here," Bernadette said casually. "Lenburg's universities have the best academic atmosphere."
Odys blinked. "Why two?"
"Because a person can only study for two at once," Bernadette replied.
Odys blinked again. "I don't think you understood me. I meant I