When Antonidas appeared in Southshore with Rhode, the brilliant magical light drew plenty of attention.
Antonidas soon returned, however, leaving Rhode there for everyone to "admire."
Since their "landing" spot was not far from the Southshore Tavern, its regulars were the first to gather around.
"Ah, the Earl is back!"
"The Earl just keeps getting more impressive. I heard a bang, and there he was!"
"Who was that old mage? So the Earl can teleport someone else along with him, too!"
"Who cares about some old mage? He definitely isn't as powerful as our Earl!"
"..."
Rhode could not be bothered to explain, especially since he had spotted Millhouse Manastorm struggling to squeeze through the crowd.
So he's back, too. Went straight to the tavern for a drink, I bet.
This time, however, someone was following Millhouse.
It was a young woman.
She was not particularly beautiful, but beneath her rather flat forehead was a pair of slender eyes. Her brows tipped slightly upward, and her clear, elegant gaze gave her an artistic air.
"You're finally back!" Millhouse's shrill voice rang out again. "Here, let me introduce you. This is Rhode. And this is Rivelle, the painter I told you about!"
"Hello, hello." Rhode greeted Rivelle, then glanced at the crowd behind them. "Why don't we head to my place before we talk?"
After opening his front door, Rhode passed Lilia's room and immediately caught sight of the fierce "battle" taking place inside.
Lilia versus Sally-a Hearthstone battle!
Kienlo stood nearby, watching nervously.
Oh dear, they're all hooked.
Before leaving, Rhode had left his improved "automatic card-playing robot" with Lilia and the others. Although it was still far from ideal, it was clearly already enough to keep them glued to the game.
The girls soon noticed Rhode "peeking" through