Hearing Melissa's words, Klein nodded slightly.
"I should be able to make it."
That way, he could also get to know his sister's friends, rather than having no one to ask if anything happened to Melissa in the future.
"So should I."
Benson smiled as well.
"It looks like we need to think about a birthday present for Miss Selena."
Klein voiced his agreement, then added:
"But let's leave that to Melissa. She knows Miss Selena better than we do.
"All we need to do is what a gentleman should-pay."
Benson shook his head at that and quipped:
"This is the first time I've heard anyone make laziness sound so appealing."
After leaving the Divination Club, Julian first went home and prepared a meal for Ethan, who had already woken up. Leaving him at home to continue reading, Julian took the two items passed down from the Jacob Family of the Fourth Epoch to Khoy University's history department, where he found Mr. Azik Eggers just before he finished work.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Azik."
Julian greeted him politely.
"It's good to see you, Julian."
Mr. Azik extended his hand amiably and shook Julian's, then asked with a smile:
"What interesting things have you brought today?"
"A medal and a Metal Bottle."
Julian took the artifacts he had prepared out of his bag and handed them to Mr. Azik.
The latter took out a magnifying glass and examined them briefly before saying with certainty:
"This medal most likely dates to the final years of the Tudor Empire, within a span of no more than ten years... Although the inscription is heavily worn, I can still tell that it's a military merit medal awarded to a noble.
"As for this Metal Bottle, it should be a storage vessel made of brass, dating to a slightly earlier period."
"How much earlier?"
Julian pressed further.
"About seven hundred years. There's no way to pinpoint its exact date.
"Brassware in this symmetrical style has been excavated from sites spanning a very long period, with relatively little variation in form."
Mr. Azik shook his head.
"But according to my research, vessels of this type only appeared under the influence of the Trunsoest and Augustus families, so this item was likely used by nobles as well."
"I see. Thank you, Mr. Azik."
Julian thanked him again, glanced at his pocket watch, then said:
"It's almost dinnertime. I'd like to treat you to a meal, if you'd care to join me."
"I'd be delighted. As it happens, there are a few things I'd like to discuss with you, too."
Mr. Azik accepted, and the two found an East Balam-style restaurant near Khoy University. They ordered some food and sat down to eat by the street-facing window.
"Julian, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."
Once Julian had eaten his fill, Mr. Azik hesitated briefly before broaching the subject.
"You aren't an ordinary person either... are you?"
"Just like you?"
Julian smiled without confirming or denying it and returned the question.
"...It seems I guessed correctly."
Mr. Azik sighed.
"Besides your teaching position at Khoy University, you also work for an official Beyonder organization, don't you?"
"You could tell that, too?"
Julian raised an eyebrow.
"I have my own ways of confirming things."
Mr. Azik smiled.
"As you said, I'm not an ordinary person either."
An evening breeze swept past. Julian closed his eyes and lifted his head, savoring the breeze for a moment before continuing:
"Was it because of Klein?"
"You could say that."
Mr. Azik fell silent for a moment, then nodded.
"Speaking of which, I must warn you... Although I'm certain you mean no harm, there is indeed a difference between you and Klein, because something extremely dangerous is attached to you.
"The first time I met you, I saw those strange, flickering colors around you and sensed a faint resistance.
"That resistance made me feel deeply uneasy. Whenever I feel that kind of unease, it means there's something nearby capable of threatening my life.
"It worried me a great deal. And since you work with Klein, I investigated you in my own way... I hope you don't mind."
Julian shook his head readily.
"I understand. I don't mind at all.
"I would have done the same in your position... It's only natural for a teacher to care about his students."
"I'm glad."
Mr. Azik paused, then continued:
"That said, you invited me to dinner today because you were prepared to lay your cards on the table as well, weren't you?"
"How did you figure that out?"
Julian couldn't help laughing.
"None of the artifacts you brought me were recently excavated, so your real purpose wasn't to have me date them. You came to me about something else."
Mr. Azik smiled.
"I suspect they're from your own collection, or your family's. Am I right?"
"I really can't hide anything from you."
Julian nodded.
"That's right. As you said, I'd like to cooperate with you on certain matters."
"Let's hear it."
Mr. Azik asked with interest.
"Just as you know something about me, I also know a little about you."
As Julian spoke, he tapped the tabletop lightly with his index finger.
"You're an Undying. You know neither your past nor why you exist."
At those words, Mr. Azik shuddered and looked at Julian in disbelief.
"To be honest, I have a few theories about your true identity... When the time is right, I'm willing to help you uncover the truth.
"But you'll need to give me some time to grow stronger. I'm still far too weak to get involved in something like this."
Julian avoided making any firm promises, because Mr. Azik's situation was deeply entangled with Salinger, the Death God, and there were
many uncertainties involved, so this cooperation would inevitably be a long-term undertaking.
"...All right."
Mr. Azik's eyes flickered slightly. After a little thought, he finally nodded in agreement.
"What can I do for you, then?"
"Provide me with some protection when I need it... Of course, I won't trouble you all the time, nor will I ask you to face dangers beyond your abilities."
Julian took a sip of black tea from his cup, then continued:
"For instance, there's something I could use your help with right now."
As he spoke, Julian took out a map of Tingen City, then used the pen he carried with him to circle a spot on the outskirts.
"There's most likely an ancient ruin here, and there may be some treasure inside. I'd like to explore it.
"But there could be dangers inside, and some outside factions may even have their eyes on it. That's why I need you to come with me."
After that, he looked up at Mr. Azik again.
"Of course, the ruins might contain things historians have yet to discover, perhaps even clues that could help you recall your past.
"Would you be willing to go there with me?"