Nepheli stroked the Storm Eagle. It was clear she loved the great eagle, which stood as tall as a person. The Storm Eagle was docile too, letting her stroke it. Meanwhile, Zhao Si took the letter Godrick had sent him from the little bag on the Storm Eagle's back, unfolded it, and read it over. In essence, Godrick had heard about the Combat Festival and had written especially to congratulate Zhao Si on advancing. He had already found the best blacksmith and was only waiting for Zhao Si to win the championship before having a weapon custom-made.
Of course, Zhao Si would have to win the overall championship in Leyndell first.
"Why's that brat wasting words on this? The way the story goes, of course I'll win. Otherwise, there'd be no story to tell." Zhao Si grumbled aloud, but he felt warm inside. Having someone care about him really did feel wonderful. Even in another world, Zhao Si could feel that warmth, rather than being an isolated individual with no connection to anyone.
If he could only travel alone, that would be far too tragic. Not everyone could bear the loneliness of wandering the Lands Between alone. Those who lived apart from others were either saints or beasts.
"You really like the Storm Eagle, don't you?" Zhao Si looked at Nepheli.
Nepheli's little dark face flushed slightly. "I do." The look in her eyes was exactly like a child's upon seeing a favorite toy. She seemed like an entirely different person from the hot-tempered girl of a moment ago.
Zhao Si crouched down and looked at Nepheli. "Would you like to raise an eagle like this too?"
"Can it carry me into the sky?" Nepheli patted the Storm Eagle's broad wings, her eyes full of longing.
"I'm afraid not," Zhao