In the room, Helena was growing drowsy, and reading the case records had left Zhao Si's head spinning. Only Fia was still engrossed, as if she were reading a novel.
The windows were shut and a campfire was burning. The room was clearly short on oxygen.
Unable to stand it any longer, Zhao Si opened the door, and cold air rushed inside. There was nothing clever about the design of this simple wooden cabin. The wind and rain drove Zhao Si straight back, and the gale made the campfire sway, sending sparks flying everywhere.
Leaning against the doorframe, Blaidd? asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Zhao Si braced himself behind the door. "It's too stuffy inside. I need some air."
Half of Blaidd?'s body was soaked, and droplets rolled down the edges of his armor. Who knew whom he was trying to impress with this display of indifference to the wind and rain?
Perhaps he wasn't deliberately putting on a show for anyone. Perhaps that was simply the kind of person he was. He certainly had the presence down pat.
The village chief, Yage, was also wet from the rain. Shivering with cold, he forced a smile. "How are the case records coming along?"
Seeing his purple lips and his trembling, Zhao Si said, "You don't need to wait here. Go back and rest."
"No, no, no." Yage shook his head. "You've all come here specifically to help us solve our troubles. I must see to your needs."
-What was he doing here?
Zhao Si was deeply puzzled. He called it attending to their needs, but why did it look more like surveillance?
The wind was too strong. Zhao Si asked Blaidd?, "Master Ba, are you coming in?"
Blaidd? shook his head, looking just like a soldier standing guard.
*Had he noticed