“Mister Noor,” Rigel said. “It seems that yesterday’s caravan made it to the City Forgotten by Time without issue. The avian golem arrived earlier with Miss Melissa’s proof of receipt.”
“Really? That was fast.”
“Rigel chose a shipping company known for its speed and quality of service,” Rashid noted. “They charge more, but you get what you pay for.”
“Thanks, Rigel.”
“It was no trouble,” the boy insisted. “If you need anything else, please let me know.”
“You’ve already done more than enough. You and Mina should set out for the City Forgotten by Time yourselves, as we agreed last night.”
“Of course. I’ve already commissioned the company, so we’ll head out as soon as we’ve seen you off.”
“Sounds good.”
I turned my attention to the hotel entrance, where a bearded man—one of the shipping company’s employees, I assumed—stood waiting. Rigel was always one step ahead.
That was when Lynne arrived, with Ines, Rolo, and Sirene in tow. Mina was with them as well, carrying a massive bundle of some sort.
“Instructor,” Lynne greeted me. “My apologies for the wait.”
“No problem. I just got here myself.”
“We’ve finished our preparations, so we can leave whenever you’re ready.”
“Got it. Can I ask what Mina’s carrying?”
“W-Well, you see, she...”
“I... I’m sorry...” A guilty blush crept onto Mina’s cheeks. “Th-The chefs said I could take as much breakfast as I wanted, so...”
The massive bundle swayed with every step she took, releasing a blend of enticing aromas. “Is that all for you?” I asked, incredulous.
Lynne glanced ruefully at the girl. “Not quite. She felt guilty about eating so many delicious meals on her own, so she wanted to share some with her acquaintances—the ones we sent ahead to the City Forgotten by Time. The chefs were kind enough to help.”
“I see...” I muttered. After hearing about Mina’s appetite the night before, I’d honestly believed the food was all for her.
Looking down the hallway where Lynne and the others had come from, I saw a small group dressed in chef’s attire. Their exhaustion was obvious, but they waved Mina off with satisfied smiles. She responded with a wide grin and a wave of her own. As long as she was pleased, I supposed there was nothing to worry about.
Suddenly, I noticed the dagger that Lynne always carried hanging from Mina’s waist. “Isn’t that yours, Lynne?” I asked.
“I gave it to Mina for self-defense,” Lynne explained. “Though, I hope she won’t need to use it.”
“Understood. Rigel—watch out for your sister, okay?”
“Of course,” he replied. “I mean, she’s more likely to protect me than the other way around, but...”
“Don’t worry!” Mina shifted the teetering bundle of food to one hand, using the other to grab Lynne’s dagger and raise it high into the air. “I promise to keep Rigel safe!”
As much as it worried me to send the kids ahead without us, Mina was no pushover. She’d even managed to bring the Black Blade to me after I’d forgotten it during our shopping trip the day before. She had needed to drag it across the ground, of course, but with Lynne’s dagger, she’d probably be just fine. It was better than sending Rigel alone, that much was sure, and the bearded shipping employee looked reliable enough to hold his own in a fight.
Honestly, maybe I was worrying for nothing. Rigel seemed much more in control than I was.
“I guess it’s time to head out, then,” I said. “Lynne?”
“Yes, Instructor.”
Overall, we’d enjoyed a wonderful stay at Galen’s hotel. The owner was a bit ostentatious, but his staff had all been lovely and accommodating. I looked forward to staying with them again, if I ever got the chance.
Once we’d said our farewells, we parted ways with Rigel and Mina and made our way toward the center of Sarenza City.