Chapter 26

Nolvir Norar Arlo

Elara hadn't had enough rest again, and now she had to deal with the new presence she sensed entering through the outer gates of the castle. She didn't leave the council chamber because she also sensed Garret on his way to greet this specialist.

I'll just wait!

She focused on the boy Noah, who had left a short while ago, heading to the library. The imperial knight accompanied him from behind, unaware of the new presence.

Elara returned to her chair at her desk and sat comfortably, taking advantage of every moment of rest she could get. Her meeting with Noah had only given her more things to think about and deal with, adding to everything she already had. And it seemed, there would only be more in the future.

Her moments of rest didn't pass as the woman wished; she kept thinking about the deep problems that the boy Noah had pointed out. He had also mentioned himself as being able to solve these problems. If that were true, he would indeed be worth standing for.

But to what extent? I'll see the results of his condition from this specialist first, then I'll decide.

The sun hadn't had enough time to change its position before Garret, accompanied by the specialist, entered the council chamber. Elara quickly scanned the specialist to get an initial impression of him.

Opposite her stood a figure with quiet strength and understanding. His skin was dark, unlike what is common in the Empire, and his brown hair was dreadlocked in a way that resembled rope strands, tied in a bun behind his head. His deep brown eyes, examining and curious, glimmered behind unusually round-shaped glasses.

He wore a blue robe with brown embroideries and red accents, with intricate designs on the robe's edges and sleeves, along with a red sash around his waist. Both his hands were bare, adorned with strange and complex tattoos above his elbows.

Tattoos! That says a lot about his status.

He also wore leather gloves and knee-high boots. In his right hand, he held an old brown book. In his left hand, he carried a small gray box.

While Elara examined him, he also looked at her with curiosity. After a moment, he spoke with a thick accent. "Pleased to meet you, Lady of the castle. My name is Nolvir Norar Arlo. My presence here is in response to a request from the Mages Guild. My name is not common, so feel free to refer to me simply as Arlo."

Elara nodded calmly as she made her way out from behind her desk. "Pleased to have you, Mr. Nolvir Norar Arlo. Your early arrival was unexpected, so we weren't prepared for that, but that's no excuse. We will now arrange your comfort for the duration of your stay."

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Nolvir smiled amicably as he said, "I understand that my arrival is unconventional for people of our status. But I am a person who enjoys traveling and exploring alone. I am no stranger to discomfort, and I won't take this as such. But first, I would like to take a look at the boy, I'm curious." The thick accent didn't leave his words.

Perhaps it's good that he came alone; he might just overlook the knightess's incident.

Elara didn't let her thoughts wander and responded professionally, "I will call for the boy. While you wait for his arrival, why don't you take a rest?"

Nolvir nodded appreciatively and added no further words. He headed straight to the couches, sitting formally, and placed his box on the table with great precision, as if he feared it might explode.

Elara gestured for Garret to stay with the man, and she would head to the library. Mostly because she wanted to see the imperial knight's reaction to the specialist's arrival.

She left the room, paying no attention to the two knights guarding the door. She didn't hurry her steps as she wanted to give Nolvir some time to rest and Noah some time to prepare, although he seemed ready for anything he might face.

Strange For a child barely past his childhood.

Elara reached the library and found Noah sitting inside with a heavy book. When he saw her, he stood up and bowed slightly. "Hello again, Lady Elara. Is there something I can help you with?"

The woman didn't directly respond to Noah's question and got straight to the point. "The person who will assess your condition has arrived." She discreetly glanced at the imperial knight, but he showed no reaction to the news, merely standing behind Noah. "Follow me."

Noah followed Elara from behind, and behind him followed the knight. Noah quickened his steps slightly to walk beside the woman and asked conversationally, "Do you know what punishment the kind knightess might receive?"

Why does he call her the kind knightess?

"No, I haven't received a decision on that yet. Why?" the woman responded, confused.

Noah nodded and answered, "Well, the old knight hasn't decided her punishment yet, but it seems she requested to be exiled from the imperial knights as a punishment. Do you think that's a suitable punishment?"

The woman raised an eyebrow at the severe punishment request and expressed her thoughts. "A severe punishment, I say. But I think the girl has her reasons."

"Why do you think that?" Noah asked curiously.

Elara felt strange about the boy's curiosity but answered nonetheless. "Whether she stays or leaves, she will be looked down upon, especially if the reason for her exile is made public. Being an imperial knight is a big deal, and leaving without a clear reason is a bad sign."

Noah's eyes widened in understanding, and he fell silent for a moment, contemplating. He then looked at Elara again and asked, "What do you think her reasons are?"

Is this more than just curiosity?

"The girl seems decent and humble," Elara began her explanation. "So I doubt it's her guilt driving her. She is likely punishing herself."

Noah snorted coldly and shared his thoughts. "That's pointless. If she wants to learn from her mistakes, why not just do that? Why does she need to punish herself?"

The woman nodded in understanding. "Perhaps that's her way, and she won't feel like herself again unless she does what her conscience dictates."

Noah laughed, a sarcastic smile on his lips. "Are you saying I am without a conscience?"

Elara said nothing in response to Noah's words and quickened her pace. He hurried to keep up with her but now remained silent.

…

Again, Elara found herself at the council chamber. She passed through the guarding knights and entered first, gesturing for Noah to follow.

As soon as he set foot inside the room, his eyes fell on Nolvir's figure on the couch. The latter stood at the presence of the three, not approaching, just watching curiously from a distance.

Elara stepped between the two and announced, "Noah, this is Mr. Nolvir Norar Arlo. He will be the one to assess your condition." Her words were directed more towards Noah than Nolvir.