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Episode 213.1

The Guide opened the door and entered the room.

Please come in.

The interior, adorned with a worn straw carpet on the floor, wasnt spacious but appeared clean for someone to live in without issue.

I cautiously looked around for any traps that might be lurking, but there were none; it was just an ordinary household.

The room looked just the right size for one person to live comfortably.

Under the dangling light fixture, instead of a bed, was a blanket spread out on the floor, and on a small table next to it were stacks of pens and scrolls.

It was as unremarkable as Balan had described.

Which made it all the more peculiar

To someone who knew nothing, theyd just pass it as an ordinary room.

But as someone who recognized how far off the rails this man was, the mundanity felt like a disguise to hide something else. I could smell it.

He then said.

Its been a while since weve gathered in one place like this.

A while?

As far as I knew, this combination was unprecedented.

Have all of us ever met together?

Ah? Sir Theo doesnt know? I see

Before I could feel puzzled, the man fidgeted with something.

I can only serve you green tea, I hope you dont mind. I recently received a handful from the Imps fundraiser. Im not very skilled, but I believe I can brew tea fairly well.

The Guide took out two glasses.

Rough-looking at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it was antique porcelain which seemed to be more like ceramic art rather than a mere cup.

They were handmade, shaped meticulously while coated with glaze, and fired in a kiln. He then said, probably noticing my gaze on the cups.

Ah, these cups? I made them myself. It took quite a bit of trial and error.

I see.

Bubble, bubbling-.

Using a tripod lamp, the Guide boiled water in a small kettle and poured tea into the cups in front of us.

Cheururu-.

He said it was green tea, but the liquid was red. But it was clear, so it felt like wine squeezed out of fruits. The aroma was fresh and sweet, promising a pleasant taste.

Still, I couldnt readily put this suspicious tea in my mouth. What if it was poisoned? Having to suspect poison with every meal What a tiresome world.

So, I jokingly asked.

Is there poison in this tea, by any chance?

Should I take the first sip?

Slurp-.

The Guide took a few small sips of the hot tea. He wanted to show that there was no poison, but my doubts remained.

Beside me, Elga spoke up.

Is this cup safe? It could have been spiked.

She was right.

Soon, the Guide chuckled softly.

Youre quite cautious, Miss. Its entirely possible. If youre not comfortable, you dont have to drink the tea. Actually, the tea leaves smell better than they taste.

He maintains a strangely calm attitude.

When strangers show up unannounced at your door, people would naturally be confused or agitated. But this man lacked much of that.

It was like he was devoid of humanity.

However, I couldnt be swept away by his aura. My purpose for coming here was clear.

So, what brings you here, Theo Gospel.

Would it be alright if Ill be a bit direct?

By all means.

I heard that you talked to Aira-nim some time ago.

To Queen Angmar? What did I say?

Was he trying to play dumb?

You mentioned that you knew the reason of the sudden deaths of the Tarantera Family members.

Hmm-. Indeed.

The Guide nodded. His response was as calm as ever, but Elga, who had been listening to our conversation from the side, was in great shock. 

What, are you sure? You know how my cousins died? You, is that true?

It was surprising news. After all, even the best mages or astrologers hadnt been able to shed any light on the deaths of the Taranteras. 

Instead of answering, the man extended his finger towards us.

Wait. Its about time.

Then he began to fold each finger. When all of them were finally folded, the window shone brightly.

Pang, papapang, pang-.

It was fireworks.

Fireworks lit up the night sky like stars, illuminating everything. In the distance, I could hear people cheering and clapping.

Did he know when the fireworks would go off?

Everyone always asks why I stay in an old house like this. Isnt this the best place to enjoy the summer festival?

It was as he said.

For a brief moment, both Elga and I were so captivated by the dazzling fireworks that we forgot our purpose for being here.

After the fireworks display ended and silence fell over the world, the man spoke.

So, to cut to the chase, yes, I do know why the Tarantera Family faced a series of tragedies.

Can you tell us?

Its not that difficult. But in return, Sir Theo. Theo Gospel. I hope you can also answer a question of mine. If its too difficult to answer, you can ignore it.

Was it an equivalent exchange of questions?

Alright. Ill answer if I can.

Then lets consider it a deal. Ill answer your question. The reason why the Tarantera Family members lost their lives is due to a curse.

A curse-.

To be exact, I wouldnt call it a curse. But its something that eats away at a persons mind, making them ill.

Is there a way to break it?

Well, there might be a way to delay it. And that answer will be provided by a red-haired woman.

A woman with red hair?

Ill give you this.

Seuk-.

The Guide handed me the balloons he had kept in one corner of the room.

Five colorful balloons. They were filled with helium gas, and looked pretty cool floating up in the air.

They looked pleasant, but why gave me this?

These will show you the way. But remember, if all the balloons burst, the festival will come to an end.

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