Chapter 315 – I Know it All

“Hello.”

“Hello. I’m Suuru. I’ve heard a lot about you. Is Tila treating you well?”

“Yes…”

“He likes to joke around a lot, so don’t take what he says too seriously.”

They were nodding when Poitr arrived. He already knew the children, so he focused on Suuru. His face lit up after a short introduction.

“Could it be you’re the one supplying the selnic items?”

Suuru shook her head while I answered instead.

“Suuru is selling our products somewhere else. She’s been a great help.”

Poitr was a bit disappointed, but he grinned again soon enough.

“We’re in a similar business. Sales are always tricky, we’ll have a lot to chat about!”

“That’s right. I only started a year ago, and I’m not that good yet. I heard you’re managing the whole store in Geola?”

“Yes.”

“It must be tough.”

“Haha, it’s fine. The boss is nice, and the pay is good. I couldn’t ask for more.”

It was uncertain if he was careful about his words because of my presence or if he truly thought so. Just then, the last participant made her way to us. This time, the reactions were very different.

Poitr had seen Crali a few times when she visited the store. She had lost a lot of her mystique, especially considering her usual attitude, but she still was the sole daughter of the most powerful person in the region.

Suuru didn’t seem to care much, as someone living inside the domes. She had heard about her identity, but it didn’t resonate that much with her.

The ones who had the most pronounced response were the children. The Vejas were people well above their grade, and they never thought they would meet either of the two in their lives. They didn’t even believe me when I told them she would be coming. Even now, when she was in front of them, they thought it might be someone else, until I spoke to her, at least.

“Hey, Crali. You’re late.”

“I’m a busy person. You should be proud that I came at all.”

She was as shameless as ever. Her easygoing answer made the kids shiver. They finally realized I hadn’t lied at all. I was even calling her by name when everyone else called her “miss”. Crali herself didn’t mind either way. It was just that folks felt the need to be polite toward her due to the position she held and who her mother was.

“Let me introduce everyone to you.”

At that moment, the kids hid behind me, as if being directly exposed to her gaze wasn’t good for their health.

“This is Suuru, my friend and business partner. This is Poitr, the manager of my store. The three behind me are children I’m sponsoring. From the eldest, Erin, Aren, and Orun.”

“Nice to meet you all. Oh, how cute!”

Crali extended a hand toward Erin and Aren, who were the closest. The two avoided her like she was diseased, which made me laugh.

“As popular as always, Crali. Even children adore you.”

She glared at me darkly.

“Quiet, you. Tsk, can’t you see how cool I am, kids?”

They hid even further away from her.

“They didn’t believe me when I said I knew you, and look at them now. You totally spooked them.”

“It’s always the same. Only crazy people like you treat me normally.”

“It’s okay to praise me more.”

“The fact you consider this praise is only proof of how twisted you are.”

“Hahaha!”

“Whatever.”

I stopped teasing them and turned toward the panthers.

“No need to be scared. She’s totally harmless. She only looks tough on the outside.”

“Stop spreading lies about me already!”

My words seemed to reassure the three, or maybe it was Crali’s silly attitude. Now that the introductions were done, we all boarded my carriage and departed soon after. I was driving it while the others were chatting in the back. After a few minutes, Crali sat next to me, smiling like a newbie conspirator. She talked quietly to avoid the rest from hearing her words.

“I know what you did, Tila.”

“Already? That was fast.”

My answer surprised her.

“Are you admitting it so easily?”

“Of course. It’s about my next business, right? How did you hear about it?”

“What? No!”

“No?”

“No! Who cares about that! I’m talking about Miwai!”

“Miwai? What about them?”

“It’s not official yet, but Miwai’s head is missing. I know you did something.”

“He’s missing? Why?”

“Stop playing innocent! Do you think I accepted coming here for no reason? I’m here to have you spill the truth!”

“Aren’t you here because you want to skip work?”

That silenced her for a moment.

“Of course not. Who do you take me for?”

“Crali.”

“You always have a nice comeback, huh?”

“It’s part of my job.”

“Whatever. So, what did you do?”

“If you really want to know the truth…”

She tensed up, ready to hear my next words. I smiled internally before continuing.

“I willed him to disappear, and he did. That’s how powerful spatial mages are.”

She instantly deflated, her tail springing up angrily.

“Argh! Why is there only nonsense coming out of your mouth?”

“What do you want me to say? I need to find something to entertain you with when you accuse me unfairly like this.”

“Liar.”

“Then, how can a rank 4 like me do anything to a rank 6 like him? You tell me.”

“I mean… You’re a spatial mage. Surely, you can do that much?”

“Do you remember during the pandemic? When you asked me to steal vaccines?”

“We didn’t really ask for that…”

“Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I told you spatial mages were far from being omnipotent. Nothing has changed since then.”

“…What about the artifact?”

“You know well it isn’t fully charged yet. It’s useless for now.”

“Then… Then…”

“Then?”

“Ack! I don’t know! You tell me! I’m sure you did it.”

“Fine. You can think whatever you want. It’s not like I can control your thoughts. I’m no mind mage.”