Glen directed his gaze towards the approaching figure. It was an elder with blue - hued skin and a white beard, whose benevolent countenance made it effortless to foster an immediate sense of affinity.
"Mr. Barlow, we are engaged in a game of Grid - Push Chess, a pastime highly prevalent among the nobles of our kingdom," the fair - haired lady once again assumed her persona of the cheerful and amiable young lady to introduce.
"Oh! So this is Grid - Push Chess. I''ve heard of it from certain acquaintances in the Zeen Kingdom. It involves maneuvering these pieces across the grids, does it not?" Mr. Barlow, the elder, appeared to be deeply intrigued and leaned in attentively to inquire.
"It is not quite as straightforward as that. The direction in which we move the pieces is also contingent upon chance..." Whereupon, Pernas commenced a meticulous explanation.
In truth, Barlow had discerned the game''s mechanics merely by observing, yet feigned ignorance to blend in.
With the exception of Glen, the others seemed elated by the elder''s participation, vying to offer supplementary details.
Before long, Barlow had engaged in several rounds of the game with them.
Naturally, there was no dancing penalty for losing.
After a moment of indecision, the two blue - skinned children scurried over to partake in the game with Barlow.
Evidently, the two young ones held a great fondness for this elder.
Glen reclined to the side, observing in silence as these individuals became joyfully engrossed in the game.
He had, in fact, noticed that this Mr. Barlow was paying him intermittent attention, both overtly and covertly.
Although the elder''s eyes were not trained in his direction, there was a concealed perception scanning his entire being.
With his capabilities, he ought not to be able to detect my wolf - venom, correct? Why, then, is he taking an interest in me? The woman named Veronica was surely merely curious, but this one...
Glen maintained his composure while conjecturing inwardly.
"Why isn''t he joining us in the game?" Barlow suddenly inquired of Pernas and the others, his kind smile directed towards Glen.
The fair - haired lady and Lila exchanged a glance. Glen''s conduct seemed somewhat discourteous.
As they were deliberating on how to explain to ensure Barlow did not perceive Glen as impolite, Glen himself interjected:
"Apologies, Mr. Barlow. I played earlier, but I''m truly not proficient in this game. Moreover, I am but a commoner..."
He adopted a constrained demeanor, forcing a smile.
Lila, Pernas, and Bonnie all widened their eyes, their expressions of dumbfoundedness identically endearing, for Glen did not strike them as this simple - minded in their perception.
"Think nothing of it. By no means should you feel inferior on account of your station. I am not one to lord my position over others, and I swear to this. Thus, there is no need for such formality," Barlow''s smile grew even more genial.
Stolen novel; please report.
As yet, he had detected nothing suspect about Glen. His demeanor and expression were precisely those of a commoner newly introduced to a noble ball, as Barlow had envisioned.
"Very well, then." As if influenced by Barlow''s affable smile, Glen joined the game.
Time drifted by slowly.
During the course of the game, the three girls, who had been astounded by Glen''s acting, repeatedly stole furtive glances at him.
Naturally, Barlow took notice. As a result, he became even more convinced that there was something amiss with Glen, despite initially having harbored doubts about his own judgment.
At this juncture, Glen inwardly sighed. No matter how adeptly he performed, it was to no avail. The three guileless girls had already led the other party to suspect him.
"What were Glen''s parents'' occupations? I observe that your attire is cleaner than that of the average commoner. You must hail from a middle - class family, I presume?" Barlow abruptly asked.
Is he prying into my lineage? … Without hesitation, Glen replied with a smile, "My father was a highly accomplished merchant during his lifetime. However, upon his passing, everything changed. All the wealth I possess now has been amassed by me alone."
In reality, there was little to conceal. If the other party was determined, they could uncover this information with ease.
"Your father has passed away?! My condolences. What of your mother? She must have been looking after you, I assume?"
"Alas, she departed this world alongside my father..." A tinge of sorrow surfaced on Glen''s visage.
"Forgive me, child. I''ve dredged up painful memories..."
"It''s of no consequence. I am faring well at present."
The exchange between the two cast a somber pall over the atmosphere.
The others were moved to pity by Glen''s circumstances.
Particularly the girls. They had never anticipated that Glen, who was typically jovial and given to jesting, had endured such a tragic upbringing. Their gazes towards him were imbued with an unprecedented tenderness.
"As long as you are well, they will find peace," Barlow remarked, patting Glen on the shoulder.
Glen nodded and offered a faint smile.
Then, Barlow queried, "Do you have any other kin?"
"I have an elder brother, two elder sisters, a younger sister, and a younger brother. They are all scattered in various locations, and in their letters, they have conveyed that they are doing well." Glen responded truthfully. There was no need to conceal this either.
The only aspect he needed to keep hidden was his werewolf nature.
"What are their names? Perhaps I''ve encountered or heard of them within the country?" Barlow continued.
Glen then recited the names of his siblings. The elder nodded upon hearing them, though his brow remained furrowed.
"Should I have the opportunity to encounter them, I shall extend my fullest assistance."
"A thousand thanks, Mr. Barlow."
The group engaged in conversation for a while.
Barlow seized an opportunity to take his leave and returned to his original position.
Lila turned to Glen and inquired softly, "Mr. Glen, should you ever require our aid in the future, please do not hesitate! Although we are merely a group of students, yet... yet we are brimming with vigor!"
Despite being aware that Glen was a mage, far more powerful than they, these minors, she felt an urge to contribute to him.
"Indeed! Do not stand on ceremony," several youths echoed in unison.
"I can help too!" The blue - skinned little girl exclaimed, standing on tiptoe.
Only the fair - haired lady thought to herself:
He is an extraordinary being who effortlessly vanquished the Punk family. What assistance could we possibly render him? …
Nevertheless, to maintain harmony, she too declared, "I am of the same mind."
Glen seated himself, waved his hand, and said with a smile, "Very well, very well. I have no shortage of tasks for you."
This instantly alleviated the somewhat solemn atmosphere.
Everyone was left speechless.
...
Back at his seat, Barlow remained lost in thought.
This human appears to be unremarkable? And yet, upon closer inspection, he does bear a striking resemblance to Chenosalk. Could it be a mere coincidence? …
Just as he was engrossed in deep contemplation, a figure took a seat beside him.
The voice of the Blue - Heart Knight resounded, "What''s preoccupying you, Barlow?"
The elder looked up to see the Blue - Heart Knight beaming at him, his forehead glistening with perspiration.
He suddenly asked, "You''ve met Chenosalk, have you not?"
"Not only have I met him, but I also engaged him in combat. I very nearly bested him," the Blue - Heart Knight boasted with pride.
"I''ve heard he is a fourth - level mage who also practices swordsmanship. You are but a third - level knight. How could you possibly be his match?"
"I am a prodigy. Is it not commonplace to engage in cross - level battles?" the Blue - Heart Knight declared brazenly.