Partially listening to her reply, I couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
Now that I think about, I don't remember much from the period in the arc, all i remember are some notable moment's, which means there is a highly likely chance that there will be details that will catch me off guard, so I should prepare for it, and not to mention the changes in the details.
"Alright, I will go meet up with Cassie, from the looks of it, I don't think the meeting has started yet.." I remarked as I scanned the surroundings.
There were sleepers everywhere, and were more energetic then they were until Nephis came along. There were cohorts sitting around together, sorting their hunts, some were just leisurely talking to one another, another group were trading memories. All sorts of activities bustled in the background.
Even though the autistic blowtorch is socially awkward, she does have the presence to change the people wherever she goes.
Hearing my proposal, she readily nodded, "I will just wait out here until the meeting starts, you go ahead". And with that we parted ways, I walked towards the tent as Reena went and looked around the camp.
Approaching the tent, I was greeted by 2 sleepers guardians.
"Hold it!" the male sleeper barked, stopping me on my tracks.
"What's the matter?" I was a bit annoyed.
"State your purpose" the other male sleeper asked.
"What else? I am here for the meeting, did you not hear?" I fired back, a bit irritated.
The two sleepers scanned me from head to toe. Seeing my well polished appearance, they were unsure.
"We are aware of the meeting, but we were not informed of anyone like you, could you perhaps tell your name?" the second guard asked.
I exhaled deeply from my nose, the past few moments had rattled me enough to break composure, so it was much harder to maintain my usual eccentric behavior.
"My name is Adam, I am a part of the Nephis's cohort, she called me here not too long ago." I explained.
Hearing my reply the first guard strangely furrowed his brow, "It's Lady Nephis to you, even if you're a part of her cohort, it doesn't mean you can simply call her by name" the first guard jeered while pointing a spear at me.
I looked confused and replied without thought, "Haaa? She is a friend of mine. Why would I use honorifics? That makes no sense."
"You!!!" the first guard snapped and was about to strike at me with the spear, I backed off a couple steps and and immediately brandished the [Sword of Saba].
Exactly then the second guard acted and punched the first guard right in the face. "Your flaw's acting up again, stand down".
Not long after, the second guard handled the situation prompting the first guard to leave, but he did not leave without giving me a glare.
Giving a sleeper with flaws like that to guard the camp tent? What imbecile allowed that? Also how did Nephis manage to already establish such a hierarchy so quickly? It's only been 1 and half months since we came here..
Wait, was that why Reena was calling Nephis Lady and Cassie Miss?
While I was thinking that, the second guard approached me, "I am sorry about him, he is like that..".
"Alright, but can I enter now?"I asked with a hint of impatience.
But to my dismay the second guard shook his head, " I am sorry, we have strict rules given to us, even though I believe you, I can't let you through".
Now I was truly bewildered, "what on earth do you mean? Nephis herself literally invited me, she should be inside! Go ask her!"
"Sorry but-" the guard was about to refuse when a voice cut in.
"Is there a problem here?" a voice chimed in, it held an invisible weight of authority, that seemed to have a weight down on everyone that hears it.
I turned around to look to see a young man with brown hair and a gentle, handsome face. Walk in my direction.
His eyes were green, with a hint of friendly humor. His posture, figure and attentive gaze betrayed someone who went through extensive training. Everything about the young man screamed of nobility and strength.
Ofcourse, who could it be if not 'The Hanli Caster'. Seeing him arrive everything started to snap in place.
So that's what's going on? It was so obvious… damn it. I should have memorized the novel. Regrets aside, I totally forgot about Hanli Caster. Even back at the academy, I never saw him, never even bothered to take notice.
This was far worse than I expected. I wasn't just careless, I was ridiculously overconfident. Me, a supposed spectator, failing to recognize an important side character in this arc? Unthinkable. And yet here I am, stumbling blind.
From this point on, I'll have to act strictly. I have no idea how much my flaw has twisted my thoughts, but I was painfully wrong about it. My flaw isn't simply about drifting toward insanity. Merged with the passive effects of the [Spectator] pathway, it's eroding my sense of self, nudging me step by step toward self-destruction.
How insidious…
Before long, Caster approached and came to stand beside me, offering a small nod and a perfectly practiced smile.
"Ah! You must be Adam. I've heard a little about you from Lady Nephis. I truly apologize, I forgot to inform the guards about your arrival. I hope you can forgive the oversight," Caster said politely.
This cunning fellow…
"Since the scion of the Hanli Clan has personally apologized, I see no reason to make a big fuss. Let bygones be bygones." I avowed.
"Haha, thank you for understanding" Caster also returned a gesture, cupping his hands.
"Now, I have wasted a lot of your time, I am sure you're quite displeased, rest assured I will make sure to let everyone know ahead to not bar your path, I hope this experience does not leave a bad impression on you", he declared reassuringly.
This bastard, every word he says is extremely measured, how should I deal with this… hmm, then an idea sprang into my head.
"Caster, if you don't mind, I am indeed a bit displeased, but more than that, I am curious as to why you have such security around Lady Nephis's tent, surely you don't believe that she would be in danger.. Do you?" I postulated.
To which Caster Chuckled, "Surely you jest, but since you are a friend of Lady Nephis, I will tell you, I am sure you have heard of the 2 sleepers by nightmare creatures infiltrated who died some time ago, after that incident, everyone has been very vigilant, the tight guard is merely to keep an eye out to avoid another similar incident." he explained.
Looking me in the eye, he asked with a smile, "does that answer your question?".
Rubbing my chin, I nodded, "I am aware of that incident, to be honest, I was getting worried that this place would get overrun with nightmare creatures, but luckily my worry was unfounded.", I replied.
"Now then, if you will excuse me, I will be inside then", with that, I waved at the caster and entered the tent.
—-
Once Adam entered the tent, only the second guard and Caster were left standing.
The second guard approached the caster and asked cautiously, "Sir, what should we do about him?".
He hummed softly, "Nothing.." he replied shortly.
The second guard was confused as he asked, "I don't understand, didn't you say, to keep track of all people that are close to Lady Nephis?".
Caster nodded and then turned and looked at the second guard and replied, "yes, as you still should, but focus on the others more, like the blind girl, dark haired brat, and the others"
He paused briefly, breathing in the air.
"but this one, isn't much. When I spoke to Lady Nephis, she only briefly mentioned him, and that too was when she was reminded of him by that blind girl. So that either means, He is not that big of a deal, or he is not that close to the Lady Nephis, and talking to him, he is quite good with words too, so he is probably just tagging along." he explained to the second guard.
"Nonetheless, you should still pay attention to him from time to time" he instructed the second guard, to which the guard nodded.
"Go back to guarding, Lady Nephis will be back anytime now, I will be inside, if you notice anything let me know ASAP", instructing the guard, he strode forward and entered the tent.