Chapter 595: Reunion and Traces of Law

Glowing lines ran across the silver platform toward the port buildings. Workers pushed cargo past Lein’s group, while people from the neighboring ship argued over how many crates needed to be unloaded.

Efan glanced at an open crate. Laras, walking beside him, spoke at once.

"Don’t stop."

"I’m just looking."

"Then look while you walk."

Lein laughed. He opened the message on his device and checked their meeting place again. It was not far from the port.

They passed through a wide corridor into an area filled with seats and food stalls. The smells of different dishes mixed in the air. A server from one stall carried large bowls with thin green steam rising from them.

"Want to try it, Brother Lein?" Efan asked when he noticed Lein looking at the food.

"It smells a little strange."

"If it tastes good, save some for me."

"I wonder who would eat that."

Before Lein finished speaking, a large figure took one of the bowls and drained it in a single gulp. Lein fell silent, then kept walking.

"Lord Lein!"

Aleron stood waving beside a row of seats facing the port. Tauriel set down her cup and stood as well when she saw them.

Lein approached with a smile. As he drew closer, Tauriel felt pressure coming from him. His aura was denser than when they had parted.

There was a trace of law within it.

Tauriel glanced at Aleron. His smile had briefly faded. He seemed to have noticed it too.

She had expected to hear stories about Lein’s trip. Feeling the change in his aura before he even reached their table was another matter. She wanted to ask about it, but waited for him to finish approaching.

Lein still looked relaxed in his black robe. Both swords remained at his waist, and he was not using his power. Even so, the aura coming from him was enough for them to notice his progress.

"Have you been waiting long?" Lein asked.

"Not too long." Tauriel looked at the people behind him. "Your group has grown."

"I bought a few slaves during the trip."

"A few?" Aleron looked at Laras, who gave a brief nod.

"It seems your trip went quite well," he continued.

"I managed to get a few things done," Lein replied.

"Including giving Miss Laras more work," Efan added.

Laras gave him a flat look. Efan smiled and turned his attention to an empty chair.

Lein sat across from the two Guardians, with Laras beside him. Efan pulled up another chair and began reading the menu at the corner of the table.

"Have you started studying the laws?" Tauriel asked.

"A little," Lein replied, adjusting the hem of his robe so it would not catch on the chair.

Aleron exchanged a glance with Tauriel. They could sense the trace of law, but they did not know how much Lein had learned. Lein had already reached for a cup on the table. When he offered no further explanation, Tauriel kept her questions to herself.

Dragnar was still standing behind him. Aleron looked at the old man before asking, "Lord Lein, who is your friend?"

"Dragnar." Lein turned toward him. "This is Lord Aleron and Lady Tauriel. We came to the Dominion together."

"Greetings," Dragnar said.

"Greetings," Tauriel replied.

Aleron returned the greeting but made no attempt to examine him further. He moved an empty chair.

"Please sit, Lord Dragnar."

Dragnar glanced at Lein. Only after receiving his nod did he sit down. Aleron noticed the gesture. A King like Dragnar was waiting for Lein’s permission just to take a seat.

"How did you two meet?" he asked.

"We met during my time in the Dominion."

Aleron waited for more, but Lein only smiled.

Tauriel chuckled. "It seems he doesn’t want to tell us yet."

"I just want to get to know our traveling companion," Aleron replied.

"We’ll have plenty of time on the ship," Lein said. He slid the menu to the middle of the table. "Let’s order first."

A server came over and bowed. He only approached after Lein gave him permission. Efan had already chosen several dishes and immediately placed his order.

"You just ate on the ship," Laras said.

"That was before we walked here."

The server kept his head lowered while writing down the order. After making sure there was nothing else, he left.

Aleron began asking about the places they had visited in the Dominion. Efan was most excited when talking about the auction and the things he had found at the markets. Laras added a few details now and then, while Lein answered when needed.

In the middle of Efan’s story, Lein looked toward the port. He could still sense the group following them among the buildings and traffic lanes. They had kept a greater distance since the Obsidian docked.

Lein left them alone. He wanted to finish this meeting first.

"See anything interesting?" Tauriel asked.

"Just looking at the port. Not much has changed."

"Were we gone for a thousand years?"

"If you listen to Efan’s stories, it might feel that way."

"Hey, I’ve only talked about one place," Efan protested.

They laughed. When the food arrived, Aleron tried one of Efan’s dishes and pushed the plate away after a single bite. Tauriel, on the other hand, liked it.

Lein picked up his cup and looked at Aleron.

"How about your business, Lord Aleron? Did the trip help?"

Aleron’s hand stopped beside his plate. He swallowed his food and took a drink of water before answering. His smile began to fade.

"I made some progress. I found information that had been difficult to get before. I also managed to prepare some of what we need."

Lein waited.

"But as for protecting Guandu..." Aleron sighed. "I still haven’t received the answer I was hoping for."

Tauriel set down her cup. Efan stopped looking at the food and listened.

Aleron took several pages of notes from his storage and placed them in front of Lein. He straightened the pages and moved his cup aside to make room. Efan leaned back, leaving the space between them clear.

"I wanted to discuss this before we decide on our journey home."

Lein pulled the notes closer.

"All right. Tell me from the beginning."