The World's Ego (Book 2)

Surprises

Third Person POV

Griseo looked back at the labyrinth entrance and contemplated her choices but Misteln tugged on her arm, understanding her thoughts.

"Old friends?" Misteln smiled gently, "I'm sure Fu Hua-san thinks the same but they seem to be busy. Maybe you can request to meet them later."

"... Yeah."

"I really hope you'll enjoy your stay here!" Elle said as her wings fluttered in delight, "Tempest has been growing  rapidly ever since you returned!"

"Right..." Mei looked at the fairy, "... Aren't you ELF Elysia?"

"Yup, that's me!" Elle said, "Or that was my previous name! Isn't my new name pretty too?"

"Well, yes." Mei agreed, "It sounds like something Elysia would name you."

Elle giggled cheerfully, "Thank you!"

"Can I make a request, cute little fairy?" Vita spoke up as Elle turned to her with a hum, "I want to visit my friend but I don't know where she is after she was brought out of the labyrinth. I'm sure you know Feiyun, right?"

"Of course I know her!" Elle answered, "As for her home... I don't know. She's either here or there."

"Here or there?"

"I can't tell that to outsiders!" Elle said brightly, "If you were her friend, then she would have said something!"

Vita hummed in thought, "I see..."

"Elle would usually speak truthfully but this time she has her guard up against Vita." Mei thought, "Has the situation been so terrible that a topic like Feiyun's housing has to be kept secret?"

"Alright, that's enough, Vita." Theresa said, "We will probably see her during the pre-festival celebration."

Vita sighed to herself, "Well, that's no fun. I was hoping we could speak in private."

"I highly doubt she has time to talk to you." Elle said, "I heard her schedule might be packed the day before the celebration. If you do want to meet her, then you might need to try squeezing yourself into her schedule, which will take place in her home. She will be there the entire day."

"No wonder she wants to move around." 'Seele' commented, "If she's any similar, then she will definitely not like to stay in one place."

Senti glanced over to her, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know it's true."

Fu Hua pulled Senti along before she could snap at 'Seele', "Don't argue out here. We don't want to attract a crowd."

"We're not far from the restaurant!" Elle informed them, "Everyone must be hungry from all the excitement! Don't worry, this restaurant sells really good food!"

As soon as she pushed the door open, the hanging bell rang and they could immediately hear the chatter of children behind the store.

"Give me a minute!" A voice called from the kitchen and Sakura hurriedly rushed out to greet them, "Welcome to- Mei-dono!"

"Sakura!"

"Hi, Sakura! We need tables for, uh..." Elle floated up to count their numbers and turned back to Sakura, "... Nineteen people!"

"Oh! Right..." Sakura ushered them inside, "... This way. Your tables will be separated, if you don't mind."

Mei quickly nodded, "Yeah, sure."

Sakura led them to their tables and handed menus for them to read before leaving to bring out food from the kitchen for the children in the back of the restaurant.