Chapter 348 - 109

Chapter 348: Chapter 109

Sunlight was streaming through the bedchamber window when Maxi opened her eyes. Feeling wretched, she slowly surveyed the room. Servants had come and gone, as evidenced by the disappearance of the bath and empty plates. There was no sign of her husband ever having returned.

Did he stay out all night?

Maxi groped the cold sheet beside her. All of a sudden, she scrambled out of bed and put on her slippers. She hastily threw on a coat and, without even brushing her hair, rushed out the door. The morning air was crisp, but she was too livid to feel the cold as she stormed down the corridor.

Just then, a familiar voice called from behind.

“Max!”

Maxi looked back to see Sidina running toward her, her twin braids bouncing on her shoulders.

“I am so glad you made it back safely!” Sidina exclaimed, flinging herself at Maxi and knocking the wind out of her.

The excited girl spun them both around and stepped to one side of the corridor. Her large brown eyes examined Maxi’s face.

“I heard all about your ordeals. Are you sure you’re all right?”

“I-I am fine. The campaign was certainly trying... but I am unscathed,” Maxi replied calmly in an attempt to get her exuberant friend to simmer down. “H-How have you been, Sidina?”

“Where do i begin? I’ve been losing clumps of hair from being cooped up inside a room deciphering ancient codes all day. I fear my eyesight has gotten worse in the span of a few months.” Her theatrical complaints gave way to a triumphant look. “Still, the trouble was worth it. I promise you will be shocked when you discover what we’ve learned.”

The girl was visibly hankering to tell her all about their findings right there and then.

“I’m sorry,” Maxi said, her expression troubled, “but could you tell me about it later? I need to find my husband—”

“You’re looking for Sir Riftan?” Sidina asked, surprised. “I doubt you’ll find him here. I saw him leaving the castle early this morning. Although I don’t know why...”

Maxi stiffened in shock.

Worry rose on Sidina’s face. “Did he leave without telling you?”

“H-He must not have... wanted to disturb my sleep.”

Maxi quickly offered the excuse with a smile, trying to appear unaffected. Beneath her calm exterior, anger was beginning to boil. Not only had he neglected her the entire night, but he had left without saying a word. She could not believe it. Did he not owe her an explanation? Would it have been that difficult to leave a message, at the very least?

Her eyes welled with tears, and she tried to hide them by combing her tangled hair.

Stopping in front of a study, Sidina pensively stared at the door handle for some time before adding, “The records detail how the dark mages began to develop such flawed thoughts. After coexisting with domesticated monsters for centuries, the dark mages naturally grew less wary. Even so, the mere fact that some fought against this corrupt notion proves they were not a danger from the start.”

Maxi furrowed her brow skeptically. She doubted the church was interested in learning how the dark mages were initially corrupted. They would be fortunate if the clergy did not accuse them of trying to protect the dark mages.

“L-Let us go inside first,” Maxi said anxiously, glancing about. “This isn’t something we should be discussing in the corridor.”

Sidina shrugged before pulling on the door handle. Maxi heaved a heavy sigh as she stepped into the study. Already, her head ached from having one more thing to worry about.

Her stomach was in knots from the cold war between her and Riftan. The sordid history of the dark mages was not a welcome addition. Feeling sick of it all, she strode across the room to the blazing fireplace.

A man lay on the couch nearby, bundled in a blanket. He sluggishly raised his head and looked at her with bleary eyes.

“What a while it has been, Maximilian Calypse.”

Maxi gawked in shock. The vagrant on the couch was none other than Calto Serbel. His usual solemnity gone, the elder swept his disheveled hair back as he slowly rose.

“I’ve been informed of all the trials you have been through. Word of your safe return was glad tidings indeed.”

“I-I am glad... to see that you are also...” Maxi trailed off when she noted his gaunt face. He was more emaciated than the last time she had seen him.

When he saw her awkward expression, Calto’s lips curved into a bitter smile. “I am a sight to behold, I’m sure.”

“That is why I’ve been telling you to sleep in your chamber, at the least,” Sidina nagged as she gathered the clutter of parchments around him. “How late were you up last night? It should hardly be a surprise that you’re becoming a walking corpse. You cannot keep going like this.”

“I will not burden you with my funeral, so never you mind,” Calto said curtly as he walked over to a rack. Picking up a kettle, he filled a basin with water, then proceeded to noisily wash his face. The sight reminded Maxi so much of Ruth that a smile unconsciously tugged at her lips.

“Do sit down. There is a matter I wish to discuss with you privately.”

“About what?” Sidina asked before Maxi could even open her mouth to reply.

Calto shot the girl an irritated look. “I would appreciate it if you would bring me something from the kitchen. A tankard of ale and some bread should do it. Fetch that for me, and 1 will be forever grateful.”

“I know a dismissal when I hear one,” Sidina grumbled, turning around. “Very well. I shall clear the room so you two can talk.”

She winked at Maxi over her shoulder.

“You haven’t eaten anything yet either, have you? i’ll be back with some food for you as well, so you must tell me whatever it is Master Calto talks about.”

When she finally left the room, Calto plopped down on the couch and shook his head..