NABC Chapter 17 - 13: Lanci Embarks on a Journey_1
Chapter 17 - 13: Lanci Embarks on a Journey_1
Chapter 17: Chapter 13: Lanci Embarks on a Journey_1
After Lanci finished explaining all the details of the deal.
"From tomorrow, I'll teach you card making."
Talia didn't hesitate unnecessarily, she accepted Lanci's proposal.
"Alright, I will also prepare an identity for you in the mansion before tomorrow. Do you want to be a maid or a steward..."
"Steward."
Before Lanci could finish, Talia cut him off with a cold tone.
Lanci nodded forcefully, not daring to anger her.
Although he thought his reaction might be a bit cowardly and was sure that Talia would not easily harm him now, as a living being, there was an absolute difference between him and Talia. Up close, Lanci was still somewhat afraid.
The demonology books in this world say: "Demons kill humans without reason, and without feeling guilt".
Just a random thought can prompt them to act accordingly.
Although Talia seems to act like a human at this moment, in essence, she just hides her violent and cruel nature to try to blend into human society.
Even if his current actions could be considered as cuddling with a tiger, it was pointless to provoke this tiger, setting traps for himself.
Yes, if he was a good little cat, then Talia was indeed like a tigress. Even if the tiger promised not to hurt the cat, the cat would still shiver when beside the tiger.
Thinking this, the corners of Lanci's mouth unconsciously raised slightly.
However, this made Talia frown slightly.
She felt that this human boy was thinking something that annoyed her.
Yet, she didn't have any evidence.
Just an inexplicable intuition.
"So from now on, please take care of me, Teacher Tata."
Lanci's voice sounded clear and crisp, his face still adorned by a harmless smile.
This form of address seemed to make Talia feel a bit uncomfortable, she ignored Lanci as usual.
But this time, without rejecting him, she indirectly acknowledged their master-disciple relationship.
...
One and a half months later.
As summer was coming to an end, it was a clear morning welcoming the autumn, as the sun, accompanied by the falling dew, awoke the earth.
The rays of the early morning sun like faint golden feathers, lightly brushed over the deep gray platform and cold metallic tracks, endowing them with a hint of gentleness.
The Magic Power Rail Train station of the Border City-State of Nanwantina was bustling with people.
Hurried travelers went their separate ways or met here, embarking on a new journey.
But seeing how well the young master got along with her, Hans gradually eased his concerns.
"..."
Talia didn't respond, but simply gave a slight nod.
Even though she seemed to be the same age as Lanci, her composed and frosty demeanor made her seemed much more mature than him.
Since she had taken the payment, she would strictly adhere to the terms of the transaction. Even if the housekeeper hadn't asked, she would do exactly this.
Whether it was protecting Lanci from being killed or being his teacher.
During this brief moment of silence, a vague silhouette appeared at the end of the track, accompanied by the sound of a whistle.
Soon, vibrations grew stronger on the track, and the low rumbling sound drew nearer, the shape of the train becoming increasingly clear, the sunlight reflected off the train's body, its metallic surface glittering.
The light at the front of the train gradually brightened, piercing through layers of the early morning mist, guiding the steel beast to its destination.
Lanci pulled out his train ticket and glanced at it, memorizing where he and Talia should be heading.
Just as they were about to bid farewell.
Housekeeper Hans suddenly seemed to remember something, his lips curling into a slight smile as he began to speak:
"That said, it's really a pity we couldn't show Miss Tata the portrait in the young master's room before departure..."
"Ahem, ahem!"
Before the housekeeper could finish saying "truly a regret," Lanci hastily interrupted him with a couple of coughs.
Lanci was certain that even though the housekeeper didn't mean to harm him, he definitely wasn't up to any good!
"What painting?"
Talia, whose name was suddenly mentioned, looked at Lanci and asked.
Lanci was flustered inside, but his expression remained calm. He replied unhurriedly:
"A portrait of a poor old woman, one of my early works. However, it seems Hans and Francine appreciate this painting very much..."
Just as he finished, the alternating deep grey and brown train roared into the platform. The clangour of braking and the friction of the wheels on the track drowned out Lanci's words.
The train gradually slowed down, until it came to a complete stop.
As this matter was irrelevant to her, Talia lost interest and shifted her gaze away from Lanci.
The warm light filtering through the train windows illumined the faces of the passengers, and as the carriage doors slowly slid open, a cold breeze wafted out, meeting them head on.
The passengers waiting on the platform walked towards the open doors.
Amid the comings and goings, Lanci let out a sigh of relief. His quick thinking had saved him for now. Next time he'd return, he would definitely hide that portrait, ensuring Talia would never find out that the pitiful and poor old woman in the painting was herself.
"Well, I'm off now."
Lanci, waving goodbye to Hans and Francine, made his final farewell and turned to board the train.