I felt more disturbed. How the hell does this work? Thereâs no electricity, so whatâs the power source? Itâs not like someone was pulling it from below.
âSo what do you call it?â
âAhâ¦..â
For the first time, a troubled expression appeared on Mr. Hafterryâs face when Father asked that. He hesitated, as if he didnât want to say anything. But eventually he said in a low voice uncharacteristic for Mr. Hafterry, as if he couldnât ignore his fatherâs question.
âIt is âflying stairsâ because it expresses the appearance of flying in the air.â*
*the reason Mr. Hafterry was embarrassed apart from the name was that the original words used could also translates to âI am a stairâ
Wow, the naming sense that runs the edge of insincerity⦠I didnât say anything more because I felt the shame spread across Mr. Hafterryâs face. Father didnât even bother to say anything more. Fortunately, the stairs stopped, and we got down and enjoyed the air upstairs.
Still, unlike the first floor where there was movement of people, this place was very quiet. A desk was placed near the landing and a person was sitting. It seemed to serve as an information desk.
As we approached, a young man who had been reading a book, startled by the presence of people, jumped to his feet.
âWhat brings you here⦠Mr. Hafterry?â
âLong time no see, Michael. Is Teacher inside?â
âYes. Long time no see, I heard that you are coming. She said you could meet her anytime, so you can go in right away.â
Mr. Hafterry walked, and I bowed my head to Michael and followed Mr. Hafterry. My heart was pounding for nothing. The person Mr. Hafterry was introducing must be my Teacherâs Teacher. Calling it like that makes that person feel like a very high-ranking elder, creating tension that wasnât there before.
Since itâs my teacherâs teacher, it must be a very high-ranking person, right? What if she noticed that I wasnât as smart as Mr. Hafterry expected and told him to send me back? It wasnât that I asked to study at the Sageâs Study. But I felt uncomfortable because the given situation became excessive, and I felt cheated.
Mr. Hafterry, who was walking along the corridor, arrived at a door, knocked and opened the door. The neatly organized interior felt similar to a study decorated like a parlor. As if showing the personality of the room owner, the room was well-organized.
I felt a subtle emptiness because there was no one there, but the door inside opened and a middle-aged woman came out.
âYou have finally arrived. I waited a long time.â
A lady with a very graceful and refined atmosphere spoke welcoming words. She had her fading blonde hair neatly up, and she showed off her elegance even though she was wearing a non-glamorous outfit.
âLong time no see, Teacher.â
Me and Father awkwardly greeted her together with Mr. Hafterryâs polite greeting.
âThere are also guests. Welcome. For this master to cling to this heartless fellow. Did you like this place so much?â
The teacher was considerate of Father and I, and scolded Mr. Hafterry in a small way.
âIt was peaceful.â
âI can tell just by looking at your face. Talk about the details later and introduce the guest.â
Mr. Hafterryâs teacher saved us from standing in a daze. Mr. Hafterry, who forgot about us for a while, introduced us formally.
âThis is my discipleâs father, Mr. Hertman Aide, and my disciple, Arendine Aide. This is my teacher, Katie Lawrence.â
âI am Hertman Aide.â
Even looking at it, she looked older than Father, so Father greeted Miss Katie respectfully. Of course, he seemed to be more careful because she was related to someone who would take care of me even if she wasnât older than him.
âI am Arendine Aide. I look forward to your kind cooperation.â
When I greeted her with a deep bow, the smile on Miss Katieâs lips grew thicker.
âI am Katie Lawrence. Nice to meet you. You are a very clever-looking girl.â
The corners of my mouth twitched naturally at Miss Katieâs praise. I am a human being too, so it was nice to hear compliments. On top of that, I felt relieved because I could feel that Miss Katie was favorable to me. Her voice was warm and friendly, like a grandmotherâs.
âWho is this? Long time no see.â
Was there anyone else? Surprised by the sudden voice, I turned my head, and an amazing person appeared from the door where Katie came out earlier. It wasnât because I knew him, but because his looks were amazing.