After discussing more details about their plans, Frederick told Gian to leave first. His father said that he still needs to talk with Viel regarding the situation in the Royal Palace. When Gian returned to his room, he let out a sigh and lay his body flat on his bed. He actually didn't know what to do next.
"Dude, I didn't know that you're a good speaker. You should enhance that talent. It can give you a big help in the future." Russel said, trying to get Gian's attention. "Who knows? Maybe that talent can also save you."
"Russel." Gian called his name, ignoring what he just said.
"Yes? What is it?"
"Are you not mad at me?" Gian asked in a soft voice.
"Why should I?" Gian didn't answer, so Russel continued. "Wait. I think I know now! Are you referring to your rude behavior towards me earlier? Bro, if you're feeling frustrated, break anything else. Don't try to pinch my barrel so hard. Even if I'm a pen, I still have feelings!"
"No. Not that." Gian said. "Are you not mad at me for stealing your ideas earlier? The honey, hibiscus tea and lavender tea are your ideas. I should not take the credits for these ideas."
"Oh, I see. I don't get it. Why should I be mad at you about that?"
"It's just... I'm feeling guilty for taking all the credits to your ideas. You heard how my family praised me for giving them a good solution for our situation. But we both know that I can't give those ideas if not because of you."
"Oh, that."
Russel wanted to laugh after hearing Gian's words. And he really did. This guy is like a box full of surprises for Russel. Indeed, Gian is really different from and him and it entertains Russel so much. Now he finally understands why Viel loves to annoy and tease this guy.
Gian scrunched his eyebrows when Russel suddenly laughs. He waits for him to stop, but Russel continues on laughing as if there is no tomorrow. This really makes Gian annoyed. He is clearly being guilty, but this ungrateful pen is not taking him seriously at all!
"Stop laughing! I'm trying to say something here!" Gian said in a stern voice.
"Hehehe... Dude, you're really good at making me laugh. Do it more often in the future, okay?" Russel said as he tries to stop laughing. He let out a loud exhale before speaking. "Okay, I'm done. What are you trying to say again?"
"..."
"Gian?"
After staring at the pen for a while, Gian shakes his head in defeat. Gian thinks that even if he uses all of his energy and knowledge, he will never understand why Russel's personality is different from them. Maybe that's the usual attitude of a guardian like him who has a close relationship with a goddess.
"Just like what I've been saying, I wanted to apologize."
"If you are apologizing because you pinched my barrel earlier, then I'll accept it. Just don't do it again, alright? But if you are apologizing for using my ideas earlier, then nevermind. Keep your apology to yourself. I don't need it."
"Huh? What—"
"Bro, I shared that information with the intention of giving you all the advantage of that situation. I told you, didn't I? You need a solid foundation of your own, so you can achieve your plans. We can use this situation as a stepping stone for you." Russel explained. "Just think of it. Aside from the huge sum of money you will earn, you will also gain a good reputation among the society. You will gain a huge advantage and I will be at peace witnessing your accomplishments. It's a win-win situation."
"But still—"
"Dude, it's my destiny to help you, remember?" Russel said. "Have you forgotten that as a guardian being punished by Femora, it's my mission to give you all my knowledge and support just to help you."
When Gian didn't utter a word, Russel sighs loudly.
"If you feel uncomfortable, you can just think of it as a huge debt, okay? I am going to make a mental checklist of your debt and you can pay me when you achieved your goals." Russel suggested.
"...Alright."
"Wait. In fact, you can do me a favor right now."
"Really? What is it?" Gian quickly asked.
"Write my name on a clean paper." Russel said.
"That's it? Are you really sure."
"Yes. That's it." Russel firmly said. "Russel Ferrer. That's my whole name. You better memorize that name. In my world, people will scream in delight whenever they hear my name, you know."
"You are a famous...guardian?"
"...Yes! I'm a famous guardian. I bet you'll be starstruck if you see my handsome and strong appearance."
"Oh." Gian said as he nods his head in understanding.
'Heh. Though I'm not a real guardian, I'm not lying when I said that I'm famous though.'
"Quick! I want to see my name written in a different languages and letters." Russel said as he tries to change the topic.
"Alright."
Gian grabs his feather plume and a piece of white paper. He dips the tip of his plume on the ink and carefully writes Russel's name on the paper. And then, he showed it to Russel.
"Hmm. As expected. Your letters are different from what we use in my world." Russel said. "And you are really using a plume! No wonder the ink was bleeding on the paper."
"Wait. You mentioned that you are a pen, right?" Gian suddenly asked.
"Yes. What about it?"
"And a pen is used to write."
"Oh! Now that you mentioned it, you are right!" Russel exclaimed. "I am actually a pen! Try using me! Quick!"
"But... How?" Gian asked. Looking at the pen on his bed, Gian didn't know how he can use it to write on paper.
"Push the silver button on the top of my body." Russel instructed. "If you click that, the nib will come out."
As usual, Gian can't understand some of Russel's words, but he still follows his instruction. He carefully pushes the silver clicker placed on top of the barrel. He heard a soft clicking sound and a thin pointed metal came out on the bottom of the pen. Gian seems amazed by this discovery so he keeps on pushing the clicker of the pen.
"Dude, stop it!" Russel complained. "Who told you to keep clicking the button?!"
"Ah. Sorry." Gian said and coughed awkwardly. "It's only my first time to push a button that produces a clicking sound like that."
'This ancient brat...'
"...Fine. Just avoid doing it in the future." Russel said. "Anyways, use me to write my name on the paper."
"How?"
"Bro, just hold me like how you hold your feather plume."
"Oh. Okay."
Gian awkwardly holds the pen in his hand. The smooth texture of it is different from the ticklish and soft texture of his feather plume. His fingers firmly hold the barrel and try to write Russel's name again on the paper. Compared to the rough tip of his plume, the nib of the pen is smoothly glides on the paper.
"Now compare the first letters you wrote using your feather plume and the letters you've written just now. See a big difference." Russel proudly said.
The letters written using the feather plume were bleeding on the paper and it's still in the process of drying. But the letters he has written using the pen he's holding are neat and already dry. Compared to his feather plume, using this pen is much better.
"How is it possible?" Gian asked in astonishment. "Where did you get your ink?!"
"Surprised? Heh. I can't blame you. I'm naturally an amazing person. And because of that, it can't be help if I'm also an amazing pen."
"This is really good! Not to mention, you are very convenient to use! It's... It's really amazing!"
Gian can't help but to be excited when he discovered the use of this pen. This is the first time he encountered such a convenient item. Thinking about using this pen, Gian can write his poems and stories even if he's outside. And he doesn't need to worry about the mess he will make on the paper.
"Bro, you are already ugly enough so stop making yourself uglier by giving me that creepy smile."
Gian seems like he can't hear Russel's words anymore. He's already lost in his thoughts. Seeing this, Russel can only sigh loudly.