Astrophos could finally breathe a little bit after leaving Cygnus and the butler. His body that was shaking also stopped by the time he reached Nina. He inhaled and exhaled a couple of times before he started to help out.
They filled up four plates when Astrophos noticed that there was still a stack of plates left on the side. Even spoons were prepared beside it.
"We're only four, why did you cook too much food?" He could not help but ask Nina.
Nina looked at the food and shrugged her shoulders, "I'm not sure. Ask Mr. C about it."
Astrophos wrinkled his brows but nonetheless followed behind Nina. They brought the food to where the butler and the master were seated. After distributing the food, Astrophos choose a seat away from Cygnus but was still near the fire.
Cygnus flicked his fingers and the area around them brightened. Orbs of white mana floated above them and gave the place enough brightness.
From afar, a group of people saw the light. Major Ginehart signaled for his men to stop. He looked behind him at his other captain and nodded his head.
Captain Arc Lisbon alighted from his horse followed by four other soldiers. They stealthily moved towards the light to scout. They moved above the trees without making a sound until they came above the source of light. He sent the others to move below and check if they were genuine travelers.
After making sure that nothing was suspicious, they left and returned to where the major was. Major Ginehart listened intently then gave a nod.
They continued on the way but stopped when they reached the area where Cygnus and his group were camping. He came down from his horse and approached the group.
The group noticed their presence as they stopped eating and stood up to see who their visitor was. The butler was the first one to speak.
"Good evening sir, is there something wrong?" He asked in surprise when he saw that the person who approached them was wearing a military uniform.
"Ah, nothing. We just noticed that there are travelers here, so we came to check since this place is notorious for its monsters." Major Ginehart answered while eyeing the members of the group.
"Ah yes, we were warned about that but ever since we entered the forest we haven't encountered any monsters yet, that is why we assumed that the surrounding is safe, so we made camp here," he immediately explained. Mr. C seemed a little bit nervous too, "did we make a mistake?"
"Don't worry, we've already scouted the area and there are no monsters so you are safe." The major shook his head.
Mr. C sighed in relief. "Ah, do you mind having dinner with us? It seems that we cooked a little bit too much and can't finish it by ourselves. We also have some warm tea since the night air is a bit chilly."
The major thought for a moment before he agreed. "Thank you."
Everything happened in the blink of an eye. The soldiers found their own seats and sat down. Cygnus stretched his hand and using his mana, he moved the orbs of light around to maximize the space it can illuminate.
"Are all of you perhaps mages?" The major asked after the light was settled.
"Oh, Mr. C is not but the three of us are." She pointed at herself and at the other two.
"Are you going to the capital to register at the Magic Tower?" He asked again. He saw how enthusiastic the woman was, so he assumed that they were going to register to become full fledged mages.
Nina looked at him in confusion but before she could answer, Astrophos spoke. "Yes, since it's already time for new apprentices to register."
Major Ginehart narrowed his eyes at the confused woman and how she gave the other man a glance. The other one who remained silent sighed and shook his head.
"I'm sorry about that, my sister is a bit slow and apparently she was not listening to me when I explained that we were going to register." He stood up and ruffled the woman's hair.
"Wait are you saying that I'm stupid?" Nina frowned and glared at Cygnus's direction. She even pouted then looked at Astrophos for help but the latter avoided her gaze.
"Are the both of you related by blood?" He then again asked. Cygnus stared at the man, he had been asking questions since a while ago like he was interrogating them.
"You've been asking questions ever since you came here and yet we don't even know your name," Cygnus turned serious. Nina's smile disappeared with the atmosphere turning awkward.
The major did not expect the man to change attitude so fast. "Yes, I'm sorry about that. I am Major Linius Ginehart."
"So major, may I know why are you asking us so many questions?" Cygnus did not let the major go. Now that he had asked his questions, it was time for him to ask too.
Seeing that the young man did not back off despite knowing at least his rank, Major Ginehart secretly smiled. "That's because I am not sure if I could trust all of your words. There are many unruly mages out here, I'm just making sure that you are not one of those."
"So what do you think now? Are we still suspicious?" He asked without hesitation.
"As of now, no," Ginehart answered. "I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."
Cygnus gave the man a nod before he sat down. Mr. C also came and served tea and food in front of the major.
"May I know your names?" He asked in return. He then looked at the food that was served and it looked safe so he took a bite.
The soldiers saw that the major ate so they also took a spoonful of the stew. Exclamations of surprise came from them, the food was actually delicious.
"I'm Rigel Anzel and my sister is Nina Vestial. We are not related by blood, but I consider her my sister. Now your question a while ago is answered." Cygnus introduced the both of them then he looked at the butler. "The man who served you the food is Mr. C, our helper."
Before the major could open his mouth, Astrophos also introduced himself. "I'm Astrophos Fellier, a mage from the tower, and acts as their escort."
Ginehart was a bit skeptical at the introduction so Astrophos showed him his identity card. Once the doubt was cleared the atmosphere eased a little bit but they were taken aback by the major's next words.
"Since you are going to the capital, we will accompany you. We are headed there as well, it's convenient and we can act as an additional protection to all of you." Ginehart put on a smile on his face after his words but there was only silence.