The Reason I Keep Avoiding My Childhood Friend

I felt more disturbed. How the hell does this work? There’s no electricity, so what’s the power source? It’s not like someone was pulling it from below.

“So what do you call it?”

“Ah…..”

For the first time, a troubled expression appeared on Mr. Hafterry’s face when Father asked that. He hesitated, as if he didn’t want to say anything. But eventually he said in a low voice uncharacteristic for Mr. Hafterry, as if he couldn’t ignore his father’s question.

“It is ‘flying stairs’ because it expresses the appearance of flying in the air.”*

*the reason Mr. Hafterry was embarrassed apart from the name was that the original words used could also translates to ‘I am a stair’

Wow, the naming sense that runs the edge of insincerity… I didn’t say anything more because I felt the shame spread across Mr. Hafterry’s face. Father didn’t 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.

“What brings you here… Mr. Hafterry?”

“Long time no see, Michael. Is Teacher inside?”

“Yes. Long time no see, I heard that you are coming. She said you could meet her anytime, so you can go in right away.”

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 Teacher’s Teacher. Calling it like that makes that person feel like a very high-ranking elder, creating tension that wasn’t there before.

Since it’s my teacher’s teacher, it must be a very high-ranking person, right? What if she noticed that I wasn’t as smart as Mr. Hafterry expected and told him to send me back? It wasn’t that I asked to study at the Sage’s 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.

“You have finally arrived. I waited a long time.”

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.

“Long time no see, Teacher.”

Me and Father awkwardly greeted her together with Mr. Hafterry’s polite greeting.

“There are also guests. Welcome. For this master to cling to this heartless fellow. Did you like this place so much?”

The teacher was considerate of Father and I, and scolded Mr. Hafterry in a small way.

“It was peaceful.”

“I can tell just by looking at your face. Talk about the details later and introduce the guest.”

Mr. Hafterry’s teacher saved us from standing in a daze. Mr. Hafterry, who forgot about us for a while, introduced us formally.

“This is my disciple’s father, Mr. Hertman Aide, and my disciple, Arendine Aide. This is my teacher, Katie Lawrence.”

“I am Hertman Aide.”

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 wasn’t older than him.

“I am Arendine Aide. I look forward to your kind cooperation.”

When I greeted her with a deep bow, the smile on Miss Katie’s lips grew thicker.

“I am Katie Lawrence. Nice to meet you. You are a very clever-looking girl.”

The corners of my mouth twitched naturally at Miss Katie’s 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 grandmother’s.

“Who is this? Long time no see.”

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 wasn’t because I knew him, but because his looks were amazing.