“Umm, mister Etlar?” Huh? A girl (actually, I couldn’t tell her age) was staring at me expectantly. Not only that, but she had called me by my first given name, which only a few people knew. Okay. Let’s retrace a few moments prior to this event. I entered the room I was given to prepare for my meeting with the director. My mind may have been wondering, but there is no way I would have missed another presence. I can at least be sure of that much.

I took in the girl’s (again, I couldn’t get a read on her age) appearance. She had an ethereal type of beauty, something only spirits and divine beings could achieve. So she is one of those, but I am willing to bet she is the former. Divine beings should not have any business with me. After coming to that conclusion, I replied to her question. “Yes, that would be me. Can I help you with something?” She immediately stood up and curtsied. “Lady Aritia has assigned me to you. Please allow me to accompany you.”

She was serious? Is this her way of