NOVEL NEXT Chapter 02- But He Really Looks Like a Dog
“Mom, look, there’s a dog over there!”
“Sweetie, that’s actually a big rat, not a dog.”
“But it really looks like a dog.”
Lyle turned to see a little five-year-old girl pulling her mom’s sleeve. She was pointing at the street and had a happy smile on her face.
Lyle laughed quietly. He was standing on a busy street in town, watching people go by and the places he knew so well. For the past two years, he had been working hard as a scholar. He didn’t have much free time for fun things. Most of the time, he was in the library.
It was a bit like being as tired as a dog.
Thinking about it, Lyle felt a little better. When he first came to this world, no group wanted him because he was a scholar without fancy credentials. It was only the new Moonlit Adventurers and their leader, Xyia, who let him join them, even when others made fun of them.
To say thanks, Lyle did his very best. Besides being a scholar, he also helped with chores like cleaning up after battles and taking care of their everyday needs. He even did dirty and tough jobs without complaining. Maybe when people become famous, they change a little, and that’s a bit sad.
He hadn’t seen the deepest parts of the dungeon yet…
Lyle let out a soft sigh and looked at the beautiful night sky of Iofar. He thought, “The path ahead is for them now. I’m tired and need to rest.”
And so, he walked away.
…
…What’s wrong with Lyle?
Xyia couldn’t figure it out. In fact, the Moonlit Adventurers had been on the right track all along. In just two short years, they had gone from a small group to a well-known adventuring party throughout Iofar. But even with their excellent lineup, they couldn’t break into the ranks of the Mythical Adventurers.
After thinking it over, Xyia’s gaze fell on Lyle. He was the only scholar who hadn’t studied at a top academy and came from humble beginnings. So, what was going on with him? Was it wrong to hope that he could try harder?
Xyia slowly took off her white stockings, standing barefoot in front of the mirror, looking at her fair and delicate face. She was a standard 1.6 meters tall with slender legs that had the golden ratio, and her skin was smooth and flawless.
She felt a bit irritated..
She kicked open the door to the bath, and in the exquisitely smooth marble bath, there were two figures also taking a bath.
When they heard the noise, the girl leaning on the left side slightly opened her eyes.
Her black hair cascaded down her chest, and her face had a touch of intellectual laziness. It was Emilya, the priestess of the Moonlit Adventurers.
“You seem to be in a bad mood. Do you need me to soothe you a bit?”
Emilya smiled, cupping her ample bosom.
“I’m so annoyed!”
Even the warm and comfortable hot spring couldn’t ease Xyia’s irritation. She slapped the water surface forcefully. “I ran into a lunatic tonight!”
Emilya became interested. “What happened? Who angered our Princess Xyia?”
“Emiliya, why has someone suddenly become so unpleasant? It’s rather perplexing. They used to be quite the opposite.”
The Miss Priest tilted her head and paused for a moment.
After a brief pause, she spoke, “It indicates that this person has let go of certain matters, or perhaps, they’ve been enticed by something more worthwhile.”
“Lyle doesn’t seem to appreciate anything!
He doesn’t even realize how many scholars aspire to join our expedition, including some of the brightest minds in the academy!”
“Lyle?
Have you truly expelled Lyle?”
The expression on the Miss Priest’s face held a hint of surprise.
“I didn’t expel him! He himself expressed a desire to leave,”
Emiliya raised her delicate eyebrows.
Truth be told, when the team was stuck on the forty-fourth level, unable to delve any deeper, everyone had contemplated the idea of replacing a scholar.
However, Lyle had a remarkably good temper. When you poured out your sorrows to him, he was the best listener.
There was also that time when he patiently prepared breakfast for a whole month because you weren’t feeling well. And when Xiya threw a tantrum and tore apart the strategy plan he had spent a week crafting, Lyle only sighed and spent three consecutive nights in the library to rewrite it.
His professional skills might have been average, but he was undoubtedly a kind-hearted soul. He was someone who went above and beyond for his own people.
Emiliya rather liked that kind of person.
Just a hint of flirtation or a few casual words, and he would eagerly come to her aid, ha-ha… His self-satisfied demeanor was indeed quite amusing.
Ironically, his absurd kindness and tolerance were utterly useless.
“Xiya, on the contrary, might perceive you as a feeble, foolish lapdog. But as a tool, you do come in handy.”
Emiliya rested her chin on her hand, looking somewhat distressed.
“I see… that’s rather unfortunate news. Lyle is an important companion of ours…”
She had also noticed that Xiya’s temper was growing increasingly foul.
Moreover, Xiya had become quite sensitive; any slight deviation from Lyle’s actions that did not align with her wishes would trigger anger and reprimands.
Ironically, many times in the underground dungeon, it was Xiya who refused to follow orders. She probably believed that Lyle wasn’t deserving of the Moonlit Blossom Adventuring Party, didn’t she?
“I simply rejected him a few times. Must I be with every scholar who joins the team?” Xiya slapped the water’s surface vigorously, splashing droplets onto the Miss Priest’s face.
“But, Lyle has never expressed romantic interest in you,” the mage, who always lazed around during bath time, glanced at her.
“Is it possible that he simply wants to excel as a scholar, rather than being a failed suitor?”
Xiya became instantly furious.
“Flo, you’ve never been bothered by his persistence, so how would you understand?!”
After each expedition, Lyle would write a comprehensive report, seeking Xiya for meetings and feedback.
He would subtly suggest some minor improvements. Why didn’t he approach any of them? Why only her? He even brought cake or pudding every time. Wasn’t that proof enough?
Flo shrugged indifferently. “I was just making a casual remark; there’s no need to be so confrontational.”
Xiya huffed coldly.
“Ah, dear teammates, let’s not quarrel amongst ourselves,” the Miss Priest, with a hand over her heart, expressed concern. “Perhaps Lyle has gone out to clear his mind and will return soon.”
Lyle, however, is a dependable companion who is always at our beck and call. Emiliya also has no desire to lose her own handyman. In fact, having him as my handyman is an honor, isn’t it… ha-ha.
“Come back? After hitting a wall elsewhere?” Xiya crossed her arms coldly. “Does he think this place is a vegetable market? Coming and going as he pleases?”
“If we lose a scholar, we can always find another. I, too, wish to have a more knowledgeable scholar in our team,” Flo stood up from the pool water. “This is a good thing; there’s no need for you to furrow your brow or vent your frustrations on us.”