The person behind the reception desk was surprised by Anna's request, but before he could say anything, a man came out of a room behind him.
He was tall, with a strong, well-defined physique and angular features. His eyes were a bright green, sparkling with intelligence and wisdom. There were few wrinkles, but he bore some lines of experience around his eyes and mouth.
His hair was black with gray streaks, styled neatly back, with a short black beard mixed with stylish gray streaks.
He wears a long, dark blue coat decorated with silver threads, over a white shirt and a light gray cape, with a leather belt carrying some keys.
Upon seeing Anna, he raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "Anna?! You've arrived? Welcome to the Silver Crown Hotel"
The man stepped forward towards Anna, greeted her with a smile on his face.
Upon seeing him, Anna smiled and greeted him.
"Mr. Alith, are you alright?"
Aleth laughed.
"I'm fine, come on, let's go to a room and talk."
Alith looked at his employee.
"Prepare the best rooms for the people who came with Mrs. Anna."
The employee nodded.
"Yes, sir."
But Anna refused.
"We don't need the best rooms, just get us rooms for the night and of course we'll pay."
Alith shook his head in refusal.
"Of course not, you are my guests."
Anna frowned but did not refuse after that and simply nodded her head.
Then Alith gestured with his hands for Anna to follow him.
"Please follow me."
Anna looked at Ryan.
"Go to your room and rest. We'll continue our journey tomorrow."
Ryan said nothing, then Anna left with Alith, leaving Ryan and the soldiers with an employee.
The employee bowed politely to them.
"Please follow me to your rooms."
They all followed him into a long corridor decorated with red carpets and glittering chandeliers, while the guests in the hall watched curiously as this strange group—the Ice Knights and the Unknown Child—made their way to a room that Aleth had designated for them.
After walking for a few moments, the attendant opened an elegant wooden door and said,
"These rooms are for you."
They entered a spacious wing containing several rooms, each with multiple beds, large windows, and heavy curtains. The atmosphere was peaceful and pleasant, and the place smelled wonderful.
"I'll let you rest now."
Then the attendant left them.
At the same time…
Anna was walking beside Mr. Aleth through a different, quieter, and more private passage.
Alith stopped in front of an ornate door, opened it, and they went inside.
He closed the door behind them, a short silence ensued, before Aleeth sighed and said,
"I didn't expect to see you in Thirac after all these years."
Anna smiled slightly and said,
"I passed by briefly, and also upon receiving your message, I came to fulfill your request."
Joy spread across Alith's face.
"Really?"
Anna replied calmly:
"We're on our way to the academy, so I don't see any reason to refuse."
Alith thanked her.
"Thank you, Anna. I thought about sending her with adventurers, but I was worried that if she was with you, I wouldn't have to worry about her."
Anna scratched the back of her head.
"Well, it's not a big deal, and since there's a boy her age taking the entrance exam with us too, I think they'll get along."
Alith thought for a moment.
"Are you talking about the boy who was with you in the hallway?"
Anna answered,
"Yes."
Then Alith said with a smile,
"So that's a good thing, since Elisa hasn't had friends her own age before, getting involved with children her own age will help her before she joins the academy."
Anna spoke:
"Is your daughter's name Elisa?"
He spoke enthusiastically:
"Yes, isn't that a beautiful name? Sit down, I'll go call her now."
Before he left,
"Anna, would you like to eat or drink something, like tea, for example?"
Anna thought for a moment.
"Hmm, just water."
"Okay."
Then Alith left and closed the door behind him.
__________________
Ryan did not stay in his room and decided to explore the place. The lobby of the Silver Crown Hotel was relatively quiet at that moment, the light of the chandeliers reflected on the stone floor, and the sound of light footsteps echoed between the columns.
Minutes later, Ryan was walking slowly, his crystalline eyes moving cautiously, as if trying to understand his surroundings, because he was lost.
Ryan stopped walking and waited in front of a wooden door.
Moments later, the door opened, and Ryan looked up to see someone carrying a stack of books rapidly approaching. Then there was a collision.
She collided directly with Ryan.