"Well, hello, Bel-bel. Thank you for inviting me today. It's been such a long time since I last took a quest in this kingdom." Alice smiled at Beltimore.
Bel-bel?
Bob and I almost burst into laughter. That nickname was hilarious.
"Ahem!"
Beltimore let out a sharp cough.
We both immediately straightened up and froze in place.
"Well, if there's nothing else, let's get moving," he said, brushing past us.
As he passed, I caught a glance at the book he was carrying. It had an intricately designed cover, thick and bound with gold edges. In the center was a swirling blue crystal embedded like a magical eye.
A magic item for sure, I thought. The way it pulsed... that book wasn't just for show.
"All the best, Alan and Bob! You two can do it!" Evelyn waved as we headed toward the exit.
"When you return successfully, let's have a toast, all on me," William said, smiling.
"Just return in one piece," Maya added.
Which I assumed meant: Please be safe.