Chapter 213 A Strange Dream

Chapter 213 A Strange Dream

This was one of the cleaner restaurants around.

We were in the suburbs, so there weren't any fancy places like the one we hit up yesterday. 

Zoey had asked the driver for a recommendation, and this spot looked tidy and clean. 

Even though it was close to the neighborhood, it was pretty peaceful, making it a good place to chat.

Byron sat across from us, looking a bit uneasy. He sat very upright, his hands awkwardly placed, unsure whether to put them on the table or on his lap. 

He kept trying to pull out some money from his pocket but would stop every time he saw Zoey's stern expression, shrinking back and putting his hands down again.

I couldn't help but laugh.

I finally understood why Zoey was inexplicably angry with Byron. 

In a way, Byron and Ruben were similar—they were straightforward but not good at expressing themselves. 

They excelled in their fields, thinking quickly and acting confidently, but when it came to everyday matters, they became unusually clumsy.

"Relax, we're not here to collect a debt or anything."

I said gently, handing the unfamiliar menu to Zoey and pouring Byron a glass of water. He quickly straightened up and took it with both hands.

Then, with a serious tone, he said, "I apologize again to you both for this morning. It was indeed my fault, and I want to apologize to..."

Byron suddenly realized he didn't know our names.

"Zoey." 

Zoey said without looking up from the menu.

"Nancy. Editor-in-Chief of the Phoenixia Silverlight City Legal Journal."

"Byron, comic book author. Nice to meet you."

Byron bowed deeply, his eyes a bit flustered, and he adjusted his glasses out of habit. 

It seemed to be a reflex for him; whenever he was nervous, he would adjust his glasses. 

I had read in a psychology book that people who wear glasses often find them comforting. 

When they feel insecure, they instinctively touch their glasses to ensure they are still there, helping them see things more clearly.

"We went to the Zaka Building this morning. It was quite a coincidence."

I decided to get straight to the point. 

If we continued with small talk, Byron would probably get even more anxious. Focusing on a topic he was interested in might make the conversation smoother.

Sure enough, when I mentioned the Zaka Building, Byron's face changed. 

He became visibly more alert, forcing a smile and saying, "The Zaka Building is really great. It's the rising star of Vesperia comics, a place every comic creator dreams of going."

Byron's voice carried a hint of sadness, and he sighed quietly after speaking.

Yes, it was a devastating blow for anyone. Such an excellent story, suddenly announced to be discontinued, and the author blacklisted across the industry without any explanation.

"I'm sorry, we tried our best. Kurt was very firm in his decision, and he asked us to convey his apologies."

I paused for a moment and then recounted our meeting with Kurt that morning to Byron.

Byron's eyes reddened, and his body trembled slightly. He struggled to speak, his emotions overwhelming him, and he choked up.

"We only met briefly this morning, and yet you two are willing to go to such lengths for me. I am truly unworthy. Thank you."

With that, Byron moved aside and knelt down to thank us. 

In Phoenixia, kneeling was a very significant gesture, reserved for the heavens, the earth, and one's parents, never for outsiders. 

Even though this etiquette was common in Vesperia, it still startled us, and we quickly moved to stop him.

"No need, no need, please get up. Things haven't reached that point yet."

I hurriedly reassured him.

"I appreciate your kindness, but please don't go to them on my behalf. It might affect your own collaboration. You just arrived in Vesperia and might not fully understand the influence of the Zaka Building in the Vesperia comic industry."

Byron sighed and downed his glass of water as if it were alcohol.

"The Zaka Building may not be the best comic company in our country, but behind it is Mr. Palmer, a media mogul in Emerald City. His influence reaches from government officials to private enterprises. Because of this, the Zaka Building, though a rising star in the comic world, can attract overseas talents like Mr. Kurt and become one of the best comic teams in just a few years. For Mr. Palmer, getting rid of a small character is as easy as squashing an ant."

"You know it was Dean's decision?"

Byron nodded, not saying much, just sighing repeatedly.

I couldn't help but feel curious. 

Kurt had been with us the whole time, so he hadn't had a chance to inform Byron. It must have been someone else who told him.

"Do you know why?"

I asked casually, but I was closely observing Byron's expression. 

This question was crucial, perhaps the key to confirming my suspicions.

"Maybe it's just fate. When I was creating the story, I immersed myself completely, imagining myself as the characters. Perhaps, unintentionally, the fate of the protagonist intertwined with my own."

Byron thought for a moment and said, looking lost.

In "The Past of the Ocean Loong Clan," the dragon clan was punished by the gods, turning from noble deities to guardians of the ocean, cursed to never reproduce. 

Although dragons had long lifespans, they would eventually age. 

The protagonist, a descendant of both humans and dragons, was the hope for breaking the curse. Along with seven others, he embarked on a journey to overthrow the gods and defy fate.

Unfortunately, the prophecy book of the dragon clan revealed that the protagonist would be the last dragon in the world from the day he left the clan.

A good story is one you continue to read even when you know the tragic ending. The enjoyment comes from experiencing the tragedy and the process of life. 

This story undoubtedly achieved that.

"Kurt spoke highly of you. He believes you will be the best comic artist in the future. I may not understand comics, but your story left me in awe. How did you come up with it?"

I asked, trying to engage him.

"A dream, a strange dream."

When it came to his creation, Byron, like Kurt, became visibly more spirited. 

Especially when talking about his own work, there was a sense of pride and confidence in his voice.