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For his part, however, Ozolos was currently still remaining silent.

Gardorox pushed a bit more. ‘Please, do give it a try. It is quite rare that we allow any outsider to experience this, so I am interested to see your reaction to it.’

Admittedly, Gema was a little curious to see that herself, but rather unsurprisingly, Ozolos made neither a response nor a move toward the glowing banquet before them.

And perhaps it was just her, but Gema abruptly felt as though the tension in the room had become thick enough to use one of these strange utensils on.

It was Nixil who pulled them out of the silence. With a chortle, no less. ‘I fear we have wasted our time and resources. This one will not be indulging in our generosity, I suspect.’

‘Hmm?’ Gardorox looked to his leader. ‘Why do you say that?’

Nixil did not answer him. ‘Your name was Ozolos, correct?’

Immediately, Nixil received his own treatment, as Ozolos elected to say nothing.

Nixil’s fishy face remained unbothered. ‘You are quite wary of us, it would seem. Not at all like the countless sycophants that my colleagues are so accustomed to dealing with. I find it rather refreshing, honestly. A change of pace, if nothing else.’

‘You honor me with more attention than I deserve,’ said Ozolos. ‘I merely keep to the old ways of my people.’

‘Oh, you are too humble by a half,’ said Nixil. ‘I thought there was something peculiar about you the first time we met, and now, having had time to meditate on it, I think I may know what it is.’

Oh, gosh. Gema was listening even more intently than before.

‘You are one who has been reborn,’ said Nixil. ‘Aren’t you?’

Ozolos made no response.

‘Perhaps you even went by a different name, once upon a time,’ said Nixil. ‘Perhaps I would even recognize that name, were you to tell it to me. And perhaps the reason you are so wary is because you are already quite familiar with our customs. Indeed, perhaps you were once one of us, hmm?’

What in the world? Gema wanted to say something, but she had no idea what.

She was not alone in her confusion. ‘What are you saying, Nixil?’ Gardorox swam nearer, though still not too close. ‘Reborn? How could such a thing--?’

‘Be silent, please, my friend.’

And Gardorox did exactly that.