The atmosphere in the teahouse grew cold and heavy.

I had tried to ask as calmly as possible, but judging by the turtle’s expression and his labored breathing, it seemed my words had landed differently than I intended.

A slight tremor ran through his beard.

Though his narrowed eyes weren’t entirely visible, they were unmistakably focused on me, and even the staff he gripped was trembling.

The turtle, who had previously displayed mild irritation, now seemed completely transformed.

Had I made a mistake? While I quietly observed him, he finally spoke, breaking his long-held silence.

“What… what did you just say?”