Among the quiet inn, the sound of mops and wipes echoes through. Seeing the waves of green weed waving from the late morning breeze. Contrary to the news I heard all seem to be peaceful and serene while I help out clean the second floor. I could see Yoo-Ah using water magic to wash the hard corners above and clean other places at the same time.
(Magic sure is convenient. But... I'm gonna work even harder! One at a time with the best I got to finish my objectives!)
Following Yoo-Ah's efficient tips, I decided to work twice as fast when she approaches me asking:
"Hey, Sova."
"Yea?"
"Do you have any plan after you finish working here?"
"Oh? Now that you ask, I was planning to save up money."
"So you're planning to work huh? Say, do you have any interest in being an adventurer? You said you can fight pretty well right?"
"Adventurer? I was thinking of being a Hunter since I was training to be a Hunter for a year."
"Eh!? But Hunters sucks!"
"B-But why? My Sister is a Hunter and I thought she was pretty cool."
"You actually think so? My big brother was supposed to be cool. But he sucks now after being a Hunter."
(Brother? She yelled at him for being useless. She must hate her brother or she doesn't like Hunters... Or both?)
She wipes the pillars in a flash with her water mastery and continues saying:
"Besides, Hunter Training is taken from Adventurer training so they just plagiarised the Adventurers with the only difference being that they train you more on how to fight than survive. So you should just join the Adventurer Guild right now since the Hunters have almost no influence here."
"I'll think about it."
I answer her back as I wonder where does all the hate originate.
"Hey, just making sure, you can read and write right?"
"Well-"
"Alright you two, time for some breakfast!"
"Eh?"
"Coming! I'll ask later."
Yoo-Ah runs ahead first while I follow along. Seeing 3 plates filled with delicious-looking brown millets buried by a ton of meat and two large sunny sides up. Yoo-Sui wipes her hands and I look at the food asking:
"Again? But didn't I ate some time ago?"
"Hmph, those are not enough! So eat more since you'll be working hard, you need lots of energy!"
"I see, then thank you for the food, let's eat!"
"Yeah!"
While we both eat, Yoo-Sui takes a seat to eat as well saying:
"Make sure to not leave any grain so that your future partner's face doesn't look like your dirty plate okay?"
(Oh, so they say that too here?)
"Sis, no one believes that bullcrap."
"Mmm?"
"I mean no one believes such ancient superstition no more! And I'm already too old for that too! Chomp, chomp, chomp!"
Yoo-Ah replies while chowing down while Yoo-Sui holds her cheeks as she sighs looking at her. Noon arrives as the skies outside shine brighter than before from the window. I look out at the empty fields and seeing the water drying up faster.
"Well, it seems noon has arrived. I hope you two are ready for customers."
Yoo-Sui reminds us while looking at a pocket watch she pulls from her apron and I finish my meal replying:
"Yea! I'll do my best!"
"Me too! I won't lose to my junior!"
Yoo-Ah answers back energetically and I wonder if there would be anyone coming? I handed the plates over to Yoo-Sui and she grabs the other two plates and went back to the kitchen. I went to grab the bucket and other cleaning tools I use while Yoo-Ah helps me sort it out as I finish cleaning the tools. Moments pass and we were all now waiting at the long table. While I memorize the name of the food and drinks with Yoo-Sui while she also gives me some more nice tips about housework and efficiency.
Like when cleaning you're always supposed to start from the top, that includes when I shower or bath. And always wipe starting from left or right and continue down.
(I'm glad I learn more of that but lately, Yuria is the one helping me with the chores maybe I can tell her about this? Yea, when I return).
Still, I'm surprised she knows a lot about Owlian tips since most tips Zerian teaches are are how to use magic more efficiently. As I continue to ask what kind of the food here looks like, Yoo-Sui leans her elbow to the table asking:
"Say, Sova, from your looks you don't seem to be from this Frontier. After all blonde hairs like yours are usually from beyond the black line."
"Oh? Really? I thought it's pretty normal to have blonde hair."
(I mean the Beast-Kin I fought yesterday have blonde fur as well. Plus that bird-kin lady too has blonde hair).
I hold out the tip of my hair and continue saying:
"After all, I met someone with bright pink or bronze hair and my Sis even have a mix of three colours in their natural hair."
(Then there's May, Aunt and Sis Rubeca with emerald green hair, That Gallant Rat-kin... What was her name again? And that Student with long flowing crimson hair. And that one time Sis Rubeca helps me she change her emerald hair to blue. So I presume it's normal to have such a colourful variety).
"Eh? Really!? I can only wonder how that looked like! I mean I saw the Guardians of the Forest with blonde and silver fur and thought they were so pretty! And..."
Yoo-Ah jumps in to reply with a huge smile before her smile turns to a frown for a second and she perks back up with a brighter smile shouting:
"Still! Most people here only have black hair, I suppose the visitors from the Indara sometimes have blonde hair along with their brown skin. And most of them have green eyes... And the people from the Eclipse Empire have those deep blue eyes too which are also pretty nice! Then there's also the Tunya Truka people or whatever they're called all having purple hair. I wish I could have unique colours like them..."
"Yoo-Ah, don't say that. Our parents would turn in their graves listening to that. Just be grateful you have eyes to see."
Hearing Yoo-Ah's comment, I start to remember Jaya back at the underground clinic belonging to Ptelophy and nod to Yoo-Ah's comment replying:
"True. Looking at them seems to be pretty nice."
As I start to remember the bird-kin back at that party a few days ago. She pretty much looks like those exotic flightless birds called a peacock. Though I doubt she would be linked to them since she can fly and her family name says she's from the crane family...
Yoo-Sui looks at me from top to bottom and shakes her head in defeat before saying:
"Well, it's a shame that you work here during such a crisis. With your looks, like that smooth skin, hair and blonde feather eyelashes, even with that scar you would attract a lot of customers. You would be our pretty and cute adventurer mascot if possible. So regretful... Say where are you from, Sova?"
Yoo-Sui asks while Yoo-Ah walks away to wait near the door tapping her feet. I look back at Yoo-Sui replying:
"I was born in the Aologi Empire- oh, I mean the United States of Aologi."
"Oh? That's... I have no idea what's going on out there but those Owlian refugees keep saying stuff like the Empire is no more and the new regime was brutal when talking about why they run away but I never really give too much thought about it. You must have a tough time, sorry."
"Oh, please you don't need to. I don't know what happens there myself since I move out before I know it changed. Nor do I care too much. Sure I was born there but I spend more time here so I guess that's that."
(Hold on, since May is going to that Academy, wouldn't it be wise to care what the place is like? With so many refugees going out from there, I'm starting to worry what kind of hell hole has that place become?)
"Still, if you are born in the Aologi Empire, how did you learn to speak Hwansea? I heard that not many people outside the twin peninsula even know how to speak of it."
"This may sound weird but this is not my first time here actually. Or maybe I don't know which peninsula I visit but my precious childhood friend taught me how to speak both Hwansea and Pyoeo by learning the common synonyms and words they both use."
"Eh? You can do that!?"
*slam*
Yoo-Sui answers back shocked when Yoo-Ah returns shouting:
"What is it!? What did she say!?"
"Listen to this, Sova can speak both our language at once by speaking the same words from both the west and here."
"Eeeh!? So she can speak to both here and the west!? That's neat!"
"Why are you two so surprised? I thought the west and east could communicate just fine even when they haven't learned each other's language. I mean I learn from her that both the north and west was once a unified maritime empire with the same language and culture so that's why I can speak like this. And I even heard that they boast a stronger navy than the Confederation back when they are still around and their territories stretch more than 10 frontiers (However big that is) from colonies and ports."
"We are!? Sis, you're the smart one with scholarships! Is what she saying true!?"
"Um, I read most of the books in the royal tutelage but I never heard of us being united once. The biggest country this place ever got was when the Eo Empire created by the Mad King, Ing-Eo Sangun after he conquered both halves of the west and north before being crushed by the Wise King Jogeo combine with reinforcements from Heaven but that's it. And we've been fractured like this ever since."
(Heaven? Where's that? I'm starting to wonder what's going on outside the city in this Confederation? Or where does May even find these sources? Or where does she get her books? She said it's on the public archives but is it true?)
"Well, the fact I'm speaking to both of you like this is some proof no?"
"I guess that would explain your accent. Only the successor kingdom of that tyrant speak like you. To think they were speaking both languages at once. Pretty mind-blowing..."
(It is? I thought I was pretty easy to impress).
"Hey! Hey! what else do you know!? Or how many languages can you understand!?"
Yoo-Ah asks excitingly as she gets closer to me and I nod saying:
"I can understand around 8."
"Eight!? There are that many!? So the east and west, the common tongue those pompous worshipers use, and that Narcissistic People from Heaven using Runician, then Indara people's language... I-I can't believe there's more! How did people learn all that!?"
(Heaven again? And Runician in Heaven? Still, Indara frontier's language... I wonder how it sounds like? Jaya's from there but she speaks the common tongue).
"You must be pretty knowledgable, then again you have a family name. So that's not that weird."
"Sis! Sis! She's just like you but just a few language different!"
"Oh?"
I look at Yoo-Sui curious to what language she can speak and she scratches her cheeks bashfully replying:
"Oh please, after hearing from you, I suppose I only speak around 3."
"Really? What is it? I heard from Shifu that only people only speak either 1 or two most of the time."
"Shi-fu...? Ahem, anyways, it's nothing special. Both the Hwansea and Pyoeo, the common tongue and Runician that comes from heaven or around the Confederation. I suppose Runician is the common tongue in the Confederation."
(Heaven again...)
"Um, I'm sorry, but what's Heaven?"
They both looked at me shocked before Yoo-Ah asks,
"Um, say, Sova, where have you been living before coming here?"
"Oh me? I've been living in Rucina city-"
"Y-You're from Heaven!?"
*crash*
"Oh my!"
(Wait that city is Heaven? A bit too much is it not?)
Yoo-Ah backs away in panic which causes her to fall from her chair while Yoo-Sui hides her mouth. Yoo-Ah bent over and runs away weirdly behind the stand to pole her head out saying:
"Uh... To think you were from there. I guess that sword makes sense now! I mean it looks even fancier than the one the king uses!"
(Hearing Yoo-Ah sounding so weak feels a bit weird after hearing her shouting all the time).
"Um, I'm sorry but did I do something wrong?"
"Cut it out Yoo-Ah. You know she's not like them."
"I know! But..."
"Sigh, oh you..."
Yoo-Sui grabs and pulls the cowering Yoo-Ah from hiding to sit beside her. Yoo-Sui bows again saying:
"I'm sorry it's just that we didn't have any pleasant experience with people from Heaven."
"We!? All of the entire twin Peninsula is not having ANY pleasant experience with those egomaniacs! They're worse than most of our nobles!"
Yoo-Ah shouts back with anger and Yoo-Sui shakes her head and continues saying:
"Either way, most of the people from Heaven bring nothing but trouble when they visit. Especially when they start calling themselves from some Royal Family of some who knows Sectors and worse are from those Central folks who even the kings and Governors of both the Peninsula fear."
(What? Seriously, what's going on outside the city? I thought the inside of the city is full of conflict and problems but it seems there's more).
"Um, if you don't mind me asking. What did they do?"
They both look at me before looking at each other and shake their head. Yoo-Sui answers back by only saying:
"It's only best you see than hear."
(See? I look around before watching both of them and realize... Where are their parents? No way right?)
I hang my head saying:
"Sorry for asking."
"No, no, no, it's fine."
*krick* *krick*
*crunch* *crucnh*
*vroom*
As she answers back, my ears soon pick up something rushing at here at fast speed. From the sound and distance... This thing is big!
"Hide! I can hear something big is approaching here!"
"Huh!?"
"H-Hold on, what do you mean!? I can't hear anything!"
The sound travels quickly and soon stops at the front of this inn. I could hear something heavy dropping from the large one and I prepare for combat. The door opens slowly and both Yoo-Sui and Yoo-Ah hides behind the counter while I am ready to summon my weapon when,
"Sui Noona! I bring you supplies from my dad! I heard you ran out after helping those refugees!"
Someone enters carrying a large box that hides his upper body. When he places the box on the empty table to reveal himself to be a boy a few years younger than me,
"Eh? Soo-Li!? What are you doing out here!"
Yoo-Sui shouts in worry and rushes out of the bar to confront him while I sigh in relief.
"Don't you know how dangerous it is!? And besides, I didn't order any you know!"
"Aw! Aw! Aw!"
Yoo-Sui pinches his cheeks roughly and he brushes it off replying:
"I know, it's just that I know you need it! (And I just need to see you safe...)"
"Huh? Sorry, I didn't hear that last one."
"It's nothing!"
He answers back with a reddened face when he looks our way. He stares at me for a while until I tilt my head to say,
"Um-"
*pow*
He punches his face and fell all four whispers shouting:
"(No! My heart belong only to Unnie!)"
"Soo-Li! Are you okay? Why did you punch yourself?"
"It's nothing!"
"Sorry, it seems I was a bit harsh for nagging you but you don't need to punish yourself like that."
He shakes his head as blood leaks from his nose replying:
"It's not that, Noona!"
Yoo-Ah pole her head out saying:
"Sheesh if only she shares that sentiment went punishing me..."
"Ngh, anyways!"
The boy gets back up with his nose still bleeding and pats the giant box on the table saying:
"Here with this, it would at least last you for months even with full customers."
He proclaims proudly before Yoo-Sui shakes her head and grabs his head which causes him to burst in red. She wipes the blood off his blood with a napkin and clogs it up in regret replying:
"Even if that's true, I doubt I would need it right now with so little traffic. And to be honest, our budget is a bit tight to buy this much."
"E-Eh? No, I, um, then I'll give you a half price! We gotta help each other in this time after all!"
"That won't help you or your family at all. Here I'll just buy what I need that can be kept for long with what you bring okay?"
"O-Okay..."
He answers back dejected while Yoo-Sui opens the box to look inside. As he waits, he then looks at me and his stare slowly turns to a glare asking:
"Sui Noona, who is she?"
"Huh? Oh!"
Yoo-Sui turns around to look at where he is facing and gasp a bit. She then walks beside me and holds both my shoulders as to present me saying:
"Let me introduce you to our new one day worker. We found her shivering in the storm this early morning. Her name is Sova Anmao, isn't she just the cutest!?"
I stand to clasp my hand to continue saying:
"Nice to meet you."
He scratches the back of his head replying:
"Uh, yeah... The names, Soo-Li. nice to meet you too."
He then looks around before asking:
"Say, where's that pipsqueak Yoo-Ah?"
"Right here, you idiot!"
"Wah!"
She pounces out from behind the stand. With her hands on her waist which catch Soo-Li by surprise.
"Why did you do that!?"
"To surprise you, you dumbass! And welcome!"
He scratches his head replying:
"Sheesh, I can't have a peaceful moment if you're around."
"Hey!"
As they argue, Yoo-Ah picked up a bucket of things saying:
"I'll be taking these, how much would it be?"
"Oh! Let me see it! Hmm..."
He rummages inside the buckets before replying:
"Just for you, Sis, I'll let you have the Juan for free and the other like you said 50% off so that'll be 5 Wu."
"Really? You're always so kind to us, thank you Li but are you sure it's okay?"
"Of course! Anything for you!"
"I really can't accept that, have you eaten yet? Let me cook for you."
"C-Cooking from you, Noona? That would be great! Sure!"
"Then you will be our first customer for the day then, it'll be a special treat. Since it's already late afternoon, I suppose I can cook you two something as well."
(It is?)
Yoo-Sui winks at him and leaves carrying the bucket to the kitchen. Soo-Li was left baffled with a face redder than an Olanum...
"(He's having a huge crush on your sister huh?)"
I lean closer whispering to Yoo-Ah to confirm my suspicions and she leans close whispering back,
"(It's pretty obvious yeah? It's a bit sad that my sister is just treating him like a little brother)."
"(Owh...)"
"Hey, what are you two gossiping about!?"
"N-Nothing!"
Yoo-Ah shouts back while he takes a seat two chair beside me asking:
"Still, I know that Martial Law is in place but this is just sad. Where are all the people?"
"I know right!? I thought when I saw her shivering in the storm yesterday, the city has started to kick refugees out!"
"Wait what..."
(Kicking people out!? They can do that?)
I repeat the word softly as I remember what Yoo-Ah said about Martial Law. That's when Li smash his fist to the table saying:
"Wait don't tell me you're planning on serving the refugees right?"
"Of course we will! We're supposed to help them after all!"
"You realize that not only are they not going to give you anything in return, they are also the main reason the cities are full of crimes right? You're going to let them in your home!? What if they break and steal from you? Do you know how many times I heard those Northern War Refugees and Owlian refugees broke into someone's home in Meonbich!? Someone even died!"
(For someone who just offers a pretty generous prize (not that I know how much Wu is in Riaz), he says some very disturbing things).
"So are you telling me you're gonna abandon this girl in the storm then!?"
Seeing them argue and the flames of conflict rising I stand up and try to calm them down saying:
"Um, please calm down. You don't need to fight."
"Sigh, yeah, you two never change, one moment I'm gone and you two are already fighting."
"Noona!?"
"Sis!"
Yoo-Sui steps outside to help calm them down and both of them now give attention to her.
"You need to understand that not all people are the same. Take Sova for example."
She pats my head and continues saying:
"She offered to offer us help today since we saved her. Though I understand where you're coming from and you're worried for us but we'll be fine."
"But can you say most of those people are? I travel with my pops during his trips and I can confidently tell you that people will do the worst of things when they are desperate."
"Soo-Li..."
Yoo-Sui answers back with a dejected expression while Yoo-Ah hearing Yoo-Sui's explanation ponders for a moment before snapping her fingers shouting:
"Aha!"
"Huh? What is it?"
"I have an idea, can you let us use your transport? It's just for the day."
"Huh? What for!?"
Li answers back with hostility and Yoo-Ha simply walks closer replying:
"I need it to get to the city tomorrow! I've been called back to the guild it seems. It'll be great if you could help."
"Huh!? And why should I do that? And what were you thinking? If you go who will be with Sui-Noona!?"
"Yeah, what is it all of the sudden, Yoo-Ah? Didn't you say that you will refuse them?"
Yoo-Ah shakes her head with a smug saying:
"Hehe, well Sis, I was hoping that you would stay at uncle Gum-Soo's house for a while with Soo-Li."
"Really!?"
"Huh? Yoo-Ah, we talked about this."
Soo-Li's eyes travel to Yoo-Sui and back to Yoo-Ah as he shouts in shock and Yoo-Ah then continue saying:
"With how barren this place is, I thought I would help with the guild and earn some more cash to support us. But, I guess if he's so opposed-"
"No! Definitely she can stay!"
"But didn't you say-"
"Forget what I say! Sui-Noona, I'll gladly prepare a room for you!"
Yoo-Sui looks at the both of them worried and shakes her head saying:
"Yoo-Ah you don't need to force him to this. I'll be fine here-"
*slam*
"No! I can't let that happen! Don't you agree Soo-Li!"
"Urgh! I don't like you when you suddenly hatch a ploy like that but I have to agree!"
They both slam their hands to the table to answer back and Yoo-Sui backs away shocked replying:
"This is all so sudden and you know that would mean closing the inn... I'm worried about leaving it alone. And didn't you said all the Farm's room is full with your siblings?"
"Then I'll let you sleep in mine! I'll gladly lend you my bed! And isn't it safer since we're together out here?"
"Soo-Li... Sigh, I don't know what you're planning but what about Sova? You don't plan to leave her do you?"
"Ah! Don't worry, I'll accompany her to the city and guide her as she's planning to be an adventurer to earn money!"
"Huh? What are you saying-"
Yoo-Ah cover my mouth and continue saying:
"I'll guide her to be a proper adventurer! So please stay at Uncle Gum-Soo's house!"
"Like I said this is all a bit sudden. It's like you're trying to drive me away from our home."
Yoo-Ah swallows her lips before saying:
"That's right Sis, I'm worried about you staying out here. So I thought if maybe you're with Uncle Gum-Soo who is stronger than any High-Rank Hunters or Adventurers, I'll be more at ease. And since I'm inside the city I will also be protected as well, and Sova will come with me to help! Please agree with me just this once!"
(I don't have a say in this do I? But I am curious about this Adventurer profession that those two science people say back then. Are they so different? Now that I think about it, didn't Yoo-Ah said she stays out here because she wants to protect her sister?)
"Ah, so that's what it is... You should have said that from the start."
Soo-Li nods in agreement and Yoo-Sui close her eyes and nods saying:
"So I've been causing you so much worry all this time? It seems I am not qualified to be a proper guardian if I don't know how worried you are. Very well, if it helps to calm you down, I'll do it. But, what about you? I'm worried about your safety inside the city as well if what Li said is true."
"Hehe!"
Yoo-Ah smiles widely and pats both my shoulder saying:
"Don't worry, Sova will protect me! She said she had one year training as a Hunter so she could fight any of those refugees. And I'll stay inside the guild as much as possible Sis, so don't worry! Worse come to worse I'll ask gramps' help!"
(If what Soo-Li said is true I suppose I do need to protect her when I can).
"Hehehe! Look at you, all grown up to care for others like that. And you've probably been thinking about a solution for quite a while now too didn't you? I'm glad to have a sister like you. If you can do that much, I suppose I can follow your idea along. You don't mind right, Soo-Li?"
"Of course not! I'll gladly fight with my pops to let you stay if I have to!"
"You don't need to go that far, you dummy."
She pats his head which causes his face to reddened again and she then looks at me saying:
"Sova, I know we just met pretty recently and it may be foolhardy but... I'm begging you to please keep my Little Sister safe okay? Until this is all over at least."
She bows down deeply and I got caught in all this mess without being able to say anything, I sucked it all up and stand shouting:
"I promise!"
(Wait, what did I just say?)
She gets back up and shows a pleasant smile replying:
"Thank you. But we begin tomorrow, right? Shouldn't you return now to tell your dad?"
"Ah right!"
He was about to run when Yoo-Sui stops him by grabbing his arm saying:
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
She places a wrapped up lunch box in his hand saying:
"Don't forget your meal, and since you're going to help me out. This is on the house okay?"
(When did she prepare that?)
Yoo-Sui winks at him again which cause probably explodes his heart by this point with how many times he got a red face by this point. He holds it tightly and runs away shouting:
"Alright! See you tomorrow! I'll convince my pops and my whole family!"
"Wait, don't forget about the box you bring!"
Yoo-Sui warns him but he runs out the door as fast as possible ignoring her and the giant thing outside hastily moving away. She sighs but with a satisfied smile and going back to the kitchen saying:
"Your meal need to wait a bit longer okay?"
As she moves away from our view, I look at Yoo-Ah who is now looking like she had her soul sucked out of her. Worried I shake her shoulder saying:
"Yoo-Ah Unnie, you okay?"
"She... She actually agrees... HURRAH!!!"
"Wah!"
She gets up with an explosive energy that pushes her chair away. She then jumps to hug me tightly and rub her hair on my cheek shouting:
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
"Woah!"
I was almost knocked over as she makes me lean on my chair. Wondering what's happening since everything just went like that.
"Even though we met only for a while, I won't hesitate to call you my friend even in the afterlife!"
"But, I don't think I do anything-"
"Just accept it!"
I look at her giving me the brightest smile I've ever seen and I can't help but just go along for now. Before I can ask to inquire more about what makes such an event, Yoo-Ah keeps her grips tight on me as my face is squeezed between her chest. I could just easily force her to unhand me but I don't want to disturb her when she's so happy.
*************************************
Before I know it, night has arrived as I enter my room. Switching to the distributed clothes I'm more accustomed to wear and the clothes I end up with when washing ashore.
"Still, this is good. I think this might benefit me since I need someone to help me navigate this place. And having made friends today to rely on is not so bad either..."
I take a sit close to the window as I stare at the evening sky and remembering how eventful today was... Along with the information I can gather with what I heard. It seems that this kingdom is facing a very difficult time. But mostly internal problems.
(Then again, I wonder why they don't save up to move to another place? Or another country? Or don't tell me the entire peninsula is full of the same problem? Well, I think that can be one of the reasons- all right! Stop!)
"When did I start thinking so much like that!? Though, I wonder if I look cool doing it?"
I stare at the window to look at my reflection and be reminded of those mystery novels May shared with me where someone is always monologuing to himself in the novel and sometimes talk to himself with the mirror and gets angry and punch the mirror and it describes how much a monster of whatever he is. And say stuff like,
"I may protect you but... Who can something me, from myself!"
(I think that is what he says...)
*slam*
"Wah! I didn't say anything!"
(Maybe I should keep my keen senses on all the time? But if I do that I would go crazy by all the things I can hear... Kinda weird that sometimes my keen senses would turn on by itself though).
The one slamming the door open was none other than Yoo-Ah. Coming in wearing a thinner robe than before which defined her shape more. She waltzes in quietly with a pillow in her hands before sitting on the bed. Wondering why she comes, I sit beside her asking:
"Um, do you need something?"
She nods subtly and stays quiet for a while. As I waited and look around and wonder how much she heard, she looks at me replying:
"I just realize what I did that afternoon was pretty selfish."
"Huh?"
She lays down and rests with the pillow she brings saying:
"I guess I just want to say I'm sorry."
"Oh, I suppose that's fine. I mean I just realize with how I'm new here I guess it would be wise to understand the layout of this land."
She perks right back up hugging her pillow saying:
"Really!? You're not mad? I mean, you said you wanted to be a Hunter and I just said whatever I want!"
She yells hiding behind her pillow while peeking out. I try to calm her down saying:
"Yea-"
"You liar! Say you're angry! Because I would be if I was in your place!"
"Huh!?"
She bumps me with the pillow which doesn't do much but block my view.
"We just met and I did something like that! And you got yourself making some promise like that too! You know it's okay to just intervene right!? Like saying there must be a misunderstanding and just say no!"
I push her away easily with one hand and crouch my back to look down as I rest my elbows on my knees.
"I suppose you're right."
"Eh?"
"I probably want to say no since I don't want to involve myself in something too much since I have something else to do."
"See!?"
She slams the pillow down shouting and I slam her pillow and lean close saying:
"But! I just can't help, not to disturb you when you're so happy. And besides, I guess I'm just feeling lonely lately. Since to be honest, this is the first time I ever been alone with no one I know. So I suppose deep down I just want someone to travel together with like I always had even if that means compromising my llans a bit."
She backs away and looks at me like I'm disgusting saying:
"Ugh! When you say that you kinda remind me of my stupid big brother."
"Now that kinda hurts when I'm telling my feeling."
(Brother huh? I'm kinda curious but I suppose I can wait until she wants to tell me).
I hang my head dejected as I answer back and she softly hit the top of my head saying:
"I always thought I was too honest with everyone but I suppose I met my kind."
"I suppose."
I can't help but look down at myself thinking,
(I meant I can't say I'm an honest person... My situation and all."
"And do you know what I know more about people like us?"
"Huh? What is it?"
She pulls the pillow to cover my face. As I pull it off she appears standing before me saying:
"Is that you have many secrets to keep."
"Really?"
"Yeah! If I ask you what kind of colour your panties are you definitely won't tell me!"
Baffled as I feel my jaw kind drop to the ground, I can only wonder what's going on in her head as I shake my head saying:
"I don't wear panties and never have."
"Eh!?"
Her face reddened like an Olanum before she grits her teeth and grips her fist shouting:
"Why aren't you wearing any!? Don't you have any embarrassment!?"
"What do you mean?"
"I'm asking if you never wear any panties at all!? Do you go around without underwear all the time!?"
"Of course I wear one!"
"Well, that's a relief! Wait! So what kind of underwear are you wearing!?"
She shouts back before she stops and backs away to take the chair near the window and sit asking:
"Nevermind, are you really gonna be an adventurer?"
Hearing her I was about to answer when she looks away saying:
"Like I said, you can lie and just say no. I can lie to my Sis that you're still close to me-"
"Don't say that! I don't know if you know this but if Rucina city. The place you call Heaven people there never make promises. You wanna know why?"
"Cause they're greedy jerks? I mean that's what they are."
I shake my head replying:
"It's because they never break them. I indirectly promise your sister I will protect you so I will do that until this is all over!"
(And I gotta somehow fix what I messed up. I don't know how to heal but at least... I can hunt that monster and ease this place).
"So for your question, I'll be an adventurer like you said if you say they're not so different. And I was hoping to get to learn the land more by taking on adventuring missions, so I hope you can help me out."
She stares at me in surprise for a while before she nods shouting:
"Thank you! I'll definitely help you out and be the best receptionist for you!"
"Sure! Looking forward to your help."
She then sits beside me asking:
"Say mind telling me about Heaven? Like where do you live and what is it like living in there?"
I answer back, retelling back what I remember and saw as I travel and how we live like districts and roads along with how the city has levels as well. As I continue to explain and the soft lantern light flicker, it seems she's planning on spending the night in this room.
(Kinda make sense since she's bringing in her pillow but... There's only one bed here so don't tell me she's sleeping on the same bed!?)