Chereads / Liberum Mundi / Chapter 95 - Stranded, Broke, and Fulfilled. (Part 4)

Chapter 95 - Stranded, Broke, and Fulfilled. (Part 4)

Yoo-Ah swoops in to cover me with her arms spread out shouting:

"Hold it right there! You can't be serious!"

"Get out of the way, you shall have your items returned, all reparations accounted, and I'll apologize to you and your family for all the trouble you have suffered. You are a victim in this, not like her."

"But she is a victim too! You can't be serious for defending herself!"

"That would be okay if she didn't try to apprehend them."

(Wait, is he the one that shoot?)

"Apprehend!? She's an Owlian who can't even use that fancy soul thing! So don't kid with me! The laws here are stupid! There! I offend the God-King's authority! Now arrest me too!"

(Soul thing? Is that what they call qi? Wait, she can sense qi? Does that mean Yoo-Ah is a Martial Artist as well?)

Yoo-Ah shouts back to his face and the Colonel shakes his head with a frown replying:

"Listen here, girl. I'm merely following the laws and I doubt that insult would count if you didn't say it to his Majesty's face with evil intentions. Don't worry, she will only undergo questionings and a few weeks in prison to repent since she didn't touch them."

"Huh?"

Yoo-Ah face went blank before I sigh saying:

"It's okay, Yoo-Ah. I'll follow him along. It's my fault for not knowing about the rules here as well and resort to violence too quickly..."

(Maybe I should follow his word and reevaluate my morals. But do I need morals against people like them?)

"No! That makes it even more outrageous! Is she going to be punished for something she doesn't even know is wrong!?"

Yoo-Ah yells again to defend me but is easily shut down with,

"If that is the case, then she will only need a few days in prison since the perpetrators are those two. Though it would be better if she just defends herself since she will go there either way for the intention of harming the Gods with Bloodline ability."

(I never knew my Sister's word would save me now when all it did was bring endless trouble... Hmm, wait could he be saving me from more trouble by preventing me from apprehending them myself?)

"I promise you with Hanwa's blessing on me that I will personally make sure that the events happening outside won't repeat ever again."

He beats his chest as he swears to calm her down but Yoo-Ah with a pained expression nods replying:

"Rrrrgh I hate this so much! Fine! Then at least, please let me say something to her!"

Hearing her plea, he sighs and closes his eyes replying:

"Very well, you have until the soldiers arrive to take her away."

He walks away after saying his cue dragging the armless soldiers. Yoo-Ah walks to me with her shoulders low saying:

"Sova... I'm so sorry for being so helpless..."

Hearing Yoo-Ah voice being so weak as she stroke her arm with the other. I shake my head replying:

"No! Don't say that! You're already more than helpful! It's just that I seem to draw the short end of the straw. But don't worry, if what he says is true about only being a few days then I'm sure you can visit me soon-"

"Conversations over, follow me."

The Colonel returns with soldiers behind him. I look at him saying:

"Please just a moment."

I hand Yoo-Ah my bag and shovel saying:

"If you can, please prepare me a place where I can stay. I can count you on that right?"

Yoo-Ah looks at me surprised and sucks up her guilt shouting:

"Of course! Leave it to me! I'll prepare a room for you! And the papers as well for you to register! I'll even prepare a plan for you to tour the city even in this situation!"

I smile and she takes my items when a soldier walks beside her saying:

"Please follow me."

Yoo-Ah waves goodbye and I wave back until she disappears. The Colonel walks beside me saying:

"Now, would you follow?"

"Thank you for waiting. Please lead the way..."

*************************************

Time passes by while I wait, similar to the room back when they try to interrogate me. I look at my hands and turn them back and forth to pass time and lean back to swing my legs back and forth. Looking up, I saw the dim light shining on the room as I wonder if there will be one day I could just travel to a place with no conflict or trouble.

(Cause now I know that no matter where I go, problems seems to crop up).

*click*

The steel door behind me drags open and I look back to see the colonel enter wearing a proper uniform now.

(I wonder if every rank gets a uniform? Well, not like I know how the military works).

"Sorry for the wait, it seems those two and their gang cause more trouble than I thought."

"H-Huh? O-Okay?"

I answer back wondering why he apologised. He takes a seat across from me and starts to take out a small box in his hand and press a button before placing it down.

"Now, I won't beat around the bush. Who are you? And what are you doing here?"

"Um... My name's Sova Anmao and I suppose I'm here to register as an adventurer and save up money."

I answer back honestly as to my goals as of now and he takes a deep breathe in and continue saying:

"So you want to play it that way? Honestly, I would've just let you run free."

"Free? So are you saying I shouldn't even be here?"

"That's right."

"So why not just let me go? I don't wish to cause any trouble-"

*smash*

He slams his fist to the table and glares at me replying:

"No trouble huh? I may be young in the army but I live long enough to know what Master Martial Artist do."

"M-Master?"

"Don't fuck with me! I saw the way you move and I know too damn well where they come from! I fought the Horse and Rabbit Sector to know how they use their foot techniques! Only masters of those techniques can move without qi, so there's no way someone who doesn't know qi uses a technique that needed it in the first place!

"Oh?"

(I suppose I copied Sis Rubeca's footwork. I didn't know they were from the horse and rabbit. Now that I think about it, I can only follow her move when I unlock my qi... I never knew I used qi back then or now with my footwork).

"Are you still playing dumb? Then just answer me this simple question. What's a Master Mixed Martial Artist doing running around pretending to be a weak Owlian!? Are you acting weak so you can kill people in the streets for offending you!? Are you trying to look weak so you can slaughter those beneath your cultivation!? You're more pathetic than those 2 if you are!"

"Wha!?"

He stands up and continues asking:

"What's your objective!? And that sword... Who are you, really!? Answer me honestly! I don't want another disaster walking around this country when we have more than enough to deal with!"

Overwhelm by his flurry of questions I can't help but try to lean back even if I can't.

"Like I said, my name's Sova Anmao... And I'm just an Owlian who lived in Rucina city most of my life."

I answer back but he then starts to move, my eyes follow him until he stops behind me saying:

"Let's change the question then."

Raise his hand and a girl enters the room carrying my bladeless sword. As she hands it to him, he pats her hand and tells her,

"Thank you, Ri-Mi."

"No problem!"

She salutes him and leaves when he places the sword infront of me asking:

"Who do you work for? From the crest in that sword, you're from the Phoenix Sector aren't you?"

Since I don't want this to drag on, I nod saying:

"That's right, I live in the Phoenix Sector. And as for my job... I guess I'm a diplomat?"

I try to leave the Silencer part since I knew that it would only explode in trouble. He lets go of the weapon and sits across me again replying:

"Diplomat? I suppose what would explain how you speak our language... Fine."

He takes a deep breath before letting it go saying:

"I don't know how you learn a technique from multiple Segmentums away or if it's true that you're from the Phoenix or not but let me just ask you this then..."

He clasps his hand and stares deep into the windows of my soul before asking:

"How and when did you get here? Answer me honestly and I'll let you go free tomorrow."

"Huh? How and when did I get here?"

"That's right! Even among all those numerous refugees, they have no account of someone like you! Especially with your looks and sword, at least the border guards would definitely remember you! Especially recently with this ridiculous threat roaming around!"

(Oh I guess this could help me).

I lean forward replying:

"I don't know if you'll believe me if you can't even trust what I said before."

"Just say it..."

He replies with a calm voice hiding his fury. I nod and continue saying:

"I arrived here around... 4 or 3 days ago? I can't remember but at least it hasn't been a week."

His eyes widened as confusion surface from his expression saying:

"That recent?"

"Right, and how I got here... Well, I was travelling by boat you see."

"B-Boat you s-say?"

He asks while stuttering and I nod and continue saying:

"Yes, a boat from the Theocracy, I was a passenger on a ship that's heading to the Theocracy."

"Hold on..."

He grasps his hands tightly as I could hear him grinding his teeth before saying:

"Continue..."

"Alongside me were two of my friends who are supposed to tag along. And not only that, we were travelling with some orphans and a priest when a light appears and destroyed the ship."

"H-Hold it! What did you just say!?"

"Something destroyed my ship?"

"That's impossible! We have no reports of a ship sailing our controlled waters for the past 2 months! And especially a ship from the Theocracy carrying children would definitely be on the top of the reports! And those admiralties would ask for some help patrolling the coast and waters! Don't you lie to me!"

"I'm not! If you head to the beaches I got stranded on you could still find the ship's remain wash on shore!"

"What!? Hold it... No... It can't be... Aaargh!"

*smash* *smash*

He ruffles and mess up his tied up hair and slams his fist to the table before continuing to punch through the walls, obliterating it as I could see soldiers in shock as to what happens beyond it.

"C-Colonel?"

One of the soldiers that's gathering asks when he punches the ground shouting:

"Fuuuck! Where did you get stranded!? Tell me! Tell me now!"

He then grabs the collar of my shirt and pulls me close to yell and I try to back away

"I-I don't know! It's just some beach near some forest! But I was able to reach the city of Mohyusig by travelling the forest, maybe it's there?"

He throws me away as I hit the wall and he walks out the walls he smashes shouting:

"I won't take any chances! Ri-Mi!!!"

He shouts from the top of his lungs as his voice seems to make my ear sting when the little girl appear beside him asking:

"W-What is it, sir!?"

"Take my squad and search the entirety of the eastern beach immediately! If you encounter said monster, avoid it at all cost and just tell me what you find there! Either some rackage on the shores! Or Corpses near the shallow waters! Anything!"

"N-Now, sir? But-"

"Do it now!"

"Y-Yes! I obey!"

She quickly runs away in desperate as she almost trips while the Colonel rubs his temple and looks back at me and the gathering soldiers saying:

"What are you gawking at!? Get back to work!"

"Y-Yes we obey!"

The soldiers scatter and he walks back in grabbing a chair to sit saying:

"It seems there's a conspiracy in motion here... Fuck, what is that bitch doing!? Does she not know what the Heavens can do!? Sigh... Say you said you're from the Phoenix Sector yeah?"

"Yea."

I nod and he sighs again saying:

"I want to keep you here and ask for more details but If you really are a diplomat of that Xenophobic Sector. I'll be asking for more trouble if they realize their "diplomat" is not returning. Fuck... How did we get to this mess!"

He clenches his fist with rage before he looks at me saying:

"I'll use my resources to send you safely back to Heaven with gifts and reparations to the Phoenix Sector. We'll make sure this problem is solved, including what you said about the Theocracy."

"Huh?"

(Wait send me back? That would be for the best but... Why does it feel wrong?)

"This seems to be our fault. We'll take responsibility and try to defuse the situation and that is to send you back and explain the situation when we confirm all the information. Or even better yet we can let you speak and explain yourself by far communication."

"W-Wait-"

"Wait for what!? We're now in deep shit here! You have no say in this! Or are you actually lying and haven't told me all?"

He stands and causing the chair to tumble over. I follow my worse guts feeling trying to reject replying:

"I did! But..."

"But what? Don't tell me you want to stay!? Don't you have something better to do!? Aren't you on a mission or something going to that ship!? You have no reason to be here!"

He yells at me from a high ground but I shake my head and stand to him replying:

"You're right! But that's not true either! I do have something to do here! And I won't let any unfulfilled promises be broken!"

(Not this time...)

"Promise? Did you promise something to that girl? Sigh..."

The Colonel hides his face behind his hand before saying:

"And what's with the right but not true either? Make up your god damn mind!"

He slams his arm to the wall and corners me as he looks down saying:

"Listen here, you brat! Do you expect me to let another time bomb loose!? And so what if it's a promise? I don't give a whale's cum about that.

And what about your friends that tag along with you? Are they alive aren't you going to find them? What about the kids you're telling me about? Don't you want to go home? And what's with being an adventurer about?"

(I can't argue with him as he is right. In the end, I am aiming to go home and the reason why I followed Yoo-Ah because I need information and save up money with her help... But).

"Colonel."

"What is it now?"

"Do you know how much the people of Xin value a promise?"

He backs away and folds his arms replying:

"I suppose they say a lot. But how can I trust you? Or are you even from Heaven?"

(Urgh! I don't know why I'm doing this but! Fudge it! I won't go home yet!)

I try to think up a bluff and just roll with it asking:

"My sword and the fact I can use qi is proof enough no? Also, have you ever heard anyone who came from Heaven promising anything?"

"Of course I..."

He stops midway and turns around whispering,

"(I... I definitely did... No, those Royal families who came here never promised anything either. But Huaxi back then... She promised me and she even followed it till...)

"Well?"

"Shut it, kid!"

"I won't! I PROMISE you, that I will do my best and not cause trouble here! In fact, I'm here to help! The reason why I wish to stay is to help kill the monster roaming this place and protect Yoo-Ah! I'll gather my own money by being an adventurer and when I'm done, I'll leave this place peacefully. Just please let me do this on my own, and fix my wrongdoings!"

His face loosens to a tired expression as he back away to sit at the rubble he causes.

"Your wrongdoings? Sigh... I don't what you mean but if a Mixed Martial Artist wishes to help, I won't say no. But... You promised huh?"

"That's right!"

He stands up brushing his pants off the dust. He ponders for a while looking at the ground before replying:

"Very well, it's your own decision what happens on your end is not my problem. And I can show them the tape if they told me I'm lying."

(Wait, he actually...)

"But remember, if I find you making it worse. I'll find you and I'll end you myself!"

Even as he's threatening me, I can't help but smile at my surprising feat replying:

"Of course! Thank you so much! Oh, and if you don't mind. Can you tell me your name? I said it before, but I'm Sova Anmao."

He sighs again and walks to the ruins of the table to take the box he brings and press it again replying:

"I suppose that's appropriate since I'll need to talk to you for more information and confirmation when you're staying here. I'm the Colonel of the 2nd Royal Army, Pearl Bone Angae Song-Iseon."

(Bone again? Is that like the rank of a person?)

"Say, I'm serious when I ask about your companions. Aren't you worried? Especially the children?"

(Oh? Maybe he's kinder than I thought?)

I nod agreeing with him replying:

"I am but what can I do about that? I can only hope since I didn't find any of them when I woke up. As for my companions... They're all stronger than me, I'm sure they're alive if I am."

"Sigh... What am I agreeing to? And are you sure you want to stay? Just... Just go home, seriously. This country is in chaos, with the Bloodline Families finally letting their egos explode, the king too weak to rule outside his huge ass capital and keep his subjects in place, along with a True Monster rampaging outside, and many many more I can't count. And now there's you and the problem you bring."

"I won't go back on my word!"

(And this is my chance to take some responsibility! I am partially to blame what happens at Mohyusig. If I can't follow my own words and fix my own mistakes, how will I ever make trust my own decisions).

He nods with a tired smile replying:

"I still have my doubts and suspicion about your origins and testimony until she returns but..."

He looks at the bladeless sword poking out from the rubble and picks it up saying:

"Let me ask you this if you really believe they're alive, don't you want to have a search order? Like, tell me their description? They could be stranded like you here."

"Oh! You're right! You would?"

"Of course! Just like you, your companions are also ticking time bombs! Now, why don't you tell me now?"

He presses the button on the box and I look around asking:

"You're not going to write it?"

"I'll do it later, and don't worry this device can capture your voice just fine."

"That's very neat-"

"Just describe them already!"

"Y-Yes!"

I started telling him about Saya and Sis Fei's description and he nods and soon presses the box again asking:

"So, a rat-kin with ruby red eyes that look like a little girl, and a girl the same age as you with triple coloured hair?"

"That's right!"

"Well, you got quite the party. Still, this is not far fetched from what I've seen from Heaven. Sigh... With how eye-catching they are I'm sure the border guards would remember them. But if they don't I'll try to find them if I have time or convince the lazy capital garrison to do it."

"Really? Thanks!"

"Don't thank me yet, Sova. Wait here as I call in the guards to bring you to your cell. As thanks for your cooperation, you shall be released tomorrow."

He walks out through the wall he destroyed with my sword in hand and I can't help but realize,

"Oh? Wait that quick?"

"What? You want to be kept longer?"

He turns around and I quickly shook my head saying:

"No, no, no! I'll leave tomorrow!"

"That's what I thought. Stay and don't try to leave here until the guards arrive!"

"Yes!"

"Oh, and one more thing."

"Y-Yes?"

He points at me saying:

"Since you're joining the Adventurers Guild. I suggest you don't show any of your qi."

"Huh?"

"It's to prevent any more trouble coming your way! Unlike Heaven, there are only a few Martial Artists out here, heck in the world! Mostly from royalty and prominent nobles of the Confederation or Prominent Allied Capital Families. Since you already went out of your way to hide it all so you better not cause any surprises. Got it!? Or you'll be dealing with those egomaniacs and more!"

"G-Got it!"

(Royalties and prominent noble only huh? I heard that from someone but... I can't remember... And she did say she's gonna be a Hunter here and give herself a new name... I feel quite bad forgetting about it. Still, what's an Allied Capital Family? Is it another royal thing? So many confusing terms to learn...)

He nods and looks at the damage his done and shakes his head whispering,

"(Oh, boy... How much will I pay and get nag for this?)," before leaving my sight.

I look around the room and see the damage he caused as well. From the table and wall. I then realize,

"Is he bringing my sword with him? I just hope he returns it tomorrow-"

"Oh yeah, one more thing."

"Wah!"

I back away as I see him poke his head out before he points at me again saying:

"Just making sure here, you're not allowed to leave this city without my permission. Got it?"

"Y-Yes...?"

"You can find me or ask of me by contacting someone on the barracks or walls. Hmm better yet... Well, just enjoy your stay."

Now leaving for real this time as I realize I can't even hear his footsteps at all.

*************************************

I stood above the clouds, yet the sun still so far away. What lays beyond is what I can describe as Heaven. And uncharted land free of all life and influence. A new earth, a paradise, the light on top of the hill. It was glorious, it was bliss and joy.

"A new hope... A new... Free World. From no past or future, the utopia... Shall be within my reach."

An unknown hand embezzled by the utmost beautiful jewels and artefacts reach out to the sun as I could hear an unknown voice speaking in a foreign yet... Understandable tongue. Just as how it appears, it soon fades with the blue horizon drenched in blood and smoke. Lands scorch with flames and rapture, and the best way to describe it is as if someone or something has raised hell on this place. I stood now not from the tip of the world but at the banner of countless giants marching against the beacon of light, a majestic robed knight in shining armour spreading his 12 wings unto the red sky.

*clang* *clang* *clang* *clang*

"Hey, wake up!"

*************************************

With a wake-up call, the visions I had faded away while I open my weary eyes to look at the source. A single guard bangs on the bars again before saying:

"Get up! Someone's here to meet you. You've slept the moment you enter till now!?"

I slowly get up and stretch my arms-

*clang* *shatter*

"What the!?"

The cuffs on my arms break apart as I unintentionally exert my strength which shocks the guards and stop him from opening the door.

(Now that I think back, the Hunters back at Central didn't even cuff me at all didn't they?)

Shocked, he backs away pointing his rifle at me shouting:

"What do you think you're doing!?"

"Huh? Sorry, I didn't mean to... Wait, someone wants to meet me?"

"Don't make me repeat my self and get back!"

"I'm sorry... Like I said yesterday it was a bad idea to do it no?"

"Shut up!"

He yells back and throws another cuff saying:

"Wear it or you won't get out!"

"Isn't it pointless by now? Hwaaah~"

I ask back but the yawn sleeps out when he smashed the butt of his rifle at the bars shouting:

"Just wear it!"

"Sigh..."

Following his instruction, I try putting on the cuff myself as the previous cuffs remaining beside it. Now wearing the cuffs on my hand and present to him, he decides to open the door shouting:

"Get off the bed! And follow me!"

I can't help but disagree calling the pile of straws a bed but... I got up, use the faucet to wash my face and fully wake up. Feeling the ice-cold water piercing my skin and look at the tiny hole in my cell.

Unlike the place I was locked up before, this place looks so much better but also unlike the previous cell the worst thing here is the unavoidable sight of the refugees outside. And even if I try not to look, their voice will always creep in every time I close my eyes and try to sleep. It makes my insides beg me to do something to help them. I shake my head and wash my face once more to clear my mind of the thoughts before leaving.

(Sometimes I wish I don't have this gift but I can't help but be grateful to it as well for how much it helps me so far).

The guard then turns his back on me saying:

"Don't try anything funny. Got that?"

"Yea..."

I rub my eyes off the remaining dirt and he starts to move. I follow suit and look at the windows outside as I realize the sun is barely even up...

(Who calls for people this early? Could it be the Colonel? Or maybe Yoo-Ah?)

We walk for a while, passing through several bars and steel gates like the first time they led me. I look to my sides and see the empty cells as I wonder if I'm the only one here?

He then stops at a certain expensive-looking door embr3ded with gold and stands aside to let me in saying:

"You have 30 minutes and be quick about it."

He opens the door and I nod replying;

"Okay..."

When I enter the room, I can't help but notice the luxurious decors and furniture when someone quickly shouts:

"Sova! Thank goodness!"

It's none other than Yoo-Ah awaiting me beyond the glass barrier. She then bangs at the glass shouting:

"Don't worry Sova! I'll think of a way of getting you out of here!"

I shake my head and take a seat on one of the opulent chairs behind the glass replying:

"Um... I don't think you need to do that."

"Huh? W-What do you mean!? Are you planning on staying locked up!?"

"What? No! It's just that they'll be releasing me tomorrow... Which is today."

"Really!? You're not lying, are you!? They didn't tell you to say that right!?"

I scratch the inside of my ear with my pinky as my ears start to hurt from her constant early yelling.

"No, I'm not. The Colonel said it himself."

"And what if he's lying!? I mean did he said what time you'll be released?"

"I... I don't think he did."

"You dummy! Anyways! I already got you a room! Well, more like we'll be sleeping together when you finally get out!"

"Oh! Thank you- Wait what?"

"The dorms from the guild is also full so we gotta share rooms. I hope you understand."

"Ah... Well, I guess that's okay. As long as we have a roof to block the rain I'll be quite satisfied."

"Glad you're understanding. But you shouldn't set your standards so low!"

"I see, still thanks a lot. To be honest I was actually quite lost and scared about what to do until I met you and your Sis. So thanks."

"Rrrgh! Damn glass wall! I need to hug her!"

*slam*

Yoo-Ah hits the glass wall before she slams her head to the glass wall saying:

"Anyways! I'll be preparing and helping with some stuff with the guild. So, until you get out I'm here to give you some presents."

"Oh?"

Yoo-Ah backs away and takes a sit. She rummages around her pockets before taking out something wrap in leaves and slides it in the small gap in the glass wall that I didn't realize was even there.

(I feel like this isn't how prisons are supposed to be. Doesn't this mean people could just give the prisoner whatever they want?)

"Here! It's one of the food from the bakery I told you about yesterday."

"Really? Thanks! Wait, we can eat here?"

"Of course! But only here. So eat it quickly."

"Alright, thanks! You're too kind."

(I mean to worry about someone she barely knows... Still, I didn't get to eat dinner yesterday nor did I get to eat anything after waking up so this is a lifesaver).

I open the leaf and see a colourful array of biscuits powdered with white sugar.

"Woah! This looks nice!"

"Of course! We're talking one of the best bakers in the country, so even if the package doesn't look nice doesn't mean the food won't!"

"Let's eat then! Oh, you want some?"

"Sure do! I'll take the purple one please!"

Yoo-Ah picks up the purple biscuit and I take the green one and give a bite...

"Yum!"

(A bit like eating semi-solid powder but it all melts easily thanks to my saliva that spread the unique sweet taste everywhere! What kind of sweet is this?)

"Tasty isn't it? By the way, have some tea while you're at it. These sweets easily make your mouth dry."

"Thanks!"

Yoo-Ah pulls a long metal bottle from a small pouch and pours in a hot tea on the cap which looks like a small cup.

(Oh! To think there's a magic tool that can not only keep water but preserve the heat and make a cup! Magic items sure are convenient).

As I took the cup and the scent of the tea lingers close. I can't help but smile at this breakfast while sipping the tea with the cuffs still on my hand.

"Smells pretty nice... Just making sure, is this the bitter one?"

"Course not! Only old people like bitter tea and that bland one as well! What? You like bitter tea!?"

"Oh no, not at all. It's just my Sis likes the bitter one than sweet."

"Weird taste. I mean what's the point of drinking tasteless tea and bitter tea, if all you do is smell it? then just smell the leaves or drink regular water am I right!?"

"I guess..."

"Wait, you have a Sis too Sova? Right, you did say it yesterday, So! What's she like? Does she have blonde hair like you?"

"Oh, no. We're not related by blood. But as for hair colour goes, one has emerald green hair while the other has a mix of three colours."

Yoo-Ah leans back on her chair, looking up at the ceiling replying:

"Woah! Wait so you have two!? The one said back then were your sisters huh? I'm curious to see what it's actually like. They must be very pretty."

"Pretty huh? I guess you're right."

(I never really thought much but people will easily call them gorgeous and beautiful ladies huh? Especially Sis Rubeca and Sis Fei. I wonder if they have anyone they like? But I need to make sure no bad people date them!)

"Talking about being pretty, you're very cute too! Ever dated anyone Sova?"

"Eh me? Well yes..."

I start to remember back my time with May as I wonder what it's like to date someone. May's option was using some kind of guide which makes our activities a bit stiff...

"As expected! It would be weird for a girl as cute as you to not date someone!"

I look at Yoo-Ah a bit surprised as I try to observe her. I can't help but ask,

"But you're pretty too, Yoo-Ah Unnie. Sure you have common brown eyes and black hair but you have fair skin, smooth hair, and a small face. You're very pretty too."

"Really? Hehe~ hearing that from someone pretty makes me happy!"

(Yup! Kinda weird to be talking about this with girls... I mean I know I talk about this with May's friends back then as they talk about those popular guys in books but... I rarely talk with guys so I wonder what they talk about? Closest would be Kokkan and Nicole but I can't say Nicole talks about what many people are interested in).

"What about you, Yoo-Ah Unnie? Don't you ever date someone?"

I decided to ask back and Yoo-Ah leans back on her chair. With a confident smile, she folds her arms replying:

"Heh! O-Of course I h-have! I-In fact, my peers call me the Date Master!"

Her voice shakes in the middle as her smile cracks but I smile back and follow along saying:

"I don't know what that is but you're amazing!"

"That's right!"

Yoo-Ah shouts back as her cracked smile to a smug and her nose seems to grow longer. Soon, the air is filled with the scent of tea and sweets, the cold room filled with smiles and cheers. It's a bit hard to believe that I'm still in jail if it wasn't for the cuffs still binding my hands.

*knock* *knock* *knock*

The sound of knocking is heard from the door on Yoo-Ah side as it opens and the Captain who got shot yesterday comes in saying:

"Alright, times up, Yoo-Ah. Pack up."

"Awwww! Already!? Fine!"

Yoo-Ah picks up the remaining leaf and bottle and places them on her bag before turning around asking:

"Say is it true that you'll release her today!?"

He nods saying:

"Yes, pretty early like 8 or so, so I think you can wait around here if you want."

"Really!? Alright then! I guess I can wait! Thanks, Gija-Ssi!"

"No need, I'm just repaying back for helping me yesterday. Come, I'll guide you to the waiting room."

"Alright! See you soon!"

Yoo-Ah waves back at me as I hear the door behind me opens. I wave back until the door close and the soldier who enters says,

"Alright, follow me back to your cell!"

I nod and stand up replying:

"Alright. Lead the way."