*splash*
"Aah~ this feels so nice!"
Pouring a huge bucket of warm water over my soapy body. Steam covers the whole bath as my mind fly thinking,
"This is life~"
Peacefully I enjoy the feeling of hot water pouring down my body. Washing the remaining shampoo and dirt off my long hair, I take another pour to soak in the pure bliss. As I hop a few time to clean myself off the droplets I look at the thing that caught me most here. The green bathtub with rosy water.
*Splash*
Taking this chance I jump in with no one around. The surplus of water pours out while I enter and so deep is the colour of the water I couldn't see below at all. There's even a statue of gold and white whale in the large bath letting out the red bathwater from the holes in their back.
(Woah! So this is the adventures dorm bath? It's so luxurious! I wonder why is no one using this right now?)
From the moment I enter the changing room until I finish the shower, no one seems to be around... I start squinting my eyes to the mist wondering if this is the same situation with Mitsuru. Knowing it's safe, I spin around, resting my head and arms on the stone fence that's keeping the water in. It was already dusk when we exit the guild and surprisingly, the dorm of the guild is right beside the Guild main building. This place is literally a huge resort!
(I wonder why isn't the Hunter Guild like this? I feel like I would join even without Sis telling me about it).
*Creek*
Hearing the door beyond slide open I quickly try to hide wondering who it could be. After all...
(This is still the female's bath...)
"Sova, you here!?"
Her voice echoes loudly on the empty bath and I let a breath of relief since it's someone I know but...
"I'm here! I'm already on the bath!"
"Oh!? That's quick! Then hold on, I'm gonna shower first!"
*Tap* *Tap* *Tap*
Yoo-Ah voice echoes loudly along with her steps when I finally see the silhouette of her body. I quickly turn around as to not see anything while I hear her footsteps getting closer,
"Got ya! Wow, your skin is so soft! And your hair is so smooth too!"
"W-waah! Wait! Aren't you gonna take a quick wash?"
Yoo-Ah manages to grab ahold of me by wrapping her hand around my neck. She tightens her grip as my head dive between her breast before replying:
"After checking on you first! Our Star Child!"
"Okay! That's enough!"
I push her away gently and try to back away, trying to avoid looking at her as well. Peddling my way deeper to the bath.
"Aw! Aren't you shy? Then wait up cause I'm gonna catch ya!"
*Tap* *Tap* *Tap*
Yoo-Ah walks away with the sound of her steps echoing throughout. Hearing the showers turning on, I take a safe distance, swimming on a near corner asking:
"Say, I've been wondering but what's a Star Child anyway? I mean people been calling me that since we're going out of the guild?"
"Hehehe... Sorry, that might've been my fault. But for your question, the Star Child is like a legend or fairy tale of sorts. But don't worry! It's a good kind!"
"Oh? What's it about?"
"Right, you're not from here. Okay then, listen well-ack!"
*Splash*
"Are you okay?"
I swim closer to my original place and when I see her bare back, I quickly turn around again as I hear her replying:
"Nah, don't worry! Just got some shampoo in my eyes. I should've brought my bath hat with me..."
*Scratch* *scratch* *drip* *drip* *swoosh*
Maybe it's the silent baths but it seems my ears can't help but pick up the faintest sound.
"So, the Star Child, it's a tale before this kingdom was even formed. It's a tale of a boy born of a falling star. The boy's rock was fished out of the rising waves by a poor fisherman... Um and... Ah! Let's just say it's a tale of a destined hero, grand dreams and always make sure to help anyone in need! Of course, it's also about doing the impossible and succeeding!"
"I see... Now I'm even more curious about the story."
(Like from what she said he must be a rising hero).
"I mean this is the first time I heard of a story of someone born from something."
(Talking about folktales, I only know the public tales. I don't really know the local tales from my Sector huh?)
"If you're so interested then you can read about it in the 2nd-floor archives then."
"Oh? There's an archive up there? This place is getting more impressive the more I know."
"Of course! That's where you'll find the maps and data you need as well. Sharing your findings and discoveries would benefit everyone. Unlike those Hunters who keep everything for themselves."
(Badmouthing Hunter again...)
"Say, do you hate your brother that much? For you to hate Hunters like that..."
"Hmph, it's just not my brother, most Hunters here are all low lives and muggers who keep preying on the weak. In fact, hunting that monster is supposed to be their job! Not Adventurers!"
"Really? That's a bit hard to believe."
*Splash* *tap* *tap*
Silence answers me as I hear the sound of water pouring down and footsteps. Wondering what happen I slowly turn around and stop midway as I realize what I'm about to do.
"Hey!"
"Waah!"
*Splash*
Yoo-Ah appears beside me and jumps in. Causing the water to flow out more while I back away trying not to look.
"I feel like you're avoiding me. What? Am I too childish!? Huh!?"
"No! Not at all! It's just that I'm embarrassed to look!"
"Hah! Don't be! Look at me!"
"Uuuh... I guess you're very nice looking?"
I turn around pretending to look and try to praise her. But she comes close replying:
"Don't lie! I know I'm still growing! So keep that to yourself when you're even more pathetic than me!"
Yoo-Ah who's still standing looks at me for a while as I try to cover myself. But she rushes at me and grabs my hand to pry it open shouting:
"Let me see!"
"See what!? W-What are trying to do!"
"Aaargh! After seeing you lift those equipments, it makes sense I could barely give a fight!"
Yoo-Ah lets go and back away before slowly sitting beside me. I slowly inch away but she drags herself closer every time I move. Ending up in a corner, I finally stop when she sits beside saying:
"Then why don't we exchange stories? You tell me about your Hunter Sister and I'll tell you more about my brother! That is only fair!"
I ponder for a while before nodding along saying:
"I guess why not? I like to know more about my saviour too."
Yoo-Ah's face reddened and folds her arms looking away replying:
"(Saviour huh? Mhm mhm, that's got a nice ring to it). Alright then! You first!"
Yoo-Ah's hand then burst out from the red bath as she shouts and I can't help tilt my head replying:
"Eh?"
"Since you ask about it, of course, you gotta tell it first!"
"Uuh... I guess that's fine..."
(Since I'm prying her secrets, I suppose I can tell my own to be fair?)
I pull in and hug my legs. Looking at my reddened reflection at the waving baths, I close my eyes saying:
"Keep-"
"Hold on!"
Yoo-Ah stops me for a while before she stands up which prompted me to cover my eyes.
"Follow me! We're going somewhere more private! Or more like the main attraction of this Bathhouse!"
"Eh? The huge red pool is not the main attraction? And I don't think there's anyone around."
"Shush! Follow me, to the sauna!"
Yoo-Ah answers back energetically as she brings her face even closer. She grabs my hand and pulls me along as I follow her and try not to look too much. We went deeper after grabbing out towels near the entrance to the bath and soon found ourselves with a row of doors ahead of us.
"The sauna is in there?"
"Yup! Follow me! What? Never been to the sauna before?"
I shake my head quickly answering:
"No, In fact, what is a sauna?"
"Hehe, you got to feel it to know it. Let's go! Wear your towel first of course!"
Yoo-Ah wraps the towel around her before slamming one of the doors open and drags me in. As she forces me to sit in one of the wooden long chair inside. Inside is a wide room with chairs attached to the walls and the other side some sort of place to lay down. She takes a sit in one of the many empty seats and gestures me to sit beside her. Luckily she doesn't look back. Giving me time to wrap the towel around my waist but,
"Hey! Why do you wear your towel like a guy!? Cover your chest- uh... Sorry... Just come sit here..."
"It's pretty hot in here isn't it?"
"That's the point!"
"People enjoy... This? Being steamed alive?"
(The memory of fighting Aoi rise up as this reminds me as I'm being surrounded by flames and her vortexes... Though I suppose this is less hotter).
"Don't say that! Come sit down! You don't know till you try it! And close the door when you enter!"
Yoo-Ah pats the place beside her and I slowly sit down when she looks at my chest and looks away quickly covering her face with pity and immeasurable sadness. Seeing her moving closer, I try to move away but the corner prevents me to do so. Feeling the heat burning me, I sigh and continue explaining:
"Um, so... Can you keep this a secret?"
She nods furiously replying:
"Like a clam!"
I smile trying to keep my laughter from her answer and nod replying:
"Well... Just like you, my Sister... She's also a Special Rank Hunter."
"Really!? That would explain why you're not that surprised. People would usually flip over knowing you're associated with them!"
Yoo-Ah gets up in shock with my answer and I nod replying:
"Really? That's a bit overreacting no?"
She shakes her head saying:
"Course not, Special Rank Hunters, Pioneers, Guardians in the army. They're all such rare existence in this place. They are living legends! In fact there are only 3 Pioneer in this Peninsula and only 1 Special Rank Hunter that's been promoted recently! And you know who that is!"
"I see..."
"So, what's your sister like!? What's her title?"
Yoo-Ah sits down and brings her face closer and I continue saying:
"Well, the one thing that catches the eye is her height, she's taller than 2 meters. Like that governor back at the gates."
"There's someone as tall as gramps! Woah! And a girl at that! I can't imagine it!"
"Plus even though she lives as a hunter she enjoys small activities like sewing and playing family games, like board games, card games, and all those stuff. I learn a lot from her like how to sew, cook, and other housework. I even train under her, that's how I learn how to fight and how to survive out in the wild. Hearing stories of her journey and many more. I suppose I'm simply... Inspired by her. She's why I want to be a Hunter."
"Eh!? Um..."
Yoo-Ah backs away looking at the smooth wooden floor before bowing down shouting:
"I'm sorry!"
"Huh? Why?"
"I mean don't you want to be a Hunter!? More like why didn't you tell me that! I wouldn't want to force you-I mean to convince you!"
I shake my head replying:
"It's okay-"
"No, it's not! I took your dreams away from you! Now I'm even more guilty! More like why didn't you disagree more! Making you lose your innocence too! I'm a terrible person! Aaah!"
Yoo-Ah grabs one of the buckets and wears it on her head to hide her anguish. Even though she can't see me, I shake my head replying:
"Please, it's okay. To be honest that's more of a pipedream now."
"No, it's not! Look at your strength! You could immediately become a High Rank with that strength alone!"
Her voice echoed with the bucket on her head but I simply answer back asking:
"Then why don't you listen more about my sister?"
Yoo-Ah calms down and slowly sleek back to lean on the wall replying:
"Sure..."
I nod and continue saying:
"She would always be away from home, returning once every year for my birthday and new years. So her arrival would always bring a festive mood with the family."
Yoo-Ah lifts her bucket to look at me with jealousy saying:
"That's nice..."
I nod and smile meekly replying:
"But, I doubt I would see her for a while now. Or my family at that..."
"Huh? What happened!?"
"I think it's a month ago? But for me, it's longer than that. My Sister... She... Well, I suppose something bad happened."
"Like I said, what happened!?"
"Well just know that I lost and fall to the endless depth. I thought it was my death. Luckily I survived thanks to the help of a certain masked figure."
I then hold the scar in my cheeks before looking at the newest scar and continue saying:
"Well, a whole lot of shenanigans happened. Like getting trapped in a Reliquary, repelling a sudden monster invasion, sent to a hidden district, fighting a Templar outside the city, and finally stranded on this peninsula."
"What!? That's horrible! More like your life is so eventful! Hidden district? Reliquary? What's that? And you fought a templar and survive!? Wait, so all those scars are from that!?"
Yoo-Ah stands up raising her hands in fury, removing the bucket on her head. Still furious she soon calms down and lower the bucket and continue asking:
"Sova... Do you still love your Sis? After whatever happened to that?"
"Of course."
I answer back immediately before I lean forth and grasp my hand as I'm clutching my dreams and continue saying:
"At the end of the day, she's still my sister, my family. Of course, I would love her. Sure she may attack me but I'll never forgot what she did to me. One day, I'll meet her again, and I'll get the answers I want. And just maybe forgive her."
*Clack*
Yoo-Ah drops her bucket while looking at me baffled and shock is written all over her face. She then looks away clasping her hands before she closes her eyes and quietly walk out of the sauna.
"H-Hey! Where are you going?"
She stops and looks back at me with a face I have never seen before replying:
"Sorry but... I need to think of something. I'm leaving first."
"Hey!"
*Slam*
I could only stare at the sudden development and realize,
"She didn't even tell me about her story... I wonder if I should follow her?"
I stare at the door and decided to chase after her. Before I could open the door, it opens by itself and I saw Juha wearing her towel on her body and head, especially the head with a weird way of wrapping her towl, she puffs her chest shouting:
"There you are! You think you can escape my gaze!"
(Ah... I almost forgot about her).
"Sorry, but I need to chase her-"
She pulls forth a black baton from nowhere to press on my chest replying:
"Did you not see her face? Leave her alone. Besides, it's not like you're her boyfriend to do something that cheesy. More like what did you say to her? And talking about guys, why do you wear your towel like a man?"
Bombarded by her question, it seems I can't seem to find Yoo-Ah among the thick mist. I back away and smile saying:
"I guess you're right. I suppose I can find her after the bath."
(I should relax as well, enjoy this place while it lasts I suppose).
"You haven't answered my other questions. Why do you do..."
She points her baton at my chest and looks at my chest for a while. It was silence in the room before she banishes her weapon and folds her arms to push her large chest under her towel with a smirk saying:
"Heh, I suppose it slides down thanks to not having anything to hang to huh? I guess you deserve some pity to be forced to wear it like a man. Come, enjoy the sauna with me! You should be grateful someone like me would accompany you!"
"Riiight..."
I walk back, taking a seat and look down at the floor wondering,
(Soo-Li's right, what's with girls here and their obsession with their bust size? All the girls I knew don't talk about it, well I suppose May is obsessed with her height but that's not really the same is it?)
Juha takes a seat beside me and stares at me for a while before saying:
"You should drink some milk, it'll help it grow naturally. That's how I got mine."
"Huh? Oh, thanks?"
"Hmph!"
She crosses her legs and leans back while she looks up when I realize her arms and legs also have scars as well. More of small cuts and bullet marks...
"Say since you're a Zerian, can't you heal your scars?"
"Heh! That's why Owlians like you are so short-minded."
"Huh?"
She presents me her arms which has a cut that seems to slice her hand in half saying:
"This scar is proof that I fought alongside my comrades and my experience! It's my pride and the reason why I join the army! Though I suppose not getting scars would be proof that you're skilled like the colonel. But..."
She releases her legs and leans close to me and pokes at the scar on my shoulder saying:
"Don't listen to those fools who tells you it makes you ugly or undesirable. They're all idiots! You should be happy cause it shows you're strong and you have survived even the direst of odds! If a man can't even appreciate or understand such a thing, he's the same as saying he won't accept everything about you! So you shouldn't even give him your time nor attention! Remember that!"
She curls her hand and gives me a bump to my shoulder with a determined face. Seeing her answer, I can't help but shake my head saying:
"You're actually a very kind lady huh- argh!"
She chops my head pretty roughly replying:
"Of course I am you wench! How dare you think otherwise!"
"Hehe, thanks! Maybe you should work with how you call someone- argh!"
She chops me again replying:
"Who do you think you are telling how to talk? I call people the way I want! Not even the Colonel will stop me!"
"Uuuh... Okay..."
We enjoy the sauna in silence as sweat drop like never before as I keep wondering why they like this place? All you do is getting steamed by a boiling temperature. Seeing all the sweat I produced dropping like rain I wonder,
"Say with all the sweat we're making are we going to shower again?"
"Of course! That's why I went to the sauna first- Wait again? Did you take a shower already? Are you dumb or something?"
"Oh come on..."
"Sigh... It's not that bad, think with how you stink it would be appropriate to cleanse your smell first. So I approve of your quick decision unlike most first timer here who just either jump in the bath or the sauna like it's their home or something. Don't worry, I'll be watching you till you finish if you ever feel so lonely."
"Please don't, and do I really smell that bad?"
"Hmph! Since this your first time in a Sauna..."
I nod replying:
"Yea?"
"Then I suggest you use cold water to wash after this. But wait around for a while before showering."
"Alright."
"Then drink a bunch to stay hydrated in fact, if you're thirsty just leave and grab one of the bottles in the shelves outside for a drink. Don't want you to collapse after this, so get out once you can't take it anymore."
"Okay, thanks for the tip."
*************************************
*Creek*
"Pwaah! This milk is delish! I can't believe this is all free..."
"Hmph! Of course! But know your limits on how much you could take!"
"Okay."
We both have finished our bath and soon I realize our body is exuding an exorbitant amount of steam, even over our towel. As I head to my locker, I realize someone has placed a clean set of clothes for me to wear. I look around and quickly wear my undergarments under the towel asking:
"Say, did you bring my clean clothes for me, Juha-Ssi?"
"Course not! Why would I do something so menial!"
I hear her shout from over my locker and I nod replying:
"Okay."
(Maybe It's Yoo-Ah since she's the one who's late to enter... Wait, I forgot to ask her where my room is!?)
I tie up my hair and quickly wear my headband along with my other clothes. Rather than the adventurer set, I'm now wearing the basic shirt and shorts I usually wear.
"Ah! This feels much better!"
I gather my dirty clothes in some casket and see the bladeless sword still there...
(I wonder where will I keep this? This thing invites trouble to those who see it. I wonder if I should've buried this like the spear?)
I bury the sword in my dirty clothes first before throwing the empty milk bottle at the trash. Seeing Juha finish wearing most of her clothes and buttons her shirt, I approach her saying:
"I can't believe this place is not a resort with all the facilities present."
"Huh? You don't know? This IS a resort. Well, a 3-star resort compared to the 5 stars back at the main guild at the capital. Why do you think normal nobles even come here? Though the bad news for the people here is that even though it's a resort, you have to do everything yourself here since it's a guild at the end of the day."
"Wait what? So is it a resort or a guild?"
She starts to dry her hair more replying:
"You can think of it as both, but this branch or the entire ground close to this palace still belong to the Sangeo family. So I suppose it's not both but more of a private property?"
Juha's tone gets more confused the more she explains before saying:
"Since you're an Adventurer, just think of it as a guild!"
"Now I'm more confused... But I suppose that would explain the huge lobby on the first floor... And wait, Sangeo? Isn't that the new governor's family name?"
"Oh? So you know? Then I don't need to explain about them. Hmph! You're smarter than you look, good!"
(No I don't know anything about them).
She walks to me with her long coat hanging on her arms as she walks to me asking:
"And what the hell are you wearing?"
"Huh? What's wrong? Is there a torn or something?"
She points at my clothes with disgust saying:
"No, like why do you wear such hideous wear."
"Hey! That's rude! I wear this kind of clothes for as long as I can remember! And it's super comfortable!"
She sighs and shakes her head saying:
"Even my pyjamas is better than that thing... Wait, don't tell me you plan to eat on the second floor wearing that... That sleepwear?"
"Of course! I mean, it's not like I have any other clothes to wear."
Juha slaps her forehead replying:
"Fine, fine..."
Juha wears her coat and tucks her clothes before continue saying:
"First, let's get you something better to wear."
"What!? But I don't have any money to buy-"
"Who said we need to buy? Lest you forget it's free here. Even the prepared bathrobes in the rooms are better than your clothes now. Follow me, and take this."
Juha throws a bottle of milk and I grab it saying:
"Really? Thanks!"
"Don't thank me, this is so you don't ruin the Colonel's reputation, you idiot!"
"I-I see..."
(What the hell is happening? I wonder if the lie I told her is doing something about this? Well, I suppose since this is their way of doing stuff, I should try following along to not cause trouble).
*************************************
I walk alongside her carrying my casket while drinking the bottle of milk she gave me. Our presence seems to draw in the ire of those we pass when we finally reach some sort of clothing gallery and she pushes me inside saying:
"Get in! Clerk!"
An elder lady comes to our aid wearing the finest robe made of wonderful colour. She quickly bows down to her knees saying:
"Y-Yes! Oh, what do I do to deserve the visit of a Jade Bone?"
"That girl, give her the bare minimum of clothing fitting for my image."
She looks at me and smiles replying:
"Oh! Of course! Definitely! You're a very kind soul to even dress your servant-"
"Enough with the lip service and do your job."
"Immediately, we obey."
She bows down gracefully and walks to me with a huge grin and eyes filled with desires that scares me. Multiple long papers levitate and surround me when Juha shouts:
"Be still! She needs to measure you first."
"O-Okay..."
The paper fly across me and soon starts to latch on to my body and tighten softly. While I wait, I could see Juha tying her hair to a twin tail saying:
"So? What's her size?"
"Oh! She's pretty small compare to most ladies, so a normal size of the dress here would do."
The elder lady answers back gleefully as she keeps bowing down. Juha folds her arms replying:
"Then give it to her then."
"As you wish..."
"Dear!"
"Yes, grandma! I heard!"
The lady runs out from one of the many shelves with a beautiful gown as I'm getting hesitant to wear it.
"Um, Juha-Ssi. Are you sure? That feels a bit too much."
"Hmph! Just wait until you see what you have to wear to parties. That is already the bare minimum of what you should wear in here."
"I-I see... Do you wear these clothes?"
"Hell no! They're too bothersome, so I just wear my uniform."
"I see..."
They both quickly untangle the ribbons and wear them over my shirt since it's big enough and my shirt doesn't even do too much to disrupt the shape of the robe it seems. They work like lightning as they quickly remove and tangle with both hands and magic. They soon finish and present me with a mirror to look at myself and I can't help but say,
"Woah... This is me?"
The one I see in the mirror is a real girl with the exquisite robe I'm wearing. I move around which doesn't seem to hinder me which is good.
(I now look like one of those noble girls walking around here. But even more extravagant, I mean even the robes I wear back at Sis' palace is not this fancy... Maybe that's because the place I'm staying is more of an abandoned palace with just a... What do they call it again? A skeleton crew barely maintaining it? So none of the expensive items made it there).
Also, the dress I'm wearing has more beautiful decor and a grandiose painting on my back. Plus the sleeves on this one is much longer and reach my fingertips.
"Oh! You look wonderful! Now we just need some makeup for that pretty face and hide that scar, along with some perfume and-"
"Don't need it! Come let's go! Here's the tip."
Yoo-Ah press down a jade coin at the table and the elder who sees it quickly get on her knees and bow down saying:
"Oh thank you so much! Jade Bone Goddess!"
(Goddess?)
The young lady beside her follows suit and Juha merely walks away saying:
"Hurry it up, you slowpoke!"
"R-Right!"
I carry the casket and follow along, looking back I could see the two raising the coin as if they're worshipping it...
(I wonder how the caste here works?)
Seeing Juha in a better mood, I bow my head down saying:
"Um, thank you so much! I'll make sure I'll pay it-"
"Don't need! I doubt you'll be even to pay it back no matter how much you work or sell."
"Oh..."
She then looks at me saying:
"Just make sure you act appropriate for a lady and you can keep that dress. It's yours now."
"Okay! I'll try my best!"
(I really don't want to say I won't use this dress that much. But... How do a lady act here?)
"So, where's your room?"
Juha stops and ask, I shake my head replying:
"Sorry but, I don't know as well. Yoo-Ah was supposed to show me."
"Tch! What the hell is that girl doing abandoning her client? Follow me then..."
Juha walks away gesturing me to follow along and I follow suit.
*************************************
Since the bathhouse is on the first floor, we can easily leave the pretty crowd halls and corridors as I realize this is probably where most of the people are.
(But why is there no one in the baths then? Even the whole place seem desolate with only seeing 1 or 2 people each time).
We went to the lobby's receptionist who also wears the same uniform as the guild bows their head down saying:
"Welcome, how can we help you?"
Yoo-Ah gives me a hand and asks,
"Give me your ID."
"Oh! H-Here."
I hand her my card and she places it on the table asking:
"Which room is this girl staying at?"
They both lift their head and one of them grabs the card with a weak smile replying:
"Oh? Please hold on, while we search."
She brings it below the table where the light shines bright and she nods saying:
"Ah, she hasn't registered yet but it seems she's supposed to be staying with a girl name Yoo-Ah? Is that true?"
"I never really bothered with her name, so is it true!?"
Yoo-Ah looks back at me and I nod replying:
"Yes!"
She then turns around saying:
"You heard her! Register it and where's the room?"
The receptionist grows more worried as cold sweat trickles down from their forehead before replying:
"S-Since she's one of the staff, she will be staying in room 307 on the 2nd floor."
(Wait! Shouldn't we wait or call for the tenant of that room to answer!)
(Course I know! But we're dealing with a jade bone here!)
I could hear them arguing behind whispers before one of them hands us a key saying:
"H-Here is the backup keys for her room in case her roommate arrives like what she says. Enjoy~"
"Thank you, now let's go."
"A-Alright!"
"Please come again when you need help!"
The two receptionist bows their head down until I follow her. Looking back I can see them falling to their chairs exhausted as I wonder what makes them like that? She brings me to the elevator close to the lobby and I can't help but acknowledge she's been a huge help this whole time. When the elevator doors open and no one seems to be inside, we both enter and the door closes when Juha presses the number 2 in the walls. With only the catchy tunes playing and the cold air surrounding us, I took this chance to say,
"Um, Thank you so much!"
"I'm just doing my job."
Juha brush off my thanks effortlessly but I quickly thank her again saying:
"No, in all seriousness. Thank you, sure you may be rude at first but, you really are a huge help. So thank you so much! I wouldn't know what to do without you here."
She looks at me for a while before sighing and says,
"No problem, just make sure you put that casket in and we can go eat some dinner. I suppose the restaurant at the adventurers guild 2nd floor would suffice."
"I see..."
(I wonder if Yoo-Ah is in the room?)
*Ding*
Unlike most of the elevators I go through, this place luckily has no windows which are good for me. When the door opens with the sound of the bell, it seems some staffs are also waiting beyond. While we exit, they come inside while I wonder how this mechanism works.
Yoo-Ah looks at the keys and number on the board as we proceed. While I took the chance to throw the trash on some corner bin, Juha pulls me saying:
"Don't stray too far."
"O-Okay..."
She then continues to look at the numbers and walk while I follow suit. Enjoying the luxurious decor and comfy lighting this place has. We turn corners multiple time before Juha grabs me to stop saying:
"307, this is it. Hurry it up and put your casket in."
"O-Okay, thanks!"
Juha helps me open the door and I slowly walk in seeing the dark room. Not really getting much vision from the soft light outside, I can only make the soft fur ground and the side door showing a toilet inside...
(Finally! A room with a toilet close by!)
I quickly place it in and exit saying:
"Done, let's go. But I wonder where is Yoo-Ah?"
"Don't know, don't care. Let's go, she'll probably meet us there."
"You're right, lead the way Juha-Ssi."
"Don't order me around! Now, follow me."
*************************************
As we exit the building, I soon realize the thin snow on our feet. As I look at the ocean of stars, snow have fallen before I knew it. Cold winds blew while the sky lets out its white flakes. I could see some stuff with heavy clothing fixing something on the fence and pillars near the road while some guards help thaw the snow as well using fire magic and other tools.
"So this is what snow is like?"
"Yeah, yeah, let's keep moving. Don't want to be caught outside in this winter."
"Alright."
As we travel I can't help but gather some snow from the fences as some of them manage to slip to my sleeves and send my arms to shiver.
"Woah!"
"Stop playing around and hurry it up! I have not eaten lunch and I'm quite famished."
"Oh? You should've said you're hungry. All right, sorry for slowing you down."
"Hmph!"
She folds her hands rubbing her arms before coating herself with a red aura. Wondering how convenient magic as she looks back at me asking:
"Sheesh, snowing already? Hey, are you not cold wearing only that?"
"Huh? Not really, maybe the clothes are pretty thick or something."
"Hmph! Here!"
She removes her gloves and throws them at me saying:
"Either way, use those! We don't want your fingers to freeze before we even arrive."
"Really? Thanks!"
As I put it on and seeing how it's a bit tight but comfortable, the warmth in my hands return and Juha continues saying:
"Just return it when we arrive at the main building."
Even though the building is side by side and called wings, they are separated. We need to take around quite a long march while the soft yellow glow lanterns light up the way.
(This place really is big. I guess you could fit an entire town in this palace).
As we walk I take in all the scene outside. Trees, bushes, and grass once green now coated in white. Seeing the snowfall with the yellow light behind them seems so... Peaceful. Leaving the road to leave footprints, I speed up and look back to see my steps which gives me a weird feeling.
"Sheesh! What are you doing!? Stop playing around and walk quicker! It's like you never experienced winter before."
"Well no. I live in a place where it only has two seasons. So seeing snow here just makes me excited! I never even hold snow in my hand."
Juha stares for a while before she turns her back on me saying:
"Fine, then enjoy yourself for a bit. But don't stop moving!"
"Okay!"
Wondering if snow has been so lonely, I look around to see not even one animal around. No birds nor the tiniest critters.
"Say, is there usually animals here?"
"Of course there is! Just that ever since the recent monster invasion causes the animals living in this city to run away or called to the swarm."
"That's pretty sad..."
Juha shakes her head and looks to the stars replying:
"Not really, that just means most of the pest in our sewers are now gone and we don't need to worry about the wild animals in the alley no more. And no more avians pooping from above us either so that's good."
"Oh? I suppose that is good news."
I get out of the snow and walk beside her this time as I look at her glowing aura asking:
"Say is your aura qi or magic?"
"Hmm? This? It's magic of course. Using qi to control your body temperature is harder than just warming your body..."
Juha then quickly turn her head to look at me asking:
"Hoh? So you do know qi?"
"Well yea, why?"
"Are you perhaps interested in cultivating it?"
"No, not really."
She nods replying:
"Well, that's quite surprising. Most people would gladly take the offer without a second thought. May I know why?"
Juha stares at me with suspicion and I try to make a reason and remember what they say back then,
"I heard that it comes with a catch. If you fail, well you're going to suffer forever and I'm not willing to take the risk."
"Pff, I suppose you still have your mind straight. But, this is not some lowly noble or a self-taught Martial Artist asking you. I'm a jade bone who's not that different from the Pearl or Gold bones in terms of technique. I dare say we're even better than most of those in Heaven. You don't need to worry about the backlash. What do you say?
With someone of your calibre, you could reach far with qi. Especially with your promising results back at the exams."
Juha looks at me with curious eyes but I refuse her saying:
"No thanks!"
"Hmph! If you ever change your mind you could easily make a contract with most noble families or even the royal family to help with that. Especially an Owlian like you who can't use magic, qi will be your greatest asset."
"Thanks for the suggestion but I'm just going to stick with my basic body."
"Hmph! Suit yourself."
(Sadly I won't even bother with that. Since I can't use it any more. It's about learning this new power now! Though I won't be able to use it for a while to hide).
We could see the main building from where we are, thanks to its bright windows and walls that shows a different kind of magnificence than when the sun is up. Travelling side by side, I could hear the voices from beyond the walls thanks to this tranquil place. Ponds getting filled by the snow while slowly freezing, the smell of greens dissipating.
"So this is winter..."
I hold my hand up to catch the falling snow as I said softly. Juha raise her hand for the snow which melts as it lands reply,
"Yeah, funny enough if you keep heading north and went past the great Juno barrier. You'll find yourself in a land of desserts and endless scorching heat without spring nor winter."
"Woah! Wait, have you been there before?"
She folds her hand with pride and pushes her chest forward replying:
"Of course! I travelled there with both my father and grandfather on some diplomatic exchange. Though that's all you'll listen!"
"He~ this peninsula seems to hold more than I bargain for."
She unfolds her arms and points at me shouting:
"Of course it is! Our lands and seas are rich in history and so is our culture and tradition!"
"That sounds wonderful but... Sadly I doubt I would have time to explore all of them in one go."
"Duh! Of course, you won't! Though... Why don't you come normally next time? Or after all the troubles are fixed. Plus, I doubt anyone that the Colonel would ask to escort would be anyone normal. (More like what's your relation with the Colonel for him of all people to assign someone over?)"
Juha pulls her hands back and looks at me with intrigue as we approach the building which is getting closer while I can only smile replying:
"Heh! Of course! I'll add this place as a place of intrigue as well. Maybe I'll bring my family along."
I then look at her who seems to be a bit cold and wonder,
(What's with her change in attitude? And escort? I wonder if that's the same as watch over?)
The aura around her thickens and she looks at me saying:
"I'll hold you to your word. Hmm, we're getting close to the main guild, don't embarrass the Colonel now okay?"
"Sure? I'll try my best! Say, you want your gloves back? You seem like you need it more than I do?"
"Hmph! Don't make a fool out of me! I already give you my help and I won't let you return it!"
"Alright then, but I'll have to give it back either way since we've arrived. So, thank you again."
"Tch!"
We arrive at the main guild building and quickly ascend. We enter the building with the soldiers back then not present to salute. As the warm air wash over us, I remove the gloves and hand them to Juha saying:
"Here you go."
Juha snatches the gloves from my hand and keeps them in her coat saying:
"Hmph, now follow me."
Unlike when I first enter this place now is more barren and has barely any people operating it. Even the reception table where Sumi is working are all closed and her nowhere to be seen. The only place here on the first floor open is the stores and armoury. Juha ignores all of them and continues straight up, following along we ascend one more time when my ears could now pick up the sound of sizzling meat and the fragrant of something brilliant is cooking.
"Woah! I wonder what's being served tonight?"
"What do you mean? Didn't you hear what I told you before? We do everything here alone. So we cooked our food!"
"Eh!?"
"This is the place where parents sent their kids to be independent and learn how to live by themselves! They are already kind enough to provide us with the materials so we better use it with all we can! Plus it seems today is those lucky days where they reward the early birds with prepared meals."
"I-I see... I guess this is the guild huh?"
We arrived on the second floor, the place is completely empty with only a few staffs who seem to be resting but quickly runs to their place as they see us.
(I wonder if we disturbed them? And where's the archive Yoo-Ah said?)
I was caught in surprise by the sight. Other than the opulent, expensive, and valuable decors, chairs, table, walls, weird-looking lights above, and other types of furniture. On the corner of the restaurant is a place filled with recreational activities and games. Like the billiard table Sis had on her train and other places on Sis' game room!
"Woah! Is that a billiard there?"
"Oh?"
Juha looks at the corner surprised and continue saying:
"I'm surprised you would know. What? You want to play it?"
"Um, I don't actually know how. When my Sis tried to teach me she ended up teasing me instead."
"Hmph! Aren't you pathetic? I suppose I could teach you how to play after we ate."
"Really!?"
"Sure, but be prepared to lose. So what do you wish to eat first? After all, we're the one who has to cook ourselves."
Juha starts to walk to the side where I could see stands, stalls, and canteens with raw and cooked food displayed to make them sparkle. I follow her asking:
"Hmm... I wonder what is there?"
"Everything, meat, vegetables, fruit, carbs. Everything, some are already been cooked it seems but you can try cooking it yourself if you have the skills."
Juha approach one of the waiters who seem to also wear the same uniform. As he sees Juha, he quickly bows down saying:
"Welcome to the self-serving Mess Hall. Do you wish to use our facilities?"
Juha nod saying:
"Two people please. She's with me."
Knowing the procedure, I hand her my card before she could say anything and Juha nods approvingly and take it before handing both hers and mine. The waiter bows down to take our card with both his hands saying:
"Please wait while I register."
He starts to place our cards on a glass tablet and soon I could see the glass glow before he presses some pictures and connect something.
(I wonder what's it doing?)
He nods and skims the tablet over again before handing us the card again saying:
"Thank you for waiting, please enjoy."
When Juha snatch the cards, he moves away and gestures us to enter. When we enter and she hands me my card back, we take a seat on one of the biggest empty seats saying:
"You see all those stalls and stands? Grab a plate, take what you want but remember your limits and think of other people. After that, we'll meet here. You can do that right?"
"Sure! This is starting to look promising!"
"Hmph! Good! Then go!"
Juha removes her coat and places it on the chair when we separate. While she heads first and quickly grab a plate. I look around wondering what's there when something catches my eyes...
(Is that... Sweets and ice cream!?)
Then I look around and see Juha to the right where the carbs are located. I could see ready-cooked bread and other tools to cook for other food as well, like the weird pan to cook those unique crepes!
(This place really has everything! I wonder when was the last time I can eat ice cream!? And sweets at the same time!)
I quickly grab the plate on the table and head to the side of the carbs. Seeing Juha picking up some rice, she seems to ignore me while I grab around 2 huge slices of bread with the tongs before slicing them in two with the knife on the sides.
(Man, this place also had all the tools! I wonder if I can make that one food I always dream of?)
I hurry along to the north side where the sweets and ice creams are. Not only do they have ice cream, they even have sauces! But all of them are foreign for I never see a green sauce before nor a purple one either.
"Well then... Scooping time."
I can't help but smile as I scoop in two each for one bread and then distribute the sauce I never seen before. I take the sauce on a small plate separately and place it beside the bread before I look at the other sweets as I wonder what they are.
"Oh? This one looks a bit funny."
Like there's this weird ball filled with something inside, so I grab one. Then there's this weird one where it looks like a cake with a fish fin poking out. Before I knew it, I grabbed a plateful and make my dinner look like a sweet tooth paradise.
"Aaah~ Okay, I'm done! This might be the best night I ever have!"
As I head back, I can see Juha preparing her meal. Seeing her chopping vegetable as the pan beside her sizzle and melting the butter, she then quickly put in the diced up meat mixed with the vegetable she chopped. I decided to approach her asking:
"Woah, you're a good cook."
"Hmph! Don't think I'll share just because of your praise. So what did you get?"
Juha then looks at me and her eyes opened wide shouting:
"H-Hanwa!"
"Hanwa?"
"What is that!?"
Juha backs away as she tries to cook. I look at my meal and present it to her saying:
"Heh, this is my first ever special meal! I call it... Um... Sweet uh... Paradise!"
"My god! Get that thing away from me!"
Juha closes the flames and changes stoves as she shouts while getting further away. That's also when I realize it seems some staff are cooking in the corner as well who looks at my plate with awe and shock. I can't help but feel discouraged as my first ever creation is mocked like so.
"Aww... Okay, then I'll wait at the table."
"Immediately!"
Juha yells back while I walk back to the table we take. As I put my plate down, I take a sit and wonder where is everyone? The only ones here are just staffs. As I think that I notice a group of people walking up the stairs.
(Oh, never mind. I guess we're just early then).
As I wait for Juha to finish cooking. I decided to look at the meal I made and wonder what's so wrong with it? Before long, the ice cream starts to melt and absorbed by the bread. Looking around more and more people arrive as they fill up a quarter of the 2nd floor. Some went to the game corner to play while others enter the cafeteria to grab a meal. Before long I notice someone approaching my table carrying two plates in her hands. Her black hair sways along with her expensive robe and what catches my eyes the most is the black tight suit made of silk she wears underneath her robe with a U opening on her neck.
(It's similar to what both Sis Rubeca and May wear... I wonder if that black tight suit is like a special equipment? I mean I wonder why Sis only give it to May but not me? Wait, didn't Gruncle Tommy also wear the same black tight suit inside his long cloak? Is it a fashion then?)
"Say, mind if I sit here?"
The lady asks while I was deep in thought. Snapping out of my daze I look at her and realize she's the Pioneer Yoo-Ah introduce me back then. Oka Jin-Yeon. I nod along quckly saying:
"S-Sure!"
"Thanks!"
She takes a seat beside me as I move away a bit. She places her plates down and looks at my meal with a smile saying:
"Hoh? That's quite a glorious sight to see. You have some nice taste."
Hearing her praise I can't help but drag myself closer replying:
"Y-You really think so?"
"Sure, I like sweets myself but it seems you beat me to it."
"Really!?"
She nods replying:
"Of course, and you better start eating or the ice cream will all melt."
I stare at the half-melted ice cream after hearing her warning but I shake my head answering:
"Ah, um... I'm waiting for someone before eating."
"Well, aren't you nice? Is it Yoo-Ah? Where is she?"
Yeon looks around but I shake my head replying:
"I don't know, she said she needs to think of something."
"Ah, I suppose she'll join up. Knowing her she'll run back here when she's hungry. As for you, here take this."
Yeon hands me a green vegetable and before I could ask, she smiles wide saying:
"Sweets doesn't come in just their processed form. There are also natural enhancers like the Meo cane I just gave you. I suggest you dip it in ice cream before eating it."
"Eh? Um... Thanks! Let me try it now."
I grab one of the small cane she gives me and dips it in one of the ice creams. Seeing half of it submerge in creamy delight, I quickly say,
"Let's eat!"
And chow it down when I realize...
"Sweet~!"
I can't help but hold my cheeks in shock at the sweetness just overflow and could just make my cheeks burst from the flavour.
"I'll take that as you like it, but I suggest you eat something else to dilute the taste. Too much sweet can make you sick, especially an Owlian like you."
"Sure! But I'm still going to wait for her at least."
"I see, then I suppose I can wait as well."
"Eh? Y-You, don't need to!"
"Right now you're the master of the table and I'm just following you for now."
"Uuuh. I..."
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Juha-Ssi! Quickly take sit and let's eat together!"
"Don't order me around!"
Juha appears in the nick of time when she places her plate down and looks at Yeon beside me saying:
"Well if it isn't the Strongest Pioneer here, Jin-Yeon-Ssi. Good evening."
"Good evening to you too Jade Bone Goddess. I hope you don't mind me here."
Juha takes a sit quickly replying:
"Of course not, as the strongest adventure here you are always welcome anywhere."
Yeon nods as I can feel the sarcasm from Juha's tone when she replies,
"I see, I see, well then, why not start eating? This girl here has been waiting for you that her ice cream melted already."
"Oh?"
Juha looks at me surprised before she folds her arms and looks away replying:
"Hmph! Who even told her to wait!? Well, quickly eat your meal then."
"Okay... Everyone let's eat!"
Juha sighs while I told both of them and start to chow down on the meal I prepared.
*pop* *pop* *splash*
Not really knowing how to eat this foreign food, I simply just try to cut them open which cause many liquid and other stuff to pop out and make a mess of the table while some spilt to the floor. Surprising both of them, dirtying my sleeves and robe I realize that I also lost more than half of my meal. Leaving only the bread and fully melted ice cream on my plate.
Wondering if I could refill them, I look at the sweets stand and stalls to see them already empty from the adventurers and nobles that arrive to take them...
"Uuuh, sorry. I better eat them all to not make a waste- ow!"
I start to pick up the ones on the floor when Juha slaps my arm with a chopstick saying:
"What did I say, you dumbass! Sigh, just take some of this. (Like I said, don't tarnish his image!)"
Juha yells silently in the end but hands me a meal as well. A bowl of rice with some of the meat she cooked. I can't help but look at her feeling grateful saying:
"Thank you so much, Juha-Ssi!"
"Just quickly eat! How did you even get your family name when you don't even have table manners..."
Juha continues to eat when Yeon looks at me with pity as well and hands me a bowl too saying:
"It's not healthy to eat sweets like that either. Have some fruits and vegetable too."
"Yeon-Ssi too... Thank you so much..."
(They're both such good people).
I silently grab their bowls and silently whisper to myself,
"Uuh, stupid me..."
Before eating Juha's and Yeon's meal. As I take it in I can't hold it back shouting:
"Delish! You two are such a good cook!"
Juha turns her head away hiding her face saying:
"Shush! You're too loud! And I already gave you my portion! Don't think you can have more! Hmph!"
While Yeon gives me a sweet smile saying:
"Aw~ you! Here, have some more then."
Handing over some sparkling cooked meat, I look at her confused asking:
"But are you sure? I feel like I took a lot."
"Don't worry, I already ate before returning here. Plus, you're the most promising newbie here, of course, I gotta support my junior with all I have."
"I-I see... Thank you so much!"
"Just finish your meal already!"
Juha yells and I quickly start to eat again. Unlike me, both of them seems to use chopsticks. I wonder,
(Why they choose to use those when they could eat faster with a spoon?)
We enjoy the meal in peace before Yeon finishes her meal first. She keeps staring at me while resting her head on her arms saying:
"Ah, that was satisfying, c'mon eat up!"
"S-Sure!"
I speed up my pace and soon finish my meal when Yeon gets up and leans closer to me asking:
"Sova yes?"
"Y-Yea?"
"Nothing, just curious."
"Okay?"
Weirded out by her behaviour, I can only wonder and worry cause,
(What does the highest rank Adventurer here want with me?)
She takes out a long metal bottle from her small magic bag and starts drinking it before asking:
"So, tell me, Sova. What do you wanna do being an adventurer?"
"Oh? Me? It's nothing grand really. I simply wish to save up money for now."
"Ohoh? Well, aren't you ahead of the rest?"
"Huh? I-I am?"
She takes another chug of whatever she's drinking before she slams her bottle down replying:
"If you can't tell, adventuring is an expensive endeavour. If you're not helped by the guild's expeditions or request. Travelling beyond the map is expensive cause there are no infrastructure or place you can go. So you have to travel from the farthest checkpoint before being sent to God knows where."
"Is it really that expensive?"
"Heh, let me tell you something as an experienced Pioneer myself. Other than making maps for the newly explored lands, we must also set camps, bases, marks, and checkpoints for future pioneers or even Void Explorers to use. And those things are expensive if the guild or sponsor doesn't provide you with the tools or equipment. The minimal tools you need to set just a mark cost around 300,000 Wu. Plus you also have to prepare if that mark or camp gets destroyed while you're away then you better prepare some back-up."
(Mark? Infrastructure? Camps? I feel so ill-prepared).
"Wu... Say, how much is Wu in Riaz?"
I ask trying to at least comprehend the scope of the money but Yeon looks at me confused replying:
"Huh? You don't know? Well, I heard today it's around 800?"
"Excuse me?"
"Yeah! It's like 1 Wu is around 860 something Riaz, I can't remember. For context, 1000 Wu is enough for a mid-class family of 6 to eat 3 full meals a day for a month even during winter."
"I see..."
(How many zeroes is that!? 860 × 300,000 is... Then you double that amount!? I can't count!)
"Hahaha! Just look at her face!"
Yeon pats my head and ruffles my hair before she continues saying:
"Don't worry about that junior! You're still a newbie so don't worry about that! When you become a proper Adventurer you'll definitely rake in more than enough after selling items from exploring dungeons, mazes, labyrinths, and other mysterious places littered across the world. Plus, it's not all losses and tolls. If you succeed in your adventure as a Pioneer you could sell the information and maps to the guild, the rewards is more than enough to recover all your expenses. Plus you can then sell those exotic and rare materials you got to the market and gain extravagance prices."
"Oh! I see!"
She ruffles my hair more before backing away with a delighted smile replying:
"Exciting isn't it?"
"Yes! Definitely!"
"But be very careful, just as the adventuring business is very lucrative. It is also one of the most dangerous. After all, the fear of the unknown is always present."
"I see, I see... Thanks for letting me know!"
"Hehe~ it's been a while since I met newbies like you. Going back here is not so bad I guess."
"Oh? For the monster right?"
I tilt my head asking and she look up replying:
"Yup, monsters indeed..."
With a tint of sarcasm in her voice I become more confused as to why she's here and when I look at Juha she's glaring at her without even looking at her food to eat.
(What did I got myself into?)
Yeon keeps her bottle before she rolls up her sleeves and give me her hand asking:
"Say, Sova... Do you want to qi? I can teach you how safely without a backlash if you want."
"Huh?"
Juha's glare becomes even sharper as I notice many adventurers and staff around me starts to look at me. Wondering what happened, I simply shake my head replying:
"Sorry, but no thank you. I'm quite please with using the techniques I have right now."
She nods and soon stands up saying:
"Hehe! It's okay! I can respect your choices. I'm just worried you see. Or I shouldn't..."
She then walks close to me and lean close to my ear whispering:
"After all, being Taiga's little favourite, you have something more special to use don't you?"
(Huh? Who? EEEHHH!?!?????)
I can't help but tilt my head in confusion and daze as I wonder if she mistook me for someone else.
"Well, you two have a nice dinner. I'll be leaving first."
She backs away and waves her hand at me and leaves as I can only feel worried as I'm probably dragged into something dangerous again. Mixed between confused, happy and worried for my future here. Juha reaches out to me saying:
"Hmph! Just because you caught the attention of a hero don't think you're special! Your results will be your hard work alone!"
"I know, I'll do my best! Thanks, Juha-Ssi."
"Hmph!"
She continues to eat as I watch and wait. Unlike me, she seems so elegant eating as she keeps a straight posture and a clean surrounding unlike me. Soon enough, Juha finishes her meal and I continue asking:
"Since you said you know the history about this place, mind telling me about it Juha-Ssi?"
"Hmph! Before that why don't you work with your table manner first!"
"Eh?"
"Spilling your food on the table and floor, dirtying your clothes, along with catching the eyes of the bystanders! Do you realize how much of a laughing stock you become!?"
I can only hang my head in contempt replying:
"I'm sorry, if I have learn more about the food here-"
"No excuses! Next time, I'll make sure you eat properly!"
"Right...?"
"And what's with your food!? You do realize eating that much sweet could give you a heart attack right!? Eat a balance meal you idiot!"
"S-Sorry!"
"And not only that! You..."
As I am being barraged by her nagging and heartfelt blows. It seems the night went on without Yoo-Ah never even coming here.
(I wonder where is she?)