*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
Taking my time to sink at the corner of the large shower row, I look away from the crowd and into the mosaic painting at the corner I just realize was there.
It is peak time and everyone seems to be at the bath now. From staffs, to adventurers, and even local nobles.
(Here I thought that nobody would be here and that the crowd has thinned. But this is much more than I thought).
I didn't shower when I change and I tried to wash later or in our private room but Yoo-Ah pushes me in with the others and she wouldn't let me leave.
(Well, I could but she forcefully tried to strip me open. Not wanting to draw suspicion and how she insists so badly I come along but... I really need to somehow reveal the truth to her one day the longer the more it will pile on and I won't be...)
*Splash*
"Sova! Let me clean your back where you can't reach!"
Yoo-Ah rush to my back grabbing my shoulders. Bringing her head down near my ear to continue saying:
"Even if you say no, I'll do it anyways! Think of it as the missing time when I ran away back then!"
"Huh? W-Wait- oh! Oh~"
Feeling as if I had my back scratch but in a much wider range, I can't help but let her continue and relax a bit. Yoo-Ah's been forceful lately after I woke up but I guess since she is trying to help for her mistakes I could let her do things to calm her down... And my heart, at least I need to relax first.
"That feels surprisingly good..."
"Really!? I mean, usually they say it hurts when they scrub with this kind of towel but if you're enjoying then so be it!"
*Scratch* *Scratch*
"A little bit to the right please."
"Sure thing!"
"Aaah~"
"Whoa look at all the dirt, when was the last time you had your back scrub, Sova?"
"Huh? Probably never since I almost never had anyone to help with at home."
(Well, when I start my journey with Aunt and May).
"What!? Here I thought with how flexible you are you can reach your back easily. Either way, time to double the effort then! Hooaah!"
"Haaa..."
"Seeing how you enjoy this makes you seem like an old man. Kinda like my dad back then."
"Oh?"
(Her dad huh? If from what I heard her dad was a hero from the Coalition or whatnot).
"Heh, his back was so big that back then that my mom, sis and I had to scrub his back together. That was such a long time ago..."
"... Say, why not let me scrub your back after this?"
"Sure! Hmm... I just realize this but your scar sure is huge. Like almost impossible."
"Huh?"
"You know, this one..."
I could feel a finger trail from my right shoulder going down diagonally to my left waist.
"Yeah, I'm curious as well, you did say you fought a Templar but is it really true? With a wound like that you should've died, paralyzed, disabled, or disfigured."
Juha who's washing her hair beside me asks and soon enough Jana to her left look my way asking:
"Templar?"
"What? What is it!"
Ye-Hua who's washing her face turns her head left and right as her eyes are closed and her face still filled by foam.
(Right... They're still with us...)
And Yoo-Ah behind me asking:
"Templar? What's that? Is it related to those Theocracy people?"
"I'm surprised you hate the Theocracy but know nothing of their Templars."
"Hey! What is that suppose to mean! Anyways, if you're just going to mock it's better to help out and explain!"
"Let me do the explaining."
I take the lead and splash my face a bit before saying:
"Templars are a special soldiers under the Theocracy. They are all mighty warriors where each could rival the strength of an enemy's champions and strongest commanders."
"What!? There's such strong people!?"
"Yea, and those are their regular foot soldiers."
"And to add to that, you can imagine a Templar are beings that could fight toe to toe with the Heroes of the Coalition."
"So basically if they send out their armies it's like trying to fight thousands of people as strong the new governor or my dad!? That's just ridiculous! That just makes it even more ridiculous you survived, Sova! But then again you did manage to survive fighting that Guardian... Why is so many questions than answers popping out!"
*Scratch* *Scratch* *Scratch* *Scratch*
Yoo-Ah complains as she speeds up her hands.
"You sure are filled with mysteries, Sova. But a lady holding too many secrets can be quite dangerous, you know?"
Jana comments as she wash over the soap all over her body. Wondering what she's trying to ask, I quickly say:
"Secrets? I don't have many secrets to hide. And I think that's enough back scrubbing Yoo-Ah."
"Ah! But be gentle okay?"
Yoo-Ah walks back and I take this chance to wash the soap of my back and wear the towel over my body.
*Thump...*
Not feeling that nervous anymore, I nod reply:
"Yea! Though this might be my first time actually giving a back scrub, so please tell me if I did anything wrong."
"Sure!"
(Now that I think back, I never give Sis Rubeca, Aunt, May, Nicole or the other ones I know back then. I mean, Nicole usually help wash my hair but that's about it).
I grab the towel Yoo-Ah gives me and start to fold it small enough to for her back and realize...
"Your body is pretty thin, Yoo-Ah."
"Well, of course! But I built up some muscles a bit with some light exercise! Yours are thin too, Sova! It's hard to believe that you could lift all those heavy weights and still be super flexible!"
Jana who finishes her wash enters the crimson bath behind me asking:
"Oh? Talking about heavy objects, mind telling me where you even find that missing artefact?"
"Missing Artefact? I don't think I hold something like that- wait... The spear?"
"That's right! There's no way you got that by coincidence did you! Please tell!"
Ye-Hua comment as well as she wash her face. Both Yoo-Ah and Juha twitch hearing them and I softly rub the towel Yoo-Ah's back replying:
"That's actually kinda how it happened. I mean, how could I know that the spear he lent me would be that important... Come to think of it, did you know about it before hand, Juha?"
"Honestly, I was surprised as well. But then again you are holding a much more powerful artefact before so maybe I was still a bit baffled and occupied all the time to realize."
I look at Yoo-Ah and she shake her head replying:
"Do you think I would actually know about those stuff?!"
"Yea..."
"Hahaha! So you got one of the most powerful artefacts by coincidence? Your luck sure is endless. Or did it end when you got that item?"
*Splash*
I hear Jana come out of the bath and approach behind me as her voice grows. I slowly look back while moving my hands to see Jana bending over to bring her head at the same level. Trying my best to avoid looking elsewhere but her face, she shows a huge smug asking:
"Are you perhaps the Previous God of War's Successor? Making you, the real Deity's Vassal."
"E-Excuse me?"
I could feel the gaze of the other bath attendants as they turn at the corner which is the worst feeling to get. Lowering my head to ignore the surrounding and focusing to wash Yoo-Ah's back softly, Jana leans closer as I feel her breath on my ear hearing her whisper,
"(Fufu, forgive me, as recompense why don't you look my body as much as you want, I see you've been trying to steal some gazes. You sure~ are innocent).
"Please don't say weird things like that..."
I replied calmly before I hear her scoff saying:
"Now I just can't let anyone take you away."
(I had the strangest feeling she might know more than given which is a terrifying thing to consider).
"I think you're misunderstanding many things, I'm not someone so grand as you think. In the end of the day I'm still adventurer right now. Without that, I am but a vagrant."
(Though I suppose being under the command of a Segmentum Lord is pretty impressive... I guess? Is it? I mean all I've been doing is just following orders and getting in to conflicts and accidents).
"Fufu, your situation sure is complicated. Come join me in the baths when you're done scrubbing."
I hear her walk and looking back at Yoo-Ah I ask,
"Um, it doesn't hurt right?"
"Na-um, nope-haha!"
Yoo-Ah leaks out a laugh as she push my hands away as I realize I'm touching her sides saying:
"Haha, don't touch my sides it tickles! And besides you don't need to reach that far! Well, I guess time to wash myself now, you can dip yourself first!"
"Okay..."
(Hmm... Weird, usually I would have felt tingly yet I don't. I wonder why? Maybe because the one I'm looking isn't someone I know? Or maybe I'm just getting used to it... Is that good?)
Following her words I look back seeing both Yoo-Ah and Jana enjoying themselves at the crimson bath. Taking my time, I cautiously enter as I remove my tower and dip myself inside-
"What are you attempting sitting so far?"
"J-Jana Ssi?"
Jana and Ye-Hua bring themselves closer when Ye-Hua starts a with,
"Man, Sova Ssi, I just realize this but your hair is actually quite long. It makes me wonder how you are still fighting normally trying to balance that much hair moving?"
"Huh? Now that you say that, I don't think my hair affect my balance that much."
(Maybe that's why I don't feel so disturb now with my hair growing other than my looks. Plus, I followed a lot of Sis Rubeca's moves, she has hair as long as mine so maybe that's why?)
"And..."
Seeing my long hair floating behind me, I bring may hair closer and pull it up to wrap it around my towel.
"I usually wrap my hair up so I doubt it's much of a problem."
Ye-Hua leans forward stretching till her nose touch the surface of the water replying:
"Haah... Honestly I always wonder if having such a long smooth hair is a genetic problem. Cause I sure as hell can't get my hair grown beyond half my back or even turn it smooth. And more than that I always have to spend more time with cosmetics which I really don't want to with my nomadic lifestyle."
"Come to think of it, how's the artefact coming along? Did you finish it?"
Jana asks the worn out Ye-Hua and she responds by sinking herself deeper till her chin replying:
"It's actually done but we probably can't use it yet. I have no idea why he insists on staying here but I think it's best we don't speak of this with Sova Ssi around."
"Oh, you need not worry. After all, she'll be mine sooner or later. Having someone like Sova along is not a bad idea no? And when you're done she'll be following me anyways. It is heaven sent she appear."
"That sure brings a whole new meaning when Heaven seems to be real..."
Ye-Hua stares at me and nod while still submerged replying:
"Well... I suppose. But I wonder when she'll be able to meet our other 2 member?"
"Oh, I'm sure his ban will be over soon. Plus I heard he'll be back today or tomorrow."
"Oh yeah! You're right!"
Ye-Hua exclaims excitingly as she just remembered something before she turns around to look at the other girls around us. She looks down and then moves to my side as I can't help but hug my knees and huddle.
"Say, Sova, don't you think it's ridiculous?"
"What is?"
"The fact that the girls down in the south all have giagantic jugs. It's unfair right?!"
"Excuse me?"
(Jugs? First cups, now jugs? Do people in this peninsula like table wares? I suppose that makes them really fancy).
"I mean, can't you feel it? That burning rage inside of you. From your accent you came from the north as well aren't you? That anger that boils with every bounce you see!"
Hearing her I look a bit down seeing that her breast is probably the same as Abe which is like a small bulge. Well, I guess they're all pretty big compared to the smallest one I've seen who is May which look like tiny dumpling or insect bite-
"Brrrr! Uh... No...?"
(What's that sudden murderous rage I felt? It's a whole different than the the spine tingle).
"Lier! And what's with that reaction?! You're mocking me aren't you! Well, you're the same! And I can tell how it feels being sandwiched between two humongous cups on each side as yours alone doesn't. The horror, the pain... And it's even worse when they're both siblings."
Ye-Hua holds her chest as she looks at both Juha and Ye-Hua who seems to be having a little banter again. Comparing the two, I suppose Ye-Hua's actually pretty big, but not as big as Juha.
(Cups... I actually haven't bought any yet. Maybe I should buy one before I return and shove it to Abe for real).
"We're comrades aren't we? We who have nothing to show must unite and present our camaraderie."
"Uh..."
"Push your ideals elsewhere you banshee bitch."
Jana moves to my other side and holds both her and my shoulder, separating us to move in between.
"She is too innocent to understand the plight of someone of such a corrupted mind as you... Come to think of it, Sova. What's your age?"
"Huh? I'm 16."
"That young? I'm surprised. I suppose you should call me Unnie then."
Jana smiles merrily hearing my answer while Ye-Hua looks at me amazed saying:
"Surprising indeed. You're that strong despite being so young? Heh~ you must be one of those real~ geniuses then. Still have no idea why they call you Star Child though."
"Me neither."
"Hmm... I just realize this, but you actually speak with such heavy northern accent huh? Probably beyond Ri. So either Sanjo or Gwang."
I nod replying:
"I guess?"
(Though one of them sounds familiar).
"Hehe, interesting, I suppose we are closer then expected! But that blonde hair mean you're not from the Confederation either right? You sure are interesting, or your family must have an interesting story to tell."
"Hmph! Of course she is, there's no way I would accept just anybody. I have tastes mind you. I knew she is special the moment we pass at the check in table."
(She noticed me? Then again I notice them so I suppose it makes sense).
*Splash*
Ye-Hua gets up saying:
"Oh! I think we should continue our conversation at the sauna. Our fingers would get wrinkly if we bath for too long!"
I hastily shake my head replying:
"Sorry, I'm gonna skip that. I hate the sauna."
"What!? How can that be! I mean either way, you should enjoy everything they provide. It's free after all and who knows when we can experience such luxury in our travels. Take it from me, do you know how many times I wish I could experience the fruits of civilization when stuck in the wilds? Come!"
"Uh..."
"That's right, Sova! What she says is true! Enjoy everything while you can!"
I look back seeing Yoo-Ah encouraging me to come along as she finish her shower and is wrapping her hair with a towel. Pressured to go, I agree to tag along saying:
"Fine, but at least lower the heat okay?"
"That's the spirit!"
Yoo-Ah grabs my hand and drag me along as I pull my towel down in my pace.
"Last time, we didn't get a proper time together there so this is as good as any! I'm gonna teach you the stuff we can do inside the sauna!"
*************************************
"I'm surprised we could eat in here."
Peeling a foreign fruit with Yoo-Ah's instruction, I'm a bit surprised how it's not that hot to touch as I wonder how long has it been since I ate some fruits.
"Usually no, but since all facilities here are being self services, everything is fine as long as you clean it afterwards and nothing is broken!"
"Oh! I guess there are some perks on doing stuff by your own."
(And I'm still curious as to where she stash the meal? I mean, she did leave for a while).
"Yup! We don't need to follow the rules or whatever! Oh, want some?"
Yoo-Ah hands me a cup of tea and I nod saying:
"Yea!"
Feeling the heat, I wonder what material they made the cup from since usually furnitures get unbearably hot to even touch with bare hands.
"Uwooh! If this was back at my home I would've been scolded to no end! Having a private facility sure is nice..."
Ye-Hua comments as she picks up a wrapped meal over the boiling rock.
"The south sure do know how to have fun. I should try this too with her when I return."
Jana comments as she leans at the wall with a warm cup of tea in her hands. I look across the room where Juha rests. She on the other hand is watching us quietly at the wall seat that we use as a table. She seems extremely annoyed but simply folds her arm and avoid looking at us.
(I guess she really don't like this huh?)
"Just ignore her, Sova! She's the one who said no!"
Remembering my first time here, I asks:
"Say, don't we need to take another shower after the sauna?"
"Huh!? Course not! I sure as hell don't! But, I suppose a quick cold wash and yoghurt would be nice!"
"I wholeheartedly agree!"
Yoo-Ah replied followed by Ye-Hua who agree.
"I-I see..."
Jana who gestures her hands like she holds a fan says,
"Hmph! I suppose that's expected from peasants, you're suppose to wash all the sweat after sauna to remove the smell afterwards. I thought everyone should know that."
"Uuughh... You can't tell me what to do."
Ye-Hua replied back as I realize...
"Hmm, does that mean people here usually take their baths twice? A shower, bath, sauna, then shower again?"
"Splendid insight!"
Jana joyfully answer back and I tilt my head replying:
"Isn't that kinda redundant? And taking too much time?"
(I mean usually I shower around 5 minutes or if I'm quick around 3. Here I could spend an hour or maybe more).
"Oh, Sova Ssi. It's normal for everyone to shower twice in one go here. Besides, who doesn't love a good warm soak and cleaning?"
"Okay- Wait, can't we just use the sauna first?"
"Hmph! Nobody appreciates a dirty and smelly visitor, Sova Ssi. There's a reason why all public Sauna's provide a bathhouse as well. And why the door leads to the showers and baths first. But I shall forgive you since you're foreign to our customs. The one weird here are the people outside who only washes once. We clean ourselves around 4 times a day if we could."
"I guess that's what both south and north can agree. But I suppose if it's rush hours, we just took a quick bath."
Yoo-Ah nods along while I see Juha looks away.
(Customs huh? I suppose this is one of the stuff May say when learning histories of heroes... Culture shock. And wait didn't Juha tried to enter the Sauna first back then?)
I then asks,
"By the way, how long do people stay in the sauna then? Or how long do any of you stay?"
Ye-Hua replies,
"Hmm? Usually until I'm tired. After all! It's not everyday you get to experience a sauna!"
"Hmph! Your cheapskate ways will end up biting you. Usually, people stays around 15 minutes or maybe quicker because that's how long it takes to warm up."
"Yup, what she said! Time passes quickly when you're conversing so that may not be too long! Like so!"
*Kring* *Kring* *Kring*
"Oh..."
Yoo-Ah press a small yet loud marble and gets up shouting:
"Alright! I'm leaving first!"
"Oh, Me too."
I get up alongside Yoo-Ah and seeing Ye-Hua and Jana still sitting at the floor, Jana fans her hands saying:
"We'll stay here longer, so you guys can go first."
"Ah okay then- oh, and by the way, wanna celebrate a party together tonight for my promotion at my room?"
"Really? Sure!"
"Hoh? Why the hell not, see you tonight then. And thanks for inviting us to that bakery."
"Yeah! That'll be a meal to remember."
We wave out goodbye while Juha follow beside me. I look at Yoo-Ah and she smiles as she knows what I want to ask saying:
"It's fine! It's not too much! Besides, I'm glad to know you're getting along and making new friends!"
"Thanks."
(She really is kind... I'm really lucky to met her).
Exiting the full bath, we entered the also crowded changing rooms as I see all sorts of people come and go. Ignoring them, I felt light headed while my body exudes steam even over my towel.
"Here, some cold milk!"
"Thanks."
(Now that I think back, Juha handed me some cold milk too).
Yoo-Ah hands out one to Juha too which she reluctantly takes saying:
"Thank you."
Chugging down the cold milk, my heated throat cools down till my chest as I felt all the heat phase away.
(Ah~ that felt nice).
Heading to my locker with both of them, I grab the same clothes I wear this afternoon and try to find somewhere away from... Prying eyes.
I look around and notice the gazes of many girls around me as I try to ignore their murmurs.
(I know I don't wish to hide the fact I'm a guy but my circumstances is really hard to comprehend and try to act upon. If only she can figure it out- hmmm... Come to think of it, didn't Yuria grab my crotch back then just to confirm? I wonder if that's just normal or she is just that ballsy? Come to think of it, how is she right now? I hope she's doing okay, plus....)
If there's one thing and trick I realize and observe so far is that...
"I can change without removing my towel."
Managing to wear my lower half without any problem I can now safely remove the towel...
"I hate this circumstances but it's better than the alternative."
Wearing all that's left which is not much in the first place, I close the locker and look at Yoo-Ah who's still wearing her undergarments
"Hmm?"
Noticing my gaze she looks at me tilting her head before asking:
"What is it!? And you sure change fast, I wish I can change that fast too! Then again, you can't even wear half of what I wear, I'll be more grateful..."
A bit confused I reply with,
"Sorry... I guess I'll just wait."
"Don't worry, I'll be quick!"
I take a sit at the benches between the lockers with a bit of distance from the other girls when Juha sits beside me still in her undergarments as well trying to wear her socks.
"Having some simple shirts and shorts really does help."
"Y-Yea..."
I can't help but answer awkwardly as I try to not look as much as possible... One day, I'll come clean and face it...
(Come to think of it, I haven't tried doing that hand to the wall thing. Maybe I can ask Yoo-Ah to help after the small party?)
"As I wear my headband and feeling its comfort I quickly remember,
"By the way Yoo-Ah, mind if we head to the armoury after this?"
"Huh? Of course! I was planning the same thing! But I suppose you can try heading there yourself... Bai-Sumi strictly instruct me to return after this! But don't worry! Once I'm done with this, I'm going to be more free than a coral in the white lakes!"
"Right... Don't know what that means but good luck!"
I give a thumbs up and Yoo-Ah tilts her head asking:
"Hmm? What's that suppose to mean? Is it something they do in Heaven?!"
"Well... Yea?"
Yoo-Ah makes the same gesture replying:
"Then I'll do my best! So good luck to you too! Hehe!"
(So a thumbs up is a foreign gesture here huh?)
"When you say it like that it makes me feel like I'm going somewhere- oh! I forgot to tell you but it seems I'll be leaving to the capital in two days-"
"Eeeh!? Why?! More like what make you wanna do that!"
"Right, Juha's inviting me to a feast to taste the meal made by the royal chefs. She said it's her get-well gift."
"Huuuh?! Is my food not good enough!?"
"Huh? Of course I like your food-"
"Well, then I guess I just have to follow along! And I ain't taking no for an answer!"
Wondering if I make a mistake, I look at Yoo-Ah who's buttoning up her shirt, she notice my gaze and nod saying:
"I suppose one more couldn't hurt."
"Thanks, Juha."
Juha nods and as she wears her gloves, she points one of it at Yoo-Ah saying:
"But remember, stay close to me."
Yoo-Ah gives a thumbs up again and a big smile replying:
"You got it!"
She then looks at me asking:
"That's how you use it yeah!?"
"Mhm!"
I nod and Juha sighs as she wears her boots and sits next to me when Yoo-Ah notice she's the last one saying:
"Ah! Hold on! Just gotta button up and put a bit of make up!"
Yoo-Ah rushes to her locker and starts to wear her staff blazer, realizing that I'm learning more about how girl's take to prepare I wonder,
(Do guys also take their time like this?)
"I'm done! Now, let's go!"
Yoo-Ah wears her cap and went ahead as I wear my thin sandals...
(Hmm... I guess I do need some sturdy footwear as well. I can go bare feet with my armour since it cover everything from the top to the soles, I wonder if the armoury have something?)
As we exit the baths and head back to the lobby, Yoo-Ah splits off waving her hand shouting:
"Alright, you two can head out there yourself. See ya! Gotta return to work! Come back to me when you're done! I'll be at my usual desk!"
"Okay!"
I wave back realizing,
(Hmm... Where is Dal-Yong's armoury again?)
"Say, Juha..."
"You don't know where the armoury is it?"
"You sure know me well."
"Sigh... Follow along."
"Thanks!"
*************************************
*Cling* *Clang* *Clang*
(Oh? I don't remember there being a bell).
Seeing Dal-Yong gramps cleaning some jewels with towels on the counter, he says:
"Welcome to the armoury, how can I help- Oh! If it isn't Lord Sova, perfect timing. Please, come in! Do you wish for some tea? I have a lot of things to discuss."
Gramps grabs us some chair from the back of the counter, while we take a sit he hands us empty cups.
"Thank you."
"It's nothing much. And of course, congrats on your promotion and getting better!"
"Oh, thanks."
As he pours in the tea that has a green colour, he continues saying:
"Hahaha! Young ones like you sure have some crazy constitution to heal that fast. Now on to the other news, you're probably here for the spear right?"
"Yea! I hope you don't mind me borrowing it longer."
"Oh, please, that's the least I could do when you let me study such a divine weapon. Finding so much passion it makes this old bones feel young again... And listen lord Sova I got some news to tell."
"Huh?"
Dal Yong takes a sit behind the counter cleaning some gems again saying:
"After your stunt and debut as a proper adventurer do you know how much trouble come after you?"
"Excuse me? I don't know what happened but, I'm sorry."
"It's fine, It's kinda my fault for giving you such precious relic. But that's the only item I have that can even hold a candle to your weapon!"
"I'm sorry but can you explain?"
The gramps takes some sip of his tea before sighing and say,
"Sigh... The promotion exam, many people watched it during and even more after the past few days. Everyone got their eyes on the one the almighty Storm Ruler chosen to endorse. And wouldn't you know it, the sight of you wielding that spear and using powers unbeknownst to Owlians spreads an even absurd rumour of you being the candidate for being the Deity of War."
"Ah... Yea, I heard them while I was walking around."
"But the most popular rumour is actually about the spear and the effect it has."
"Huh?"
"From the exams, they saw you use powers not even those from Theocracy could use. And of course, they thought that the previous' War God's spear is the cause of that. Imagine an actual artifact that could give an "Owlians" power and trouble crashes down your way.
Just these past 4 days, the guild and the new governor's palace behind it had around near a thousand attempt of burglary and forceful entry from Owlians, Locals, and even foreigners from Heaven alike. They had to tighten up security with the army and issue a warning since a lot of people tried to break in or use their authority to enter almost every hour or less."
"That's horrible! Wait, isn't the spear sealed like you said? It's nothing more than a heavy and durable spear."
(And wait, if that's true... How did Moriz sneak in? Is he just that good? If so why didn't he just sneak in the kingdom quietly?)
"That's right, even now after you wake it is still the same. Though we can lower a bit in the morning now since it disturbs the locals and the Guardian of Silla showed up to kick them all out and pressure them not to try again."
"Hold on! So Sova didn't unlock the spear's power or something? He must have convince it mid battle or et cetera."
Juha who's been quietly listening stands up to ask. Dal Yong place his gems down saying:
"That's right, and as the creator I can assure you something like that couldn't happen when that bitch is similar to the previous owner in conscious. That's why I'm going to ask, be honest kid, who are you really?"