"Emergency!"
*slide* *slam*
"Emergency, Ji-Hyun Unnie! Emergency!"
With a loud proclamation, Yoo-Ah enters pushing me inside. What entered my view is 2 people seemingly having a tea time as their cups still huffs some steam and the half eaten cakes and biscuits on their small plates. Ji-Hyun the doctor that works in the infirmary looks at us with crumbs still on her lips saying:
"That loud voice could only be you, Yoo-Ah. What seems to be the problem? Did you get hurt again? By this point I need you to be very careful of your surroundings."
Yoo-Ah pulls me back replying:
"No, it's not me- wait, why is Clara Sunbae here!?"
Stopping midway her sentence, she shows displeasure upon seeing someone and, Juha who enters soon after shows displeasure and hostility shouting:
"Please, excuse us- You...!"
The other person beside Ji-Hyun is a lady I know, Ga-Jung Ssi or she prefers being called Clara. The one who works at the atelier in this guild, I still have no idea why they don't like her much. She is nice enough to provide me with 80% discount. Clara seeing us claps her hands shouting:
"Oh my!"
Jumping out of her seat, she pops beside me leaving trails of pink mist saying:
"Sova! It seems you're fine to be walking, glad to see that! And you two as well. Pleasure to see you all."
Yoo-Ah tried to shield me and push us away from Clara saying:
"Well... I suppose she's better than him- anyways! Ji-Hyun Unnie, you need to check on Sova's arm! She got hurt!"
Yoo-Ah then push me past Clara deeper in and Ji-Hyun wipes her mouth replying:
"Hi-er arm did!? My, when did this place got so dangerous? Please come closer."
Following her words the two follows close to me as they seem to distance themselves from Clara.
(Did something happen when I'm still unconscious?)
"Come, sit, Sova, where does it hurt?"
I sit per instruction and shake my head replying:
"Actually, it doesn't hurt anymore, he healed the wound back."
"He?"
"She got hurt by my stupid oppa! He barge in our room suddenly and sexually assault and hurt, Sova! And he somehow got away with it! It's ridiculous! Please check her arms, Ji-Hyun unnie! There might be some after effects!"
(Wait, isn't there an inconsistency in her words?)
"Brother you say!? Yoo-Gisa was here? And he sexually assault and attacked, Sova?"
"If you don't believe me, I even got it all on tape!"
Yoo-Ah toggles her cap and Ji-Hyun smiles replying:
"This is one development I did not expect at all- Hm? You're using old Chu-Cheo's product?"
"Hah!? Who cares about that old quack anymore when his store drove Sova away! Anyway, Sova's wounds!"
"Okay, okay... Hmm, Yoo-Gisa is unexpected as always, but I guess we have nothing to do with him... Though, you're not traumatized or anything right, Sova?"
"Traumatized? Why?"
"Well, alright, I'll check on you. Since you are near recovery, any reopen wound would be dangerous let me see your arm."
As I pull my sleeves up and put my hand on her table I see Juha and Yoo-Ah on guard against Clara. Clara seeing their hostility looks dejected and return where she was resting. Now she diverts her attention to me saying:
"Hehe, its been a while since we meet or let's just say talk, Sova. And Congrats on your promotion!"
"Oh! Thank you!"
Ji-Hyun looking up and down inspecting my arm shakes her head saying:
"I don't see anything wrong. Honestly it's pretty normal... Well "normal" for your kind of body, Sova. Still, I'm happy to know you're doing fine. And congrats on your promotion! Though that's expected of someone of your skill and caliber."
Ji-Hyun then leans forth close that I can feel her breathe on my ears and whispers,
"Especially someone who learns directly from Taiga."
Feeling her warm breathe tickling my ear I can't help but back away replying:
"Y-Yea, thanks."
(Taiga again... I wonder if will meet her? Or him? Wait, I think it would be best if I don't involve myself too much. Still, I guess this promotion is pretty big for being a proper adventurer... I suppose High Rank hunter is pretty special).
"So... My arms fine right?"
Ji-Hyun holds her cheeks as to hold her tilting head replying:
"Yup, nothing wrong. Still, it would be best if you rest a bit more. After all, you just woke up yesterday. And here you got assaulted in your room. This place suddenly got dangerous or you're simply unlucky, maybe we should ask for more guards? But they're useless against people as strong as Yoo-Gisa..."
"Either way! Ji-Hyun Unnie, Sova won't suffer any after effects right!?"
"Hmm, probably no. Her regenerative and immunities are very extraordinary for an Owlian. I could cut her head off and it would just pull itself back across the room."
"Don't joke about that! Shoo! Away, bad winds!"
Yoo-Ah fans her arms up and away to drove something as she shouts.
(I hate to admit that but she might be right... Even if I don't feel it, it's still a horrifying experience at the darkness).
"Okay, okay, but it never hurts to be careful, hold on..."
Ji-Hyun rolls around her chair and drags it to a nearby table with her writing utilities and starts jotting down something before she hands it out to Clara saying:
"But just in case, Clara dear will you please make some of these for me. And take Yoo-Ah and Juha along to help you make it."
"Huh why- I mean really!?"
" "No!" "
Seeing both Juha and Yoo-Ah saying stuff in unison and agreeing on one thing kinda makes me happy yet saddened to know it's not for a pleasant cause. Soon after, black strings emerge from within Ji-Hyun's clothes and form into the black tight suit with U mark on them like before. Crossing her legs, she leans forward saying:
"And this is coming from me, no funny business, mkay?"
Clara feeling grossed out by Ji-Hyun kinda backs away, pulling her body away as to avoid her before she slightly nods replying:
"F-Fine..."
"You heard her, Yoo-Ah my sweet sunshine. The guild is pretty much understaffed and you're the only one with experience grinding herbs so your help would really help immensely. It's for your precious, Sova after all."
"Urgh! I'm not falling for it! You tricked me last time!"
Before Clara could take the note, Ji-Hyun pulled her hand back replying:
"Ah, is that so then I suppose, Sova can leave now. It's a bit sad but I guess your personal staff will be-"
"Ah! Fine! As long as she's not doing any surprises anymore!"
"Fufu, good to hear. It's better you just sleep or not move much after taking the medication. Now, off you all go."
"Yay! You definitely won't regret it!"
Clara takes her note and reads it as she leaves with a twitching finger as Yoo-Ah follows further behind whispering:
"(This is for Sova... Deal with it)."
(Now I feel bad, and I think I know where this is going...)
As I look back at Ji-Hyun, she looks at the still staying Juha asking:
"Aren't you gonna follow?"
"Hmph! Of course not! I made a plea to make sure I stay close to her as much as possible! I'm not leaving her side."
"Well, fine I guess. One will do."
"What-"
*Bling*
Before Juha realizes she is suddenly swallowed by a thick ooze of blue haze and I jump out of my chair shouting:
"Juha! What have you done to her!?"
As I reach my hand to touch, Ji-Hyun grabs my hand replying:
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. And, don't worry. She won't be affected too much. It's simply a hazing spell and is now experiencing a hallucination of us just messing around and awkwardly wait for those two. Honestly, pretty harmless, I tested it on myself and some patients too. Well... Mostly myself."
Still feeling angered seeing my friend in such situation, I can't help but let out steam by saying:
"Seriously, don't do this! If you want to speak with me you can do it in another way."
"Sadly this is the only abilities I can do to not draw suspicion... Hmm, maybe I could do it that way since you're still a patient... But enough of me explaining dear all. The one who wants to see you are someone else. Mhm, sorry, I didn't know someone would visit now, and isn't this a perfect chance? The person you want to meet just strolled to your domain."
Ji-Hyun words seems to change as she seems to talk to someone when two veiled figures soon appear beside me as I quickly jump out to look them. Wearing in all dark blue, from the tip of their hats to their shoes, they wear some weird clothing I never seen that is different than the robes the people here wear...
"Are they from the Triads?"
"Triads? Pff, nah, nah. Gentleman, if you would please."
With their arms already tuck inside some blanket type sleeves, they bow down and one of them says,
"Greetings, Friend Sova Anmao. We are from the Organization by the name of Oghranje. We are currently allies with the Triads and wishes to meet with you."
(Oghranje? That's quite a tongue twister... Oh, could it be an ancient name from ancient and mythical Rucina age? I heard a lot of them from ancient hero stories).
Speaking with the same accent as me, they too speak by combining the synonyms of both Hwansea and Pyoeo. One of them looks at the frozen Juha and says:
"Forgive us for being secretive but this is just our policy to survive against one of the Deity that wishes to destroy us. We can't let any information leaks from any unsafe connection. One wrong move and it'll be the end of our home."
"Uh..."
(Where do I begin to ask? Right, introduction!)
I clasp my hand and bow replying:
"Um, nice to meet you? My name's Sova Anmao."
They both straighten their backs as I follow suit and they continue saying:
"Seeing you are hiding alongside innocent people, we shall be quick with our request. We wish for you to return a weapon belonging to one of our esteemed Elders, Seo-Yong. Also known more commonly and currently as the Previous War God."
"H-Huh!? Excuse me?"
(Wait, the previous God of War!? They are with him!? And is he actually here? But it's definitely clear what they want, but...)
"Forgive us for sounding sudden but he will need that weapon to aid our cause. Time is being cut short thanks to the quick conquest up north. We express our incompetency for not being able to find it when it is literally under our noses. If you would, we are more than happy to compensate your endeavors with what the Organization can offer since we heard it is a personal item."
"H-Hold on, I think you misunderstand, that spear isn't even mine. And I'm simply borrowing it. I can't just... Hand it over to you. And I think it's simply better to just ask the creator himself no? He let me borrow this spear in exchange of letting him borrow a weapon of mine."
(And if they could easily compensate the weapon shouldn't they just make a new or get something of equivalent value?)
"C-Creator?"
"Forgive me for asking something not that related, but you know the one who forged that spear?"
The two seem to be in shocked hearing my answer and Ji-Hyun beside me seem to enjoy the situation as she continues eating her desserts.
(Wait, she is friends with Dal-Yong, shouldn't she know this? So she didn't tell them? Well, I'm a bit hesitant but...)
I took in a deep breathe and quickly answer with,
"Yes, he is the owner of the armoury in this guild. You can immediately find him on this floor. I'm sure if you can talk to him and mention me or something, he will probably lent the spear back to its owner."
The two look at each other and nod saying:
"Very well, sorry for disturbing your vacation and thank you for being so cooperative. You have aided us greatly. We will now try to commune with said individual."
"I hope we can continue our cooperation. I'm sure we'll meet again if you will fight alongside the Phoenix Sector to unify the peninsula. Please have this as a token for taking your time so suddenly."
With a single motion of his arm, something dropped in my pocket and I can only wonder,
(Huh? What did he say? I thought they are with the triad? And their attitude is a bit weird).
Before I get to ask more they both jump back and vanish into thin air as I wonder what kind of sorcery they use, Ji-Hyun pushes me to sit down again and return to where she is resting before saying:
"Now, Sova... Stay here."
"Um..."
*Pop*
"I admit, I am curious. But I will restrain myself."
Before I could ask Ji-Hyun's spell breaks and Juha suddenly speaks folding her arm. As if nothing happen, Ji-Hyun looks back at her naturally replying:
"That's fine. But please, let's try talking something else shall we? I'm sure Sova here have no idea what noble activities you said."
(Wait, what the fudge is going on!? And how is she acting normal to all this?)
"Don't look at me with such a stupid face, idiot! Hmph, I suppose I can teach you some of Silla's etiquette when we head to the party tomorrow."
"U-Uh, Juha?"
"Worry not, Sova. I'll stay close to watch over you. It is one thing to be rude but it is another when your table manners could dirty the surroundings."
"Um... Thanks?"
"Hmph! No need! And I suppose I need to teach Yoo-Ah as well since she's tagging along."
Juha then looks back at the exit saying:
"And she's taking her sweet time. I suppose this is fine."
"For what?"
"To start with your training. Let's start with table manners, you are interested in tea ceremonies no?"
(Tea ceremonies? Oh yea... Cups).
"Definitely! Please teach me!"
"Heh, I like that enthusiasm. Then, Ji-Hyun Ssi, I hope you don't mind if I take sit?"
"Oh my! Silly me! Of course! Here, take my chair, Jin-Juha nim."
(Jin-Juha... I almost forgot about her full name since I keep calling her Juha... What's her family name again?)
Ji-Hyun gets up and urge Juha to take her chair which Juha complies. As she take a sit, Ji-Hyun cleans the table and provides some new utensils that she pulls out from a shelf...
(Did they have all those dishes ready in advance that they can pull it out just like that? How diligent).
Seeing Ji-Hyun pour in some tea for us and hand out the sweets, I can only wonder what I'm doing when Juha says,
"Watch closely at what Ji-Hyun Ssi is doing, Sova. She is actually very good with her distribution and is very proficient with her hands."
(You don't say).
"You praise me too much, Jin-Juha Nim."
"I do not, compared to that Clara girl, you are leagues beyond. Even if she has a higher bone rank than you, I would much prefer you over her."
"Aw, you bring smiles to me, Jin-Juha nim. But please, I'm sure Clara may be a bit screwed in her head but she is a real nice girl."
"Hmph, I'm only tolerating her because of your words."
Seeing the sweets laid out before me, I can't help but reach my hand out saying:
"Well, thanks for the food, everyone let's eat-"
*Swing*
Seeing Juha's baton upon my hands I ask,
"Huh? W-What's wrong?"
"I may not know how they do it in Heaven or the western kingdoms but when you're here you must follow our rules!"
"Um..."
As I pull my hand back, Juha removes her gloves and grabs her cup( Well, it looks more like a bowl ) with both her hands saying:
"Here, everyone must start with drinking their tea first!"
"Okay...?"
"Just follow her lead, Sova."
"S-Sure."
(I wonder what is she hallucinating about to make us talk about this? But I'm not complaining! I'll shove the best cups at her face!)
Following Juha, I grab the cup with two hands but Juha glares at me saying:
"When you drink, you must straighten your back, or simply put, sit straight. Your shoulders are too low."
"H-Huh? Okay..."
(So is this what nobles have to go through? Kinda harsh that even the way you sit have to be taught).
"Tradition says we would be sitting and crossing our feet on the floor, but the chairs will do. Honestly, compared to what I heard they do in Heaven the steps we take here are actually very simple."
"Oh?"
(Wait, so this gets harder back home?)
*Sip*
"Haah~ this tea is actually pretty nice."
"Why, thank you."
Seeing Juha's face filled with peace and content I got curious and took a sip as well-
"Pssh, ahack, blegh! What is this!?"
I felt as if my tongue has rot while the bitter taste spread across my mouth. Covering my mouth before I could spit, I force myself to swallow but to no avail.
(Urgh! Please, don't tell me Ji-Hyun also enjoy bitter stuff? Oh yea, Hu-Sae? I think, well Juha's friend at that shop said the older people like the more bitter ones, so Ji-Hyun is older than she looks like Juha? And I guess this might be more to Sis Yuwei's taste, well not as bitter as the one Sis Yuwei drinks... I hate this tea!)
"Haha, right you don't like bitter ones. Ji-Hyun Ssi do you have any sugar for her? And Sova, don't do that when with someone else. It is very disrespectful."
"Um... Sorry, especially since tea is such a rare commodity."
"It's fine, here's some paper towels."
Ji-Hyun hands me some white thin sheets and I happily take them as she cleans the table. Juha taking another sip smiles blissfully saying:
"Haah, this is some really good leaves."
"If it please you, I'll pack some for you, Jin-Juha nim."
"Oh, please. This is truly delightful, I could share some of my favourites to you as well."
(How is she able to stomach such a bitter taste?)
Wondering when the others would return, I observe Juha who's sitting with a perfect posture sipping the bitter tea again when Ji-Hyun hands me a bowl full of sugar cubes saying:
"Here you go, make sure to mix it well and don't take too much. Else you'll get a disease even I have no cure for."
(Oh? Didn't Sis Yuwei say something same back then?)
"You mean the Diabetes something?"
"Oh my! Did you perhaps study some medicine? I didn't know you're interested in the medical field."
"Oh, no, I just heard it from my sister."
"Fufu, she must be a diligent sister for you~ (oh, that Taiga is softer than I thought)."
(Taiga... Who is she or he?)
"Diabetes? Forgive me, Ji-Hyun nim but I never heard such a disease."
"Ah! Why of course! It is a disease unique to Owlians after all. Zerians don't get afflicted by it, and you would only know it unless you're studying for a degree in Owlian medicine since it is quite rare."
(The fudge!? So Zerians are immune to more diseases? That sounds so unfair! Or maybe Zerians have their own sickness that Owlians don't?
Then again, if it's something only you can find if you study it. Sis Yuwei must've study a lot... I wonder if that Moriz is the same? I mean he doesn't feel like a model student to me... Well, then again I never really see one, so maybe model students are like him? No way).
"Alright, I get the message."
I say while I put in the cubes and Ji-Hyun smiles replying:
"Good to know!"
As we wait for the other two, other than the sound of the two enjoying their meal I can hear the sound of gentle winds coming from the vents above. Cold, yet so different than the one I felt recently... A gentle winter breeze. Usually with such calm tranquility, I would cultivate in my training-
*Stomp* *Stomp* *Stomp*
*Slide* *Slam*
"We're back!"
"My, that was quick... Did Clara perhaps improved?"
With a loud proclamation, Yoo-Ah arrives presenting a blue salve high into the sky. Without Clara in sight, Yoo-Ah storms in handing Ji-Hyun the salve shouting:
"There! Now finalize stuff or are we actually done!?"
Ji-Hyun calmly takes the salve replying:
"Now, now, Yoo-Ah. Be patient here, this is for Sova's safety. Being thorough is more important than being quick."
"Uuu..."
Yoo-Ah mopes as she takes a chair and sit beside me. Seeing my tea cup right beside her she picks it up shouting:
"Oh! Let me have some!"
Wondering if Juha would stop her for her misbehavior I hastily say,
"Yoo-Ah wait-"
*Sip*
"Brfff! Blergh! What is this!? It's more bitter than black coffee!"
Before I could stop her, she spits on my face as I feel the lukewarm drink stream down my face.
(De ja vu...)
"Sova! Oh my god! Uuh, here's some tissue! And let me help wipe it!"
Yoo-Ah in full panic grabs a thick fold and starts helping wipe my face as I realize I haven't even finish cleaning my hand.
"Prfff! Hahaha..."
Juha cracks a grin as she then sips another saying:
"Truly, comedy gold. Didn't think it could actually happen in real life."
"You evil witch! You knew what would happen didn't you!?"
"Perhaps, but I certainly did not expect you to spit across her face. Have some decency to cover your mouth would you? Here have my towel, Sova."
Juha hands me a towel she pulls from inside her coat.
"T-Thanks."
Taking her towel, I start wiping my face and can't help but notice the smell of...
(Vanilla? Wait, is there perhaps vanilla here? Oh! Maybe I should ask if they sell some of those legendary ice cream! I've been dying to taste more ever since Qiyue drop the crepes back then!)
Yoo-Ah grabs ahold of me and pulls me back in her arms shouting:
"Ureee! Stay away from her, Sova! She's evil! Evil I say!"
Still within Yoo-Ah's grasp, she wipes my face and I could only say,
"Right..."
(I guess I should take a quick shower again).
"Woah!"
Pushing her arms apart, I pull myself back and starts wiping the remaining smear on my hair when I notice something gleaming at the bottom of the shelves.
"Hmm? Say, what is that shiny thing down there?"
I point at where I see and Yoo-Ah jumps from her seat shouting:
"What! What is it!? Hmm!?"
"Yoo-Ah be careful, there are many glass objects here."
"Don't worry!"
Rushing to below the shelves she crouch and pull out a weird glass panel stick to some block.
"Oh! Look at what I found! A weight counter!"
"Hisss, shaa! Get that thing away from me! No, more like I'm out of here! Adeaiu!"
*SLAM*
"Sigh, that door will break sooner or later."
Ignoring Ji-Hyun's plight, Clara seems to have return from her atelier only to shut the door as she runs away. Wondering what just happen, Yoo-Ah who seem to have an epiphany raise the object as if revering it shouts:
"Haha! I found her weakness!"
Even more confused and bewildered by the situation. I ask,
"Weight counter? So that thing counts your weight?"
(You count your weight? I thought that was only for animals in the shop?)
Astonish by her discovery, I wonder what it does while Juha puts her cup down saying:
"Interesting, but I suppose it makes sense to find one here. I guess among all the Owlian product, this one seems to be quite mandatory for all. After all, your body isn't made out of magic."
"Oh?"
"Fufufu, indeed. Since this is the end of the month, why not try it?"
Ji-Hyun happily says as she pours a cup for herself and Yoo-Ah hugs the object shouting:
"Oh! This is perfect! Time to check my yearly gains! Alright, I'm going first! Since we're all girls here, I guess this is fine!"
(Uh...)
Juha places the object down and push it down with a finger when the box below lights up.
"How does it work?"
"Just gotta stand on it and it'll tell your weight! It is perfect to know if you need to take diets!"
"Oh? I thought you exercise because you wish to grow stronger?"
"Everyone has different needs, Sova! Now time to see it!"
Yoo-Ah remove her slippers and hops on the counter as I realize,
"Wait! Is that okay? It's made of glass."
"It's fine! Now..."
As I realize the light moves and shows a numeral symbol I don't recognize...
(What is that suppose to be? Maybe I should really study and improve my maths).
"Oh! I actually gain a few Kilos! But that is just a product of my exercise and growth!"
Yoo-Ah raise her arms to show some muscles but the only thing I see is her slim arms. Ji-Hyun who appear beside Yoo-Ah crouch to see the light, she sips her tea before saying:
"Hm... 62 kg for 1.75 m... You are quite big for a 15 year old and very healthy. Then again, your difference with the other staffs is your young face and vigour. And that's normal from your height and build. I mean your brother and sister is much bigger when they were your age."
"Don't speak about them! And no, I'm not fat! and I don't have that developed muscles! A-And I'm actually 17!"
Yoo-Ah's eyes wander about before looking at me with panic and Ji-Hyun smirks replying:
"I never said anything about being fat. And... You want me to show Sova your birth certificate? It's not good to lie."
"Nooo! More like, why do you even have that!?"
"Of course I do, every staff working here have to present their health certificate and prove of existence. That means your birth certificate, and that includes adventurers that registered here... Well, only for national citizen, foreigners have different ways."
(Hoh? Now, I'm curious. People actually weight themselves? Is this a tradition here? Or maybe I'm just out of touch? Knowing what I learn it might be the latter).
"I never heard that! Dammit, what did Uncle Yi-Il gave during the registration! A-Anyway! Sova, it's your turn! Come, I'm curious!"
"Sure!"
Following Yoo-Ah's suggestion, I follow along seeing her make way. Juha probably curious follow behind me. Yoo-Ah makes way and gesture me to be quick saying:
"Hurry, Sova!"
Following her words, I decided to slowly stand on the glass panel when the light moves again.
"What the!?"
"138!?"
"Fufufu... 138 kg for 1.79 m, you are definitely considered obese but..."
Everyone is left agape by the revelation and I tilt my head asking:
"What? Is it bad? Or is it good? I mean, I'm twice heavier than Yoo-Ah?"
"No! How is that possible!?"
Yoo-Ah holds my cheeks then my shoulders before my sides then looks down shouting:
"Is this thing broken!? Then my weight is definitely wrong as well!"
"No, I checked my tools everyday, no broken tools here."
"Then explain that! She's as heavy as those uhgares!"
Yoo-Ah points at me with such intensity as if her finger could pierce the heavens. Yet, Ji-Hyun brush her off with a simple wave replying:
"Don't worry, like I said before, Sova has some special body. I even weighted her when she is still recovering and she was heavier back then, around 140."
"Woah! Are Owlians like Sova then? No wonder she was so heavy when we tried to lift her back up to her bed."
Yoo-Ah falls deep into thought only for Juha to snap shouting:
"Of course not! Owlian and us don't have any difference! They may not be able to use magic but their anatomy still remains the same! I can confirm it since I helped at the barracks!"
Worried about my own body and knowing why this happen I still asks,
"Um, I'm still gonna be okay right?"
"Of course! And don't worry, in fact, I would be more worried if you weight the same as Yoo-Ah. With all those extra hidden muscles, bones, tendons, and joints, you are definitely special. And wanna know something interesting? If Sova's muscles decided to expand she would probably looks close to those gigantic demons you see in those picture books with disproportional body and weight probably around 3 tons."
"Woah! Owlians might be magic after all!"
"That's... Unsettling."
Seeing the mixed reaction I finally start to question what did Mary even do to me. Ji-Hyun then clicks her pen on her chin as if playing with it and continue saying:
"But that's just a theory, and worry not, she is still considered human and no Owlian or Zerian is like her. So don't get your head everywhere cause she can't do whatever you're imagining except well super physical feat."
Trying to divert the attention away I look at Juha saying:
"Juha, your turn! We got ours so now it's you."
"Huh?"
"Yeah! Everyone showed theirs, now it's your turn!"
As I move aside Juha hesitates for a while before sighing and say,
"Sigh... Fine, I mean it's not that special anyway."
Juha removes her boots and other clothing that seem to make her heavier before getting up. Seeing the light moves I get curious as well seeing why everyone seems to be interested in their weight.
"Hmm..."
Everyone's eyes seems to wander at the light while I look up at Juha who's focused as well.
(She looks really serious).
When the light converge, everyone looks with shock while Juha smiles satisfied as she folds her arms and nods.
"T-That's impossible! How is she lighter than me!?"
Yoo-Ah screams and Juha mockingly smirks replying:
"Oh, don't be so bitter. I suppose this is just the result."
(Wait, so how much did she get?)
"Urreeee! I won't accept this! Move aside! I'm taking it again!"
Yoo-Ah shoves Juha aside and takes on the counter again while Ji-Hyun examines Juha saying:
"59 kg for 1.77 m, you are pretty light all things considered..."
Ji-Hyun's eyes wandered to certain large parts Juha possess before she continue saying:
"Still, you are real close to being considered underweight, so be mindful of that."
Juha scoffs saying:
"Hmph, worry not, it is only natural for a soldier to watch her diet and exercise accordingly. Unlike civilians, we need to watch for our body. The elite military school has strict body rules thanks to Owlian culture."
"No! This cannot be! I refuse to accept someone like her could be lighter! I mean, how is it even possible with an ass and breasts that big!?"
*Smack*
Yoo-Ah points at Juha with contempt in her eyes only for her hand to be slap away by Juha who's looking at her butt flustered replying:
"Watch where you're pointing, Yoo-Ah! It is simply hereditary."
(I feel like Juha actually cares... A lot. And ass? Is bigger ass important here too? And I wonder how they tell asses is bigger or not? Is it the hips?)
Seeing them bicker I can't help but ask,
"Say, is it really that bad she's lighter? And what does having it bigger effect it?"
"It's a matter of pride, Sova! Like how us girls here wants bigger breasts to gain all the favours! Plus! There's no way girls like those don't have shoulder pain with busts that big!"
"Oh..."
"Sigh... What a bunch of superstition. I think you should be grateful you have something to measure, don't you ever considered Sova's feelings? She can't even wear a bra and no padding can help her."
Yoo-Ah and Juha looks my way and sighs while Ji-Hyun smirks before Juha walk back to the tea table saying:
"Either way, if that's what you want you can simply just wait. Even though your growth spurt has probably ended, it can definitely still grow."
"Oh, just you wait then! I'll soon become so attractive all man will fall for me! And you too, Sova! Don't give up hope!"
"Uh... R-Right?"
"Yeah, good luck with that. *Sip*"
Juha continue relaxing and sipping her tea while Ji-Hyun seems to write something before saying:
"Oh, Yoo-Ah,, you don't need to be so discouraged. Your strength lies not in your body but your looks and attitude. Being cute suits you really well, you did almost become an idol if not for your lack of vocal skills."
"Yea! You're plenty cute already!"
"Hear her compliment, you did charm my lil champ."
(Lil champ?)
Yoo-Ah hearing our praise smiles widely as to keep her teeth from showing before replying:
"Hum! Hum! Yea, you're maybe right! Though, I'm still not going to date your kid, Ji-Hyun unnie! We are too far apart in age! And when it comes to cute, Sova you are definitely up in the top!"
(Kid? Oh, Ji-Hyun is married huh? She looks so young to have a kid... Then again, Saya's friend... Who was it again? She looks the same age as her daughter so maybe young looking mothers are normal? Or is it just here?)
"True that as well."
"Hmph!"
Ji-Hyun nods and Juha looks away while I can't help but feel a bit warm in my cheeks saying:
"Um... Well..."
"Okay, okay, enough gossiping, here is the instructions on to use the medicine. It's much, much, weaker than the ones we use to heal you when you're still unconscious but it'll do."
Ji-Hyun rips the paper off the book and hands it to me and I happily take it saying:
"Thanks."
(Right, then again I doubt someone so young could master many expertise).
"I would want to say to be more careful but if the one chasing you is as strong as Yoo-Gisa, I really don't have any advice. So... I suppose try to defend yourself better?"
Ji-Hyun tilts her head saying that and I nod looking at the container made of steel and glass saying:
"I'll take that into account."
Ji-Hyun happily gets up, stretching her arms high saying:
"Great! Hmmm~ph! Haah, good thing you came today cause I'm going to take my leave vacation tommorow. So try not to get yourself hurt this time, alright? If you somehow get hurt, you'll be transported to the public medical facility."
Ji-Hyun leans over to me then whispering:
"(But worry not, we have more people there as well)."
A bit creeped out by how she keeps doing that, I pull back replying:
"O-Okay."
"Don't worry, Ji-Hyun Unnie! I'll protect, Sova from any perverts!"
Yoo-Ah pumps her chest saying that while Juha puts her cup down and nods saying:
"Yes, I too will defend, Sova with my life!"
"Fufu, hear that? Looks like you got yourself some good friends. Though this is unbefitting for a doctor to say, but you can leave now. Ah~ can't wait to go home and cuddle my lil champ."
Ji-Hyun sits at the chair with wheels and drags her self to one of the shelf and lull out a small container giving it to Juha before continuing saying:
"Here, you go, enjoy. It's a great treat for Suwah next week. Think of it as early presents."
(Suwah? I think I heard some girls say that in the baths).
"Very much appreciate it-"
"Eeeh! What about mine!?"
Yoo-Ah cuts Juha off while Ji-Hyun sighs shaking her head replying:
"Well, honestly nothing really. You are 17 now aren't you? You have to earn one now. So, I'll be generous even though you're not family and say a kiss to the cheek will do, Yoo-Ah. So? Hm? Hm?"
Yoo-Ah hesitates while Ji-Hyun holds her cheek to Yoo-Ah with a faint smile saying:
"Ah, you grow up so fast. C'mon, this unnie is waiting."
"That's just- Urree...!"
Yoo-Ah's face reddened before she turns tail approaching me and looks at the medicine shouting:
"Alright, Sova! Let's get those stuff of yours from Hwang-So's gramps resident and get out of here!"
"O-Okay, sorry for the trouble."
(So is it like some holiday? Though that's kinda sad that there are restrictions for it. And when you're older you have to do something to earn a gift? Isn't that just work then?)
"Stop acting like that and let's go!"
Yoo-Ah push me away as I see Juha stands to clean the sweets and tea prepared at the table saying:
"Thank you for your hospitality."
Following close behind us, Yoo-Ah pushes me further gently as to distance ourselves yet that seems to be futile. Going through the passing light, the dim basking glow lighting up the empty corridors, cold winds blew gently from every corner, with only both Juha and Yoo-Ah's footsteps echoing softly from the soft carpet floor. I look back seeing Yoo-Ah guiding me from the back while Juha easily following beside her.
"I too, will protect both of you."