Taking our sweet time leisurely strolling the streets, Juha seems to finally calm down a bit as she lets us take in the sights of the huge city, the massive capital. Filled by houses, shops, diners, many recreational facilities, and most of all people everywhere you see and ships drives back and forth on our side and above. This place is a sight to behold when standing on ground. Scribbling around my new book, I start to sketch and write down what I see and listen...
"Hey, do you have any idea what to get for Suwah?", "Nope! But, I think I'm gonna stay late on that day.", "Just go home man, no one's gonna give you anything... Well, do you want me to give something?", "Hell no! I don't need your pity! I want some girls to give me some!", "So your mom then?", "God dammit, no! How pitiful do you think I am!? Hmm, I should check the store and prepare!", "Mom, when can we head back to the western district?", "Change? Spare me some change?", "Come at our store! Winter promotion is around! Up to 80% discounts!", "Idol merch! Selling idol merch! Get it before it runs out!", "Haah, heater... Gotta get more heaters.", "Say dude, what do they mean by touch some grass? I touch and sit on grass everyday! Well, it may be hard on winter.", "If that's how you think of it then I doubt you'll understand.", "I roll a positive explosion! Hell yeah! Suffer my ultimate attack! Haah!", "Aaargh! Well, you win... By the way did you think it's real?", "That Star Child? Probably not. There's no way she's an Owlian. That recording or test must've been fake or rigged.", "Yeah, there's no way she could beat the moonlight swordsman.", "Say, how much does this winter coat cost?", "Thanks for the meal, old man.", "Come again!"
(I'm sad I didn't get to draw the station).
The scent of food, mostly fish fills the street while my sight was taken by the countless displays of shops and booths and my ears filled by the hustle and bustle of the crowds while there are some few street performers as well. From clothes, weapons, armours, accessories, weird magic items, gadgets, toys, those rare music players I heard about, and so many more foreign items, this place is chuck full of stuff.
(There's everything here! And there's a lot of toy stores too).
"Fuuuh..."
Juha lets out a long wind as I see her breathe from the cold. She looks back at us saying:
"Well anyways, welcome to one of the east side commercial district. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to shop a little now, as long as you can carry them. If anything catch your interest, check it out. As for me... I'm gonna need some breather."
"Ooh! I saw a huge Idol shop, I'm gonna go check there!"
"I-I'll follow along."
"Alright, but you better not left me hanging like last time. And make it quick, or you can window shop for now and buy it after we put our luggage."
"Let's go, Sova!"
"R-Right."
Following Yoo-Ah along, I can't help but feel the eyes on me. Either from me being an Owlian or that the bag I'm carrying is the same size as I am though they quickly return their gaze when Juha comes. The store clerk yelling at the outside saw us and make way saying:
"Ah welcome! Please, check our products!"
Yoo-Ah rush past him and immediately browse the product one by one from the front. As I wait, I look around and notice the way they decorate the place. Posters and figures are everywhere while small items are displayed in a open box. Ders even some box I wonder what's inside.
"Say, Yoo-Ah do you know what this is?"
I grab the box and she rush to me replying:
"Oh! That's a song collection! Whoa! They have those here!?"
"Song? Wait, this box makes sounds? Like radio?"
"Well, you can play it on radio. But we usually use some other methods! Oh, the one you're holding can be heard by Owlians!"
"Neat! Hmm..."
(Should I buy one though?)
Seeing the young girl at the cover, I wonder how good she is. I get to see one when we finished our game but...
(I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, I should hear it before judging anything... But, I doubt I can listen without buying it first... No...)
I put the box back and look at Yoo-Ah who's piling on the thin boxes thinking,
(For now, I can't let myself get distracted. I have to train and get stronger! And... Really determine how to use time).
"Oh? Not to your liking, Sova!?"
Yoo-Ah who puled up as tall as her upper body as she asks and I shake my head saying:
"Uh... I think I'll think about it later. And, how will you keep that?"
"With your bag, of course! Sorry! But let me put these in your luggage for now! These are limited items I can't get anywhere! And there are some tracks that I always wanted! The capital is stocked more with dated items than Mohyusig!"
(Not sure how she'll carry those home but...)
"Sure, want me to carry half?"
"Nah! Your hands are already full with my bag, let me handle this!"
Yoo-Ah slowly walks to the counter and drops the stack unto the desk shouting:
"All of these, please! And..."
Yoo-Ah rummage along her giant bag on my back before presenting a familiar red medallion saying:
"Here's my membership badge!"
The cashier's eyes glisten and sparkled as she shouts:
"Oh, my! A medallion holder! Thank you so much for choosing our services!"
(Oh? Yoo-Ah had those? Is she a shareholder as well!? Like Moriz!?)
The cashier checks the sides of the stack and badge before something wraps it all up in some sort of bag and then asks:
"That'll be 200 Wu."
Hearing her, I hand Yoo-Ah her purse and she takes it saying:
"Thanks! And here!"
Yoo-Ah hands in two folded papers and carries all the stuff shouting:
"All right! Let's go!"
Seeing Yoo-Ah stuff the stack in my bag and return the stuff to her bag, before she puts in her medallion I can't help but ask,
"Say, what is that medallion? Are you perhaps those owners?"
"Huh!? Considering you know, Rana, I knew you would know this! But NO! I didn't contribute enough to be one! I'm just a super huge fan! And I got this personally from Miso!"
"Oh?"
(So those things operate differently to people?)
"This is sort of a proof of membership. Miso said only a specific people in the industry hold this thing."
"Interesting..."
"Believe it or not, they provide different services and boons depending on the colour! Mine's red which is around the middle class, sadly not enough to personally call out an idol!"
"I'm surprised they could do that..."
My voice sounding so weird that alarmed even myself as I wonder why I responded like that but Yoo-Ah doesn't seem to bother and continue saying:
"And you know, I heard from Miso that just like here, the highest rank this medallion is black. But that is just a rumour and it's so rare it might not even exist! Even the ruler of the towers hold the Jade badge which is still below Diamond! And those are so few nobody even seen it before either!"
"I see... That is interesting..."
(Maybe because Moriz doesn't give me the best impression but... I really don't want to acknowledge him as someone important. And I find that weird why I really reject him so much... Is it because he fumbled my balls? Might be so.)
Hearing her explain as we exit the store, Juha seems pleased as she approach us saying:
"Okay you two, let's get it quick. It's nearing late afternoon and we haven't had lunch."
"Are you hungry, Juha? Sorry."
"Hmph! Don't misunderstand! I'm merely worried about you! Now let's get moving!"
"Aw~ why do you have to be so dishonest! Come, let me borrow your kitchen!"
"That's... Acceptable."
*************************************
The sky, so clear and blue with no clouds is quite a sight to see especially when it's actually quite cold instead of scorching hot where its hard to look up.
(Winter sure is nice... But its kinda weird or maybe because I'm not used to it?)
As we approach further, the crowds thin out over time while the shops and other facilities are far out of reach till we reach a bridge with a huge gate... Or more like a fortress. Posted with guards all around, they make way for a person coming out of the guard tower with gold trims wearing similar coat to Juha with medals on his coat.
(Oh! Medals, I'm surprised I haven't seen any on someone like the admiral or the colonel considering they're heroes).
"They're with me, we're going back to the Belluga estate Major Do-Hagun nim."
"No need to be so formal, lieutenant. How's your trip to Meondosi? I heard Lord Hwang-So nim is arranging many events. So much so my daughter is visiting."
Juha's and that major's voice echo clearly among the cold stream and chilling winds. There's almost nobody left but a giant fences beside us and patrolling guards.
(Whoa, is this what the noble district like? Well, not that I've been to the one in Meondosi).
Ignoring the conversation Juha is having, I try to break the ice and I look at Yoo-Ah who's busy sight seeing whatever is here by asking:
"Say, Yoo-Ah, how did you even get to know-"
"Alright you two, follow me. We're taking some transport."
"Right!"
"O-Okay..."
Juha speaks before I could finish and the guards stand aside while they let us walk in without revealing our ID's. The soldiers line up to form a road leading to a vehicle as they open the door for us.
(Woah... I'm now starting to wonder how much clout and influence does Juha have? Or her family... How do people even measure their influence here? I mean each person has different bones... Just get it out of the mind, and go with the ride).
"I have to admit, I am getting nervous."
"What for! Aren't you a noble, Sova!?"
"Well, no, did I tell you that yet? Anyways, I'm a commoner like you. And I rarely got such treatment."
"Let's just get in!"
Yoo-Ah pushes me inside while Juha sits at front, with the soldiers being barely able to carry Yoo-Ah's bag they decided to just strap it on the roof which kinda put a smile on my face since the transport looks silly now.
when the cars move and watching the reflection of the baggage bouncing calms me a bit. Watching over the snow fall over the fancy houses, wide gardens, and smooth roads. Yoo-Ah doesn't seem phased by what's happening and makes me wonder if she does this everytime?
"So, do you ride transports like this, Yoo-Ah?"
"Oh, sure! Back during war times we get to get inside huge container ships and transports to distance ourselves from the front lines! And sometimes with Dad's friends, they would let me on their ships too! It was when I was pretty small but I even went to the bridge and see a battle commence! The captain is pretty loud."
"I-I see..."
(Yea... Juha's right, hard to believe she's a commoner. And I wonder how much did her dad do for his friend to treat his children like their own?)
Juha turns to look behind asking:
"What about you, Sova? Don't you ride these sort of vehicles?"
"I... Rarely do."
"Really!?"
"I did ride a flying vehicle, trains, and whatnot but it's only recently. Usually I go by foot, or blindfolded when we switch countries with my Aunt. I felt a lot of wind pressure when she does that."
"I... See..."
"Really don't wanna know what happened there! Yup! This is gonna be my first time at the noble resident! Fancy normal houses, noble servants, fancy foods, different towels everyday! It's gonna be a blast!"
(So, that Hwang-So private residence don't count as normal? Or fancy? That place is fancy to me... Or is the definition of fancy different?)
"That sounds... Nice? Though this would be a new experience."
"Heh, how dull."
Juha cracks a smile and I notice the driver is shocked by that as the car bumped a bit. Juha glares at her and wait for the vehicle to stabilize before she continues saying:
"You're thinking of the main residence where the head of the family stays. Branch homes don't have any of those, except if you're royalty. And usually your personal servant is the one following you around to do such things in your stay. I for one, have none so just like the adventurers guild, do it all on your own."
"Eeh!? That's bullshit! Then who cleans the residence then!?"
"We either hire people every week to do that, sent some of the servants from the main residence, or if we're staying there our personal servant will clean it all. There's barely anything there so it's not much work for a quick wash even for me. Or they could just clean the places their lords want to use while leaving the rest to gather dust."
"Ureee! Fine! At least, there's still the fancy houses! Oh, wait! That means we get to use the place as much as we want!"
"Just don't break anything and clean it up after you're done."
"Adventurer guild indeed!"
"Y-Yea..."
(Fuuu, I'm getting more nervous now for some reason... Oh wait!)
"Say, if your brother is there, wouldn't that mean someone will be there too?"
"Oh yeah! So, so? What is it!?"
"That's... What I'm going to confirm. And note to you two if he is there, stay away from him! You got me!? He is nothing but bad influence now! And I don't wanna see you two turn to become like my youngest sister!"
"Y-Yea."
(What happened to her younger sister? Here I thought maybe I could ask him for something. But... Maybe that would be raising a lot of suspicion).
"Sure thing!"
After saying that, the vehicle stops at a certain residence surrounded by a river with multiple bridges to enter. Without tall fences we could easily see the large palace taking up the scene. The place is large yet looks comfortable from the rounded edges most of the buildings have in this kingdom, but unlike those this place has decoration of a fat half fish beast sleeping on it which looks pretty adorable. More like there's many instances where that animal is being displayed from the plain gardens, door, windows, and the centre of the main road that leads to the palace gates has a statue of it.
(Is that Juha's family emblem? It's adorable! Compared to that Hwang-So's monster this is just great!).
Seeing the driver opening the door for us and bowing down as Juha exit, Yoo-Ah follows suit shouting:
"We've arrived!"
Yoo-Ah grabs my bag and rushes to the fence as she waits and I grab her bag and follow suit. Watching Juha thank the driver before she leaves, she takes in the cold air before saying:
"Welcome to the Belluga Family capital residence. It's not much but it will provide you with shelter. Follow me, I'll help you tour the house so you don't get lost finding the baths and your room."
(Oh no, not that experience again).
"Alright! Come to think of it, this is my first time having a sleepover! This is gonna be fun!"
"Sleepover?"
(I think I had one when I was with May's friends before they all left. Usually, it's Nicole that sleeps at my place... I wonder what I should tell him when I meet him?)
As I wonder Yoo-Ah drags me along shouting:
"Come on, Sova!"
"Right."
Juha led us inside as she starts explaining what are the sections and names of the places before finally reaching the adorable beast at the centre. She place her hands on it and pats its tummy saying:
"This is our family's emblem. The White Terror. Our ancestors tamed those monsters and turn it into their pets making the first ever water/land calvary unit in the peninsula."
"Oh! I'm surprised! I can't believed someone actually tamed the white terror! Wait, could it be that the bone lake tale's mysterious clan be your family!?"
"Heh, it seems you finally realize the prestige of my ancestry."
"No...! My childhood is ruined!"
"How dare you say that!"
Seeing the two argue again, I can't help but grabs its fin as well saying:
"Haha, this thing is pretty cute. I can't believe they named this something like white terror."
Both of them stops and stare at me with judgy eyes. A bit baffled by their reaction, I pat its chubby stomach saying:
"What? It's cute! Look at how fat this thing's stomach is! And that fin is so adorable! And that round eyes! I wanna give this thing a hug!"
"Sova... You can be weird sometimes."
"Yeah! I hate to admit it, but she's right!"
"W-Why are you singling me out! Somebody must find these cute as well!"
(Especially when I rarely find something so cute!)
"Sigh..."
Juha sighs and shakes her head in disbelief replying:
"There's a reason why they named it that, Sova. And I can't believe you call that thing... Cute."
Yoo-Ah drops my bag and points at the statue shouting:
"Yeah! Don't you know that thing has been the major cause of death in the sea more than being stranded and drowning!"
"R-Really?"
"Do you wish to see what's inside its mouth look like? I guarantee you'll think otherwise."
I hug the statue's fin shouting:
"Don't ruin this for me!"
(Is this another of those culture shock? Or is my taste just weird?)
Juha's face seems to pan away while her frown widens when she asks:
"Say... Sova, do you know those 12 legged insects with 16 eyes? The one that likes to live at the corner of our ceilings?"
Hearing that, Yoo-Ah shivers as she holds herself to stop and I remembered that little pet I used to have replying:
"Wait, they have those here!? Of course! I keep them around! They help eat all the dead carcass and poop of passing vermin or the vermin itself in my room! That way, I just need to brush the floor while it cleans my walls and ceiling. Even better, it doesn't even left any bones."
(I miss you, lil furball. I rarely found you in my sector and Nicole just had to squash you... I'll never forgive him for that).
"And you found them... Cute?"
"Yea!"
"You're bizzare."
"No, am not! If you somehow hold them and look them in the eyes, they're very adorable! And their fur is super soft and colorful! My sister even use their fur to make her dolls."
"Urp!"
Juha holds her mouth as she turns away while Yoo-Ah covers her ears and went on her knees. Circling back, Juha tightens her gloves and fasten her sleeves as she asks:
"Just asking, how big is the one in Heaven that you can... Hold them and use them for their fur?"
"Oh, I don't know about the other sectors but the one in mine usually the size of my head-"
"Aaah! Stop talking about that! I'm gonna have nightmares tonight! Talk about something else! Or just continue with the house tour!"
*Clack* *bwoom*
Hearing something opening, I lean over and see someone coming out of the palace gate. A servant as young as us comes out with a tray with cups of tea. Her light green hair similar to the tea she brings seems to stand out as I remember Yoo-Ah saying there's rarely people with such bright hair colours.
Juha shakes her head before approaching the servant folding her arms saying:
"So... My brother is here then?"
Tapping her toes as she waits for an answer, she bows her head down and present the tray saying:
"Y-Yes! Along with the youngest."
"My Sister too!?"
"Y-Yes, please have something to drink. Lord Jin-Ae brought these."
"Tch! What are those idiots doing!? And what's with brother suddenly leaving his room!? Anyways, we'll take our own bags and which room is free?"
"Um, they have taken the entire 3rd floor, so the 2nd floor rooms is free."
"Fuuuh, very well, follow me you two."
"Okay! And Sova! Never speak of those again! Ever! As punishment, you'll be my pillow for tonight!"
Seeing Yoo-Ah being so angry and furious as she speaks at me for the first time kinda brings me down as I nod along replying:
"Okay..."
Juha heads in first taking a cup for herself and Yoo-Ah as well before I follow along and head inside. Gulping it down in one go knowing the risk it might be bitter, I give it back as the servant is still following us. Relieved by the sweet taste that creeps up my nose as I swallow, I look around the lobby. With the ceiling so far away that there's 3 floors above, pillars made with the shape of those adorable fat creature, walls of wood and stone, floors with wave patterns, and minimal decoration of dead sea creatures being displayed as trophies of sort.
(Okay, now I see what Yoo-Ah means by fancy. That place pales in comparison to this!)
"Don't dally you two! We don't wish to encounter those two, failures! If you wish to sightsee you can do it after you out your luggage down."
"Alright! You probably just want me to cook for you! Don't worry, I'll make lots! Provided you give me enough, ingredients!"
Yoo-Ah jugs her drink and chase after Juha while I follow her to the wooden stairs, hoping it doesn't break. Even the stairs is embroidered by some patterns and such...
(Woah, is this what normal palaces suppose to be? What happened to the Amethysts palace back home?)
Yoo-Ah arrives first screaming:
"Victory! Ooh! Is that your back garden!? And is that a swimming pool!?"
Yoo-Ah bumps herself to the window as she asks and Juha arrives behind her replying:
"Yes, and we also have small ponds to practice fishing. Right, Sova, I hope you're ready for a lesson."
Juha who seem to finish her drink gives her cup back replying:
"No! She's gonna train with me first! We're gonna use your frozen pool for the skiing practice!"
"Bitch, this is my house and my rules. I'm going first."
Yoo-Ah walks closer to Juha and give her cup back to the servant behind her asking:
"Isn't it your parents house!?"
"How rude! My parents gave it to me when I joined the IDB. And so, my name is in the written deed and contract. In short, THIS. IS. MY. HOUSE."
"Hurruh uree! Tch, nobles and their massive heritage! It's so unfair!"
"It's merely hard work, I'm sure your family could do the same. Though I'll be kind and say, make yourself comfortable and I'll leave you some time."
Arriving last carrying the biggest luggage, I nod along Juha saying:
"It's fine Yoo-Ah. I'll take my time learning from both of you, so which way is the room?"
"Actually, just take your pic. All the rooms in the second floor is your to take, though I recommend the ones on the edge where you'll get to view the outside."
"Oh! Let's go search the rooms then, Sova! Come on!"
Yoo-Ah drags me along and I asks:
"We'll be sleeping on the same room again right?"
"Of course!"
"No you do not, the rooms are not big enough for two beds."
"Eeh!? How small is it then!? Don't you have those folded walls like Hwang-So's gramps house had!?"
"Those are old house designs from centuries ago! We don't use that no more. And as for me, I'll be using my own room."
*Click*
While Juha still explain, Yoo-Ah opens one of the rooms saying:
"Woah, it's just an empty room."
"Of course! We'll bring you the bed and other utilities when you decided on one."
"I just realize this, but there's no guest room or something here?"
"Guest rooms? Those are only for the royal palace. Nobles like us, only prepare rooms when we receive notice of it. And since I kinda ask you out on that quite suddenly, I don't really have time to prepare. Just choose your rooms and I'll make sure the bed arrives before night."
"Alright! What about this one...!"
*Click*
"It's just the same!"
"Yes, all rooms are the same except for the furthest ones."
"All right then! Further in we go!"
As Yoo-Ah tries to drag me again, I realize something and hold her back replying:
"Wait!"
"Woah!"
"Yoo-Ah listen, sure the view is great, but logically speaking I rarely look outside the window for too long so why not just choose the ones near the stairs?"
"Eeh!? Really, Sova!?"
"Yea! I mean, we're just gonna stay here for one night and we could also bring our luggage down faster tommorow. Better yet, we're also close to the restroom and baths as well."
"Oh! When you say it like that..."
"Haha, looks like you got quite a good head on your shoulders, Sova. Pretty wise choice."
"Me? Wise!? Thanks!"
"Why are you that happy? Now just put your luggage, and let's head down for some lunch."
I open the one near us and look inside to see quite a large room, like she said, even though it could fit two beds but then it won't have enough space. With a single window and a hanging torch at the centre while having the same decor as the halls below, it's pretty fancy.
"Oh? Is this the one you choose!? Then I'll take the one beside you! Here's your bag!"
Yoo-Ah enters and place the bag before she rush to the window and say,
"Whoa! The view here is not that bad either!"
Placing Yoo-Ah's bag at the next room, I take in the air and stretch my arms and back saying:
"Aaah! Free time."
"No! It's lunch time! Let's get to cooking!"
Yoo-Ah nudge me from the back before pushing me forward.
"So! What ingredients do you have in your house!?"
As we descend the stairs Juha nod replying:
"We have enough basic materials to make bread and other staples. Though, if you want something more, we can just ask the servant to buy some."
"Alright! You and Sova can help me out! Ask someone to buy whatever meat you like, just make sure it has little muscle! Then some withered Bay fruits, Juicy Olanums, and brass leaves! Do you have any sauce at the kitchen? And eggs!?"
"Sauce? We have the regular sweet sauce and hot spice. As for eggs, we have Garya eggs."
"That'll do! We're gonna have some good ol, sandwich!"
"Sandwiches?"
"Sandwich huh? I was hoping for something more fulfilling."
"Hehe! You never had my sandwich before! Oh, I'm gonna need some cheese and since you say you have all staple, what about those owlian ingredient called, potato?"
"Potatoes? Oh, yeah we do. My brother seems to like it."
"Perfect! Now, show me your kitchen!"
Juha looks at the servant silently following us with the tray still in her. Juha pulls out a card from her watch and place it on the tray saying:
"Please do buy what she says, you can use our house vehicle to carry it all back as well."
"E-Eh!? Um, hold on... Thick meat, withered bay fruits, brass leaves, cheese, and... Uh, right away, Lord Jin-Juha!"
Seeing her recounting it back she nods and rush ahead while we follow slowly behind her...
(Sandwhich...)
"What is a sandwich, Yoo-Ah?"
"Eeeh!? You don't know ehat a sandwich is, Sova!? What kind of life have you been living!?"
"Well..."
"I thought the Heavens know what it is too! Won-Yok Gramps and Uncle Yi-Il brought me a lot of fish sandwiches from heaven!"
"Wait, really?"
"Let her be, Yoo-Ah. Maybe her Sector doesn't have any sandwhich."
"That is just horrible! Don't tell you you never had fried rice!?"
"Fried rice? Rice can be fried?"
*Clench*
Yoo-Ah tightens her grip upon my shoulders, with tears in her eyes she shouts:
"Alright, Sova! Let me show you the wonders of the world!"
"Ooh! Please do!"
"Haah, I suppose that is quite pitiable that you never get to eat such common food found throughout the Realms of Heaven. So what food you usually eat, Sova?"
"Huh? Me? Well, at home, I usually have this thing called, Soba."
"Soba?"
"Yea! And there's this katsu, schnitzel, sour krout, currywurst, or maybe just normal omelette curry, tempura, sushi, brot, miso, sashimi, Kartoffelpuffer, and Bratkartoffeln oh! Then there's still sukiyaki, okonomiyaki, rouladen, Käsespätzle..."
Their eyes widened and mouth agasp as I name each of the food I ate when,
"Woah! Woah! WOAH! Sova! You HAVE to show me some of that! I never heard every single one of those!"
"Yeah... The realms in Heaven must be really big... And the way you speak those words... What language are those?"
"They're mostly, Eclish and Gruman. And those food used to be pretty common from where I live. Honestly, I'm shocked to see Ercha cuisine near my home before it closes sadly. But my childhood friend learn many of their recipe to cook for me. And I learn quite a bit of it too!"
"Gruman? Never heard of it."
"Yeah! And you sure have a nice friend that learns how to cook just for you! Oh, wait, is it a boy? He must loved you a lot to do all that!"
"N-No! She's a girl."
"Aaah! That sucks! Here I thought you have a childhood crush!"
(Well, I do but...)
"Anyways! Gruman is the common language use by the massive Ercha Imperium. A close neighbor to the Aologi Empire or states now. That's the first place I arrive in when I fled the Empire."
"Wait, so you're not born in Heaven? And... Ercha Imperium? Now I'm curious to see the known world map with nations on it."
"Yeah! More! More!"
"Well... Eclish is from the Eclipse Empire..."
*************************************
*Psssh* *shake* *tap*
*Gurgle* *gurgle*
"Um... Sorry, that was me."
Yoo-Ah removing many of her uniform and is wearing an apron sample some of the sauce she makes replying:
"Hum! Hum! Good! And worry not, Sova! We'll definitely finish our meal with two hungry people! Hm~ hum~!"
*Psssh*
An alluring scent fills the entire kitchen while we wait near the exit. Seeing Yoo-Ah cook real food for once, I can see her hands are quick and precise as she leaves no ingredients unattended, even the servant is surprised.
Such sweet and wonderful fragrance makes me hard to hold my hunger. Wondering what did she use to make it smell so good, and wondering why she didn't cook something that smell this nice back at the guild. I look at Juha saying:
"Ah, can't wait."
Juha who seems calm is quietly folding her arms as to restrain herself saying:
"Yes, this is the first time I smell a sandwich this good, more like are sandwich suppose to have such a nice fragrance?"
"I don't know, like I said, never had one."
"Then you are very lucky to have this as your first sandwich. She did take extra ingredients from the storage, so maybe that's the cause?"
Even the servant seems to try hold her breath and hugging her knees as to hold back when...
*Stomp* *stomp* *stomp*
(Oh not again... But that sound comes from above).
Hearing multiple footsteps rushing from above, I could hear their voices saying:
"Lord Jin-Ae, please wait! You're gonna trip!"
"Like hell I can! Can you smell that!? There's no way I can hold myself! Did Sis hire a chef or something!?"
"We'll soon find out, lil soldier! Charge, I say! Charge!"
"Aye! Aye! Oppa!"
Hearing a familiar voice among them, I notice who they seem to be. Juha seems to notice the ruckus as well as the sound of their stampede gets closer and ends with,
*Slam*
"Who's cooking!? I demand to know! I'm gonna use my Oppa's wallet to hire you full time at our home!"
A little girl looking like a younger Juha with her hair down appears wearing a one piece dress and with a similar black cap that Juha usually wears. Kicking the door open as she lands at the kitchen pointing at Yoo-Ah with style when a familiar tall man wearing a tracksuit follows behind her as he strikes a pose shouting:
"Why are you using my money!? But... I'm willing to spend it if it smells this good! Tell me your price!"
The last one, a girl almost the same age as me with short messy black hair arrive with bathed breath saying:
"Huff... Huff... Stop... Uergh..."
Juha seeing the knocked out servant hides her face in embarrassment before she stands shouting:
"Behave yourself!"
"Eep! It's Juha Unnie!"
"Oh! Lil Sis, you're here- oh?"
The familiar man, Jin-Cheon tilts his head as he notice me and I quickly shake my head as to tell him we don't know each other. He nods along and smile saying:
"Hehe, so you actually made friends-"
"Who are you to speak!"
"Eh?"
"Why the hell are you coming out of your room now, stupid oppa!"
"W-Well you see..."
"You better explain this after lunch! I have many on my plate already, and I don't want you spilling more! Just for the record, I'm only going to give you two, one slice each!"
"Eeeh!? Unnie! Y-You can't do this to me!"
The little girl crawls to Juha and drags her coat as she pleads while Juha simply removes her coat and push her away replying:
"Hmm... Maybe, I'll give you more if you decided to study with me-"
"You bad influence of a big brother! You'll pay for making me this way!"
The little girl stands beside Juha removing her black cap with puffed up cheeks and Jin-Cheo could only beg on his knees saying:
"No, little soldier! Don't fall for such cheap temptation! Don't you know the punishment for traitors!?"
"That is just the sacrifice I need to make my day better!"
"Heh, when did you learn how to say that, Lil Ae?"
"Hehe, got it from one of your comics!"
Jin-Cheo brush his knees and stand with a smile asking:
"So... Um, who are those two, Juha?"
"Hmph! They're simply work partners, don't misunderstand!"
"Lunch is ready!"
With that proclamation, Jin-Cheon and the girl pulls out a chair, fork and knife seemingly out of nowhere as they sit at the middle table. Yoo-Ah carries a large plates filled with these "sandwiches" while surrounded by piles of thin potatoes that looks like those chips from the fish and chips I ate during my time with Qiyue's party.
(Woah! So chips are potatoes!? Who knew!)
Sandwich seems to be meat, scrambled eggs, and vegetables filled with sauce and cheese before squeezed by the two thick brown crusty bread smeared with nice smelling oil and buttery vegetables.
"Woa-wha-woah! A-Are these... Sandwiches, oppa!"
"No way! Sandwiches aren't supposed to look this good! Still, look at the portion, it's enough for everyone!"
"Oh? Who are those three, Juha!? And that little one looks like a tiny you! Adorable! See, Sova! That is adorable!"
Yoo-Ah place the two large plates down and point at the girl and I sit beside them replying:
"Yes... But I just find more things adorable, okay!"
Juha brushes me aside and sits between me and those two saying:
"Ehem, take a seat everyone, we'll be eating here. That means, the two servants as well!"
"Eep! Y-Yes, Lord Jin-Juha!"
"A-As you wish, Lord Jin-Juha."
The one with green hair help carry the tired servant to sit at the edge when Yoo-Ah grabs a couple of huge plate which cause those two's eyes to sparkle even brighter. Yoo-Ah place a pair for the servant and the rest to us before sitting beside me shouting:
"Alright! Let's dig in! I cooked more than enough, so enjoy!"
"Woah! Thank you so much, master Chef-nim!"
*CHOMP*
"Um... *Gulp* Yes, this is truly amazing! Where did you learn to make this!?"
"Hum! Hum! Glad you enjoyed!"
Seeing those two gulped down their meal and the other slowly digging in, look at the glistening meat squeeze between the buttery bread that makes my hands slippery and take in a huge bite. Even after the piece has been chewed off, the cheese and meat stretch a bit before snapping and I had to slurp it all in and feel the explosion of taste happening in my mouth.
"Yum! This is so good! So this is a sandwich? Truly legendary."
"Yup! My sandwich recipe! I patten it from Uncle Yi-Il's recipe that uses a more sweet and milder ingredients! Turns out, you just gotta make it to your tastes!"
"Then you have good taste! I can't wait to taste more of your meals."
I quick responded as I take in another huge bite and stuff in the thin potatoes. Yoo-Ah's smugness can be felt for miles as she nods replying:
"Hum! Hum! And I still have room to grow! Plus, now I'm curious of you showing me the foods you speak of!"
"Wait, Yi-Il? As in old man Yi-Il, one of the 8 Stars Chef of the Confederation!?"
"Huh!? Who's that oppa? Is he someone amazing?"
The two who had finished half of their plate turn their attention to Yoo-Ah. Juha who is slowly enjoying her sandwich with a fork and knife cleans her mouth for a bit before saying:
"Ahem, I suppose I should introduce you all a bit. Sova, Yoo-Ah, meet my relatives. The old man is Jin-Cheo and the little girl is my youngest sister, Jin-Ae."
"O-Old man!? Can't you just call me oppa like you used to!?"
Ignoring her brother, she continues saying:
"Jin-Cheo and Ae, meet my client and her personal staff, the blonde one is Sova Anmao, and the one beside her is Yoo-Ah. Hope you all get along."
I nod saying:
"Nice to meet you."
"Hum! Hum! Good to see you all!"
"S-So, a-are you really related to Yi-Il? Last I remembered he only has his twin sons working at Heaven."
"Well! I'm his disciple! I learn the ropes from him!"
"Ah! W-Woah, wait! He actually has another student!? Why does nobody talk about that!?"
Seeing the two get along, I see Ae comes to my place with plate in hand asking:
"Hey! Hey! Sova Unnie! Is your hair really that colour!?"
"Huh? Well, yea. My dad has the same colour, and I'm sure blonde is not that rare."
"Woah! Woah! I have brown hair! But that is also rare compared to the majority! Woah, looking closely, even your eyelashes are long and blonde! You're really pretty!"
"I didn't know it was that rare and... Thanks?"
"Didn't I tell you before! Only foreigners have a hair as bright as yours!"
"Eh? What about..."
I look at the servant with green hair blissfully enjoying her meal with tears in her eyes beside the still tired girl who hasn't touch her meal and ask:
"What about her?"
"Hurgh! Hmmm!?"
Noticing I had divert the attention to her, she quickly wipes her mouth and put her sandwich down saying:
"Y-Yes!? Am I disturbing you? I'm sorry!"
She pockets her hands to her apron and bows her head and Jin-Cheon merely fan his hand replying:
"Nah! Just continue Hanna."
Hearing Cheon's advice she nods and slowly nibble at her sandwich. Cheon looks at her with a sweet smile saying:
"As for her she's my personal servant, Hanna. I actually found her during the war and took her in. She's not local to say the least but she is part of our family now."
"M-Master~!"
Hanna looks at Cheon with tears and a huge smile and I nod along saying:
"I see..."
"By the way, Sova you heard about a secret show being performed at midnight?"
Yoo-Ah twitch hearing that and gotten curious and knowing what he might implied I play along asking:
"What is it-"
"That's weird."
Juha cuts in when Cheon looks at her asking:
"Hmm, what is?"
"Do you perhaps know her, Jin-Cheon? For you to be talking so informally."
"H-Huh?"
"You're not stuttering nor nervous when speaking to her."
"W-What makes you say that? Hahaha..."
Jin-Cheon scratches the back of his head as he looks away before snapping his fingers replying:
"Aha! Well, I guess I just learn a new technique you see! By imagining the one I'm talking to is a boy, I rarely have any problems-"
"How dare you say that!"
Yoo-Ah interrupts as she covers me ears and cuddle me, glaring at him she continue shouting:
"I admit, Sova has no measurements or whatsoever, but you're just rude! She's trying her best okay!?"
" "H-Huh?" "
(On what?)
Both of us turns to Yoo-Ah confused and probably with different reasons when Juha glares at him akin to piercing knives as she sighs saying:
"Haaah, here I was thinking maybe you improved since you take the courage to come out of your room. But, I shouldn't expect much from you, and your words is simply too disrespectful."
"W-Wait! You got it all wrong! You get me right, lil soldier?"
"I don't know, Oppa... Those unnies are very angry."
"Aaah! H-Hanna, you're still vouch for me yeah?"
"I'm sorry, master but... You have to apologize even if you don't understand for now."
"What the hell did I just plunge myself into!"
Seeing him getting flack by many, I try to diffuse the situation by saying:
"Um, calm down everyone, it's fine. I mean I am a-"
"Now's not the occasion, Sova. And like I said, you don't have to deprecate yourself, and have more confidence! As for him! You don't need to worry about that "thing". Just finish your meal and we can prepare for tonight."
Juha interrupts me as she nudge me to continue eating while Jin-Cheon slumps down on the table defeated, murmuring:
"(Oooh... Girls are hard to understand...)"
(You tell me...)