As the meal finishes, we greeted our goodbyes to the princess and her group before we head out. The quiet passage forward gives peace and serenity to my heavy mind as I realize...
"Burp, I think I might've eaten too much."
"Ew! Don't just burp in public! That's uncouth for a lady! But yeah! You're amazing! You really do have a bottomless stomach to eat all of those in such a short time!"
"Yea... But now I wonder if I'll have enough space to eat at the prince's party."
(I guess becoming stronger means needing more sustenance. But this is just overindulgence).
"I'm sure we'll be fine! I still got a lot more space to eat!"
"Hmph! How shameless can you two be... Is what I wish to say but I can't argue since I'm the one inviting. But before we arrive, what do you think of the Royal dish, Sova?"
"Oh! It's great! I may not be able to tell the subtle difference between ice creams and sorbets, but I can tell the royal dishes are pretty deep. I can still taste the first sorbets I ate now."
"Yes, that is the royal dish. It is tradition for the royal family to eat the royal dish for breakfast and then spend the entire day eating bland or tasteless meals."
"Woah, more foreign customs. But that one just sound sad."
"I'm sure none of them followed it anyways! Just like how nobody hook fish tail by their doors anymore! By the way, how long did we spend there!?"
Juha looks at her watch replying:
"Around 2 hours... Currently it's around 8 pm. Still very early to the night."
"And 4 more hours before Miso's performance!"
"Urp... Urgh, now I feel quite weary for some reason too..."
"Hum! Hum! That's understandable! You are just weary since party makes you mentally tired!"
"And the host have to attend till the end huh? They must be quite tough. Do you go to parties all the time Juha?"
I turn to her and Juha simply tuck her gloves before saying:
"Not at all, I spent my free time alone fishing, reading, and practice some literacy. Or sometimes I usually only go with my family."
"Hooh... What about you, Yoo-Ah? What do you usually do?"
"Me!? Well, if not work I go to the idol conventions, shop for clothes, go to Uncle Gum-Soo's farm, or my Sis would force me to attend the inn! Which is horrible! Why are you asking!?"
"I realize how boring my life is, and thought maybe I can make it less boring?"
"Huh? What do YOU usually do, Sova!?"
"Well... If I'm not working, I just follow my friend or study along with her. If not, I just train all day with my Sis. Time past by easily when I'm practicing."
"You don't go to any recreational activities at all!? Don't you have any TV, Games, or whatnot!?"
"I don't know what TV's are but I usually sneak in some studio back then before it shuts down and for games I played Marble Wars with the kids and my friend! Or maybe sometime write letters for my Sis if I can or maybe read some funny books."
(I wonder... Does that mean that black box on Uncle Soba's guest room is a TV? Probably not, it looks so much different than the ones here and it never turns on like here either).
"Oh right! You don't know what TV's are! More like I'm surprised you're the literacy type!"
"Huh? What makes you say that?"
"Well...! Um..."
"Hmph, did you live under a rock or something, Sova?"
"Well, not a rock, more like underground... Then again, I'm living under concrete and a salt store so maybe I am living under a rock."
"I shouldn't have asked. I'm surprised there's a place like that in Heaven."
"I-It's not that bad! It's a cheap rent and it may not have the magical tools you have here but it's comfortable."
Yoo-Ah rushes and hugs me tight shouting:
"Poor you! Don't worry, Sova! When you save up some money, I can easily recommend you some place with good AC, Fridge, and massage chair!"
"AC? What's that? And don't we have a fridge at our room already?"
"It's for your personal room you have in the future! It seems we really have to step up the game when you recovered and do some quests!"
"Sure?"
"Hmph! If that's all you need I'm sure I have some spare I could share. And by the way, Sova. Make sure to get to the point when speaking with the prince alright?"
"Alright!"
As we approach closer to the prince's hall, the crowd is still thick with noise and splendour. It is so spread out that I see the empty sides being filled with food and refreshments. We somehow pass through thanks to Juha and reach deeper inside.
Standing out among the crowd is the tall prince as they also gave him some space while he socialize. While I wonder where the old man beside him went, he notices us and bids the person he talks farewell and approaches us. The crowd around us disperses and he welcome us saying:
"Welcome back, Sova Ssi. Did you have fun? Of course you did! You must've had your fill didn't you?"
"Yea! The princess has many tasty sweets!"
"That's great. Since you had many sweets, maybe some vegetables and fruits will help with your digestion and freshen your mind."
"Really!? Fruits can do that? Then sure!"
The prince leads the way to one of the tables and hand me a plate of foreign fruits. I happily take it saying:
"Thanks!"
Eating the fruits of varying taste that compliment each other. I remember what Juha said and continue asking:
"By the way, what do you wish to talk to me about, Prince Yeon-Seyong nim?"
"Haha! Just call me Seyong or Zenon, Sova Ssi. Also since you've eaten a lot why not get ourselves some exercise after this?"
"Exercise? Oh! Is that what they do in parties here!? Pretty interesting! Is it like some morning exercise with those upbeat music?"
"Heh, hahaha! That's an idea I can take. But, sadly no if that's what you wish. What I has in mind more is, wanna do some little sparring?"
The moment he asked that, I stopped eating and realize...
(What with everyone here trying to duel or fight me? I mean it's not the Owlian bearing but maybe is this what Martial Artist deal with? I guess that kinda make sense with how you train everyday so you can use it?)
I look up at him replying:
"Does it have to be a spar? Can't we play... Billiards or something?"
"No! And that's not the type of sports I wish! Honestly speaking I'm just curious to see and test how strong you are. Of course, these spar won't include Qi nor magic but a contest of pure skills and strength."
(Usually I would refuse but... Seeing how weak I am now, and that this is simply a friendly spar. I could gain a lot of experience wit him).
"Wait, Sova! Don't get swept up in the flow!"
"Yes! Don't tell me you're gonna accept it!?"
Juha and Yoo-Ah intervenes, glaring at me as to stop my actions but I nod anyways saying:
"Yea, for once I accept."
(I need some warm up as well after a long time resting).
"Perfect! Everyone! Please enjoy the party! I have somewhere I wish to attend! You may come to watch if you wish."
The prince turns towards the gate leading deeper saying:
"Now, follow me, we're heading to my training room."
"Oh! You have a training room!? Well, I guess I shouldn't be surprised since you're a prince."
"Haha, true! Come now! You have to pick your weapon as well. But seeing your weapon choice you're gonna use a spear-
Yoo-Ah and Juha cuts between us saying:
"Sova, wait!"
"That's right, prince Yeon-Seyong nim this might be-"
"I'm sorry Lieutenant, I don't need to remind you, do I?"
Seyong looks down at them and Juha for once backs away as I realize the surreal experience with how Juha has been the one getting respected and Yoo-Ah as well seems to hold her self back as the prince talks.
"Dammit, Sova! Why do you always choose the craziest actions! What if you get hurt again!? The recovery will take much longer! Did you forget it wasn't long that Tarkus person challenge you as well!"
"(Tarkus?)"
Seyong mumble to himself when Juha angrily hmph,
"... Hmph! Do as you will! But I'm still watching you close! And I'll intervene if it gets too much. (Stupid, Sova! Why does trouble keep coming towards you! First it was Tarkus and now him!)"
I try to calm the two down but Seyong simply smile replying:
"Don't worry much, you two. I know how to hold back. I learn from the best after all. And if it gets too much, Uncle Hon-Kwon..."
As be speak his name Hon-Kwon comes in from the crowd with the bag of candy Yoo-Ah gave him and Seyong continue saying:
"Will come to the rescue. It will also be a best in one so it won't be long."
"Rrrgh!"
"..."
The two try to reject him but grind their teeth as they back away...
(Juha and Yoo-Ah really doesn't like Seyong it seems... But this is good).
"Then, I hope to get stronger after sparring with you, Seyong Ssi."
"Say that after we actually face each other, Sova Ssi."