As light finally return, we travelled using a much faster transport thanks to the army replacing the broken engine. Before I could ask we have already departed and arrived near where we ate before.
"Wow, that was fast."
"Of course! Off we go! Now that the after taste left, I'm craving more of those Fish and Chips!"
Seeing Yoo-Ah get off first, Juha and I follow along as I ask,
"So about the difference?"
"Simple really..."
Juha looks at her watch before continuing with,
"It's the pattern that discern everyone's role. From the army, Navy, Police, I.D.B, Intelligence, and many more."
"Oh?"
As I try to remember what the soldiers pattern look like, the bright colours of their trims simply stand out more.
"For example, the I.D.B handles like it names suggest, internal defense which means dealing with riots, insurgency, spies, traitors, renegades, rebels, and many more of those kinds. So we carry the mark of Huaja which looks a lot like a whirlpool which signify our desire to dive deeper or getting pulled to it. And for the sake of reference, while the I.D.B handles public relation, the abyss shadows or the intelligence division deals with private matters though we both have the same leader."
Hearing Juha say that, I look at her long coat and notice how her trims seems to be whirlpools strung together into a moving mesh.
"Oh, cool! What about the army or navy?"
"For the army, you can see The Colonel's coat or that commander from before which bears the mark of Silla, the three coloured river that is the foundation of our kingdom. It looks like layers of cursive coming together and it signifies their role as the layered defense against foreign threats."
"Hoh..."
"And as for the navy you can look at the coat Lord Hwang-So use like a cape, they carry the mark of Golae that resembles the endless tides. The navy is the main power of Silla and they are the endless wrath of the royal family against the ancient enemies of our past."
"Oh yeah, his cape does look like the pattern from the walls of the royal palace."
"And of course, as you can guess, the colour of the trims reflect the colour of your bone. Though now it merely speaks of your social status than anything. Like what I said, despite Lord Hwang-So being a black bone, he still wears the jade trims."
"Neat... Sigh, I should've brought my book, then I could write this all down."
"I commend your commitment to learn something so trivial but just think of it as well... Something neat."
"Yea!"
"Though I doubt you writing down notes would do much when your hand writing is that bad."
"I can still read it!"
"What's the point of it if you're the only one can read? Or are you trying to make cyphers?"
"Cyphers? That sounds cool."
"Sigh... Then just simply write it when you return. Those materials can easily be access within the libraries here or hopefully you remember what I said."
Juha comments as Yoo-Ah opens the door and greeted by,
"Welcome back~! I take it for a senior I.D.B a protests of 10 thousand isn't much?"
"Good job, Jin-Juha Ssi. Hwa-Jin and Elder Choi-Min will be happy to hear it."
"Haaah, quite a peaceful morning ain't it?"
"Don't jinx it Grand Uncle nim."
Zenon, Hwang-So, Hon-Kwon, and So-Jun. Half of the other seems to be missing.
"If you're wondering of the others, lady Xuyin nim is going to check up on some kid, she told us to continue enjoy as she will return. Miso on the other hand is returning to her daily routine for her idol work while Cheo seems to be returning early since Lil Jin-Ae becomes sleepy after the meal, though I say she is probably more tired for missing a night of sleep. Honestly speaking, those two are probably the only infants around.
Hey, what're you standing around for? Come sit with us, I still have many things to talk to you about, Sova Ssi. Mainly your future plans for adventuring of course and our due assignment heading up north."
Zenon explains as he gesture me to sit beside him but Juha and Yoo-Ah force me to sit somewhere else as Juha's the one sits close to him saying:
"Sorry, but she'll be sitting where she sits before."
(Right, they don't like each other. I suppose they're just being nice since Moriz was here).
"Quite a distant stance, but as an adventurer you'll need to be able to make your own decisions, Sova."
"That's quite a wonderful tip but I doubt she need it now since she is but a fledgling despite her strength."
"Yeah! She still needs more experience!"
Zenon shakes his head in disagreement and takes a sip of his drink replying:
"Then isn't literally getting the chance to explore north not a perfect opportunity? Even you can see it no, Jin-Juha Ssi?"
"We'll see it when it we get there."
"Geez, Seyong Hyung never seen you so eager. But maybe you should back down for now, Lady Xuyin nim have gave us this wonderful breakfast so let us enjoy it. You can continue your subtle word shivs when we part ways... I wonder if I can pack some for my brother?"
"You should, he would love all of these especially those blue clams. I kinda wish your brother came with us too but let us dine."
(Oh? If I remember the anchors did said someone else's name, So-Yong right?)
"So even young ones deal with this kinds of stuff huh?"
"I think my nephew is simply special, Hwang-So. And we can't say we didn't experience the same before. I suppose there's some silver lining we can take after the invasion."
"Ah, yes... Those cocky bastards went straight to their deaths chasing for clout and glory in the court. I still felt sorry for the innocent lives they brought along with them in the battle of Gando."
Ignoring their conversation, I try to finish my half eaten fish and chips, and adding more side dishes and sauce from different food that smells nice I got a wonderful taste.
"Mmm~! I could eat this whole day."
I can't help but give a huge smile as I stuff my cheeks full and get more from the centre of the table as I finish my leftover, especially the chips makes me feel so full and they enhance the taste of the sauces too.
"Is that fish so good that you would make such a face?"
"Yup! Try some!"
I lean over and offer him a plate and Zenon smile replying:
"Don't mind if I do. To think our fish could be cook with such foreign way..."
He takes a single large fish and take a bite,
*Crunch*
The sound of the crunchy texture could be heard and Seyong opens his eyes wide saying:
"Amazing! I didn't know fish could be so crunchy. It fits the cuisine of this kingdom too, you should try some, Uncle."
"I would prefer not taking any oily food for my age but let me have it!"
*Crunch*
"Maybe it is my antiquated taste but this is quite unhealthy. So long as you drink lots of water and balance it with fruits and veggies I suppose it's not that bad."
"Oh, C'mon Uncle, said the one who spend his savings on bags of sweets like a kid."
"Sugar and oil is completely different!"
"Act more adult like Hon-Kwon, there's kids here."
"Heh, there's nothing wrong with being passionate with something that can breach the generational gap!"
" "Sigh..." "
(How nice, they're like one huge family... Hope I can piece mine soon or at least uncover the thick mist hiding their details).
As I look to the side I notice Yoo-Ah staring at me with a sad look before she slams her hands shouting:
"Gramps! Do you think I can borrow your personal kitchen when we return!? Please! Please! Please!"
"Oh?"
"Hey! Watch what you're saying, Yoo-Ah! He's my gramps! So call him elder with nim of course! And fix your attitude, who slams a table with seniors around I don't care if Gramp's indebted to your father but respect your elders!"
So-Jun stand sin retaliation but Hwang-So ever so tall while he sits push him down replying:
"Oh, how happy of me to see I'm being fight over. But let it be So-Jun."
"But gramps!"
"I get you, I just wish both you and your brother would act like so more often."
"That's not the point."
"Worry not, Yoo-Ah's not someone to make request for personal gains, besides this is just borrowing the kitchen so... Yoo-Ah."
"Y-Yes!"
Hon-Kwon raises a finger toward Yoo-Ah saying:
"Under one condition."
(Hmm? Why is he putting a condition? Is his kitchen special?)
Yoo-Ah doesn't seem disturb and simply pumps her fist replying:
"Hum! Hum! Yes! Just tell me!"
"Grandma Kim-Yoo will be visiting."
"Demon grandma!?"
"Demon granny! I-I mean, Granny is!?!? (Wait, if true we could finally have peace in our house!)"
(Is she that scary?)
"Hahaha! *Crunch* Hear that, Hwang-So!? Even the kids are saying the same things."
"Pfff..."
Hon-Kwon laughs at Hwang-So as he eats and Zenon is even holding his laugh but Hwang-So doesn't seem to mind and smiles a bit more replying:
"Hmph! Of course, that's why I married her. But on to the topic, don't be afraid Yoo-Ah. She's just worried about you, her berating may be harsh and sharper than Jenjoo's harpoon but she wouldn't harm you unless you cross the line.
Say what, since you're good at cooking just simply knock her boots out with your best dish. I'll even open my storage for you, she really wants to eat your cooking once in a while."
"Hum! Hum! If that's what it takes then leave it to me! Thanks gramps!"
"It's the least I could do. Now, mind sharing some of those fish and chips, Seyong Ssi?"
"Here you go, Elder Hwang-So nim."
(Glad everyone's enjoying those).
Yoo-Ah looks at me with a huge smile and thumbs up saying:
"Be prepared, Sova! Since you're gonna go north, I better send you off with the best I can make!"
(It seems she got a hang of using the thumbs up).
"Oh? That's really neat but what's the occasion?"
"It's tradition, Sova! At least in Silla everytime a family member is about to leave their home country their family would send them off with a mighty feast for their journey!"
"Oh, yeah, I suppose I should order something special before departing as well."
Zenon nods along as Yoo-Ah explains... I hang my head replying:
"Family huh? With all the treatment you gave me we are family. Thanks, Yoo-Ah."
"Hum! Hum! Yeah!"
*************************************
*Vroom*
"We're back! Haaah! Now that we're somewhere like home I could feel the soreness kicking in!"
"Obviously, it would be weird if you're still okay for missing your sleep."
(I see, I should keep quiet then).
As Juha greets the driver goodbye, we went pass the cute statue and one of the servant bows down saying:
"Welcome back!"
Seeing her hand squeezing her apron as to hide her face, Juha shakes her head saying:
"Yes, don't worry, I'm not angry so raise you head, Hanna."
"Uuuh... I won't make excuses I failed to keep them in."
"Yes, but they returned didn't they?"
"Huh? Did you saw them? I mean, Yes! Yes they already did! Lady Jin-Ae nim is also asleep in her room already!"
"Okay..."
Juha starts walking in and we all followed suit when Hanna raise her hand asking:
"Let me carry all that to your room."
Right, before we return, Yoo-Ah went to the small idol store that opened in that stadium. She said something off limited items. Yoo-Ah gladly hand her the stuff shouting:
"Alright, thanks!"
As the maid grabs the large bags she quickly bent over as the bags half her size capsized her balance.
(Yoo-Ah really is strong. I suppose that makes sense if her brother is a Special Rank Hunter).
As the maid summons a floating trolly from somewhere and Juha looks back at her asking:
"Hanna, what of my brother?"
"H-Huh!? Oh! He's back in his room."
"Alright, you two, go take a rest and clean up, and we'll return at the night. So between that do what you wish, though if you wish to leave this house and go sightseeing in the capital please tell me first."
"Hum! You got it!"
"Okay, thanks."
Seeing Juha leave us as she ascend the stairs, we follow the maid as she push the floating trolly.
"Haah! I think I'm gonna go sleep first! Then we can go tour some places! It would be a waste if we came here just for a single event!"
"True, I wonder what is there in the capital?"
"Food!"
"Food?"
"Yup many food! A city with such a population needs a massive food reserve and thanks to that the food culture and tradition in this city is vast! So there will definitely be places with great food!"
"Oh?"
"After that! We can definitely sight see other special monuments and landmarks! Like the central watermill which acts as the main largest water source for the largest farm fields in the capital and it also acts as the largest ferris wheel too!"
"Ferris wheel what's that?"
"You don't know!? It's like a... How do I explain that? Well let's say it's an attraction transport that rotates as we ride it!"
"Wait, so the thing rotates as we're inside it? Wouldn't that be dangerous and uncomfortable?"
"Ah! I knew you wouldn't understand! It's best if we just see it! Since we already visited the imperial palace, there's- Oh! We could visit the largest spirit church's cathedral!"
"Spirit church?"
"Yup! Though it's more like the spirit church houses our Goddess so we worship from there!"
"Wait, I thought the spirit church worship the spirit king?"
"Spirit king? The hell is that!? For all I know The spirit church holds the temple of the Primordial Goddess Sangnim! And the Water Goddess Hainim! We could even see their faces on their statues when we visit the cathedral! I never heard of this Spirit King! Do spirits even have a king? I thought they just wander about before being contracted by the church."
(Woah, maybe there's more to it for the spirit church than I know back home).
As we arrive on the front of our rooms, Yoo-Ah stretches her arms saying:
"Alright! I'm gonna go take a nap... You know what! Let me sleep with your room!"
"Eh? But aren't it the same?"
"Coming in!"
Yoo-Ah barge in and jumps at my bed shouting:
"We'll be sleeping together! We're family right!?"
Yoo-Ah hugs the pillow as she stares at me expecting a yes and I nod replying:
"Yea..."
Hanna enters my room saying:
"Um, here's an extra pillow and blanket."
"Oh thanks."
Yoo-Ah moves aside and taps the remaining space shouting:
"Alrighty! Sleep here!"
As the servant close the door, Yoo-Ah removes some of her clothes to the ground before laying down again and I sit before laying down beside her. Yoo-Ah snuggles at the corner as the bed is place to the wall and I lay down staring upon the white ceiling...
(I'm really lucky I could find someone like Yoo-Ah. No I'm more than happy to find her).
I look to my side and we both seem to have the same idea as our eyes meet. Yoo-Ah smiles saying:
"Sweet dreams..."
Before slowly closing her eyes and I nod and close my eyes as well.
(Family... Yea, I don't mind that. I wonder how long has it been since I had to share single beds like this? Last I remembered was both May and I had to sleep atop of Aunt Palka as she is too big and she would hug us so we don't fall).
As the silence slowly seeps in, the soft sound of cold air coming from the vent, I try to sleep.
(I may not be tired but it's good to keep your schedule in line).
*************************************
*Poke* *Poke*
"Umm... Sorry just a bit more."
Feeling someone poking at my cheeks, I try to push the arm away but then I feel someone shaking my shoulder.
Realizing that the soft surface I lay upon has been changed to something hard, I touch to feel grass and snow as the cold pierces my skin.
"!!!?"
Realizing that I'm not in my room I quickly open my eyes to see a someone unexpected. From his cmon black eyes and hair, the small face he has and the aura he exudes. I roll away and dash back before I felt someone pushes me down saying:
"Please don't move."
"Yoo-Gisa? I thought you said-"
"I said that to my sister, I never said anything about not seeing you. Especially you."
"Urgh..."
Brushing my hands before rubbing my eyes, I realize I've been brought somewhere outside. Knowing that I wouldn't recognize this place I quickly ask:
"So, what do you want? Have you finally accept that I'm the real Silencer? If so, you're right-"
"Don't try to confuse me you horrid bitch! I only come here for one reason, and one reason only."
"H-Huh?"
(Wait, where is this going?)
"Also the reason why I trusted you and let you stay by my sister's side is simple."
"Um..."
Yoo-Gisa picks me up and sit me down on some stone as I finally get a good view of my surroundings. Upon the vast fields of snow surrounded by hills of stones, I realize we are definitely outside the city. He takes a sit across me saying:
"Your sword."
"Huh?"
"I said, where's your sword? The eternal flame sabre! Where is it!?"
(Eternal flame sabre? Is that the name? Pretty cool).
"Last I heard some dumb nobles tried to rob them when you first enter the city, but Iseon intercepted them and gave it back to you, so where did you keep it? It's not in your room nor is it at the Adventurers store house. So where is it!?"
"W-Wait."
(Did he break inside our rooms? And I'm surprised he doesn't know gramp's secret stash).
"Don't stall and answer me!"
"I..."
*Crash*
A long sword stabs right between us before he holds the hilt saying:
"Don't waste my time. I need that sword. And if you really are not affiliated with the phoenix then give it to me."
"No! That sword belongs to my Sis! I'll never hand it to you!"
(Why does he want it? Is it really that powerful? Well, gramps did say it's a weapon no one in the peninsula can replicate).
"Tch! Listen here! If I wish to defeat them I need that sword."
"No!"
"Look, if it worries you I'll return it when I'm done so just give it!"
"No."
"Sigh... I wonder why I even bother asking."
Yoo-Gisa stands and pulls his sword as I realize the sun has reach it's peak. Turning his back I follow his gaze on the white fields.
(I guess I didn't sleep that long).
"I suppose if that Silencer doesn't have the sword, I could easily crush him now."
He then turns around and continue saying:
"You won't interfere right?"
"W-What do you mean? If you're planning on hurting, Sis I won't for give you-"
*Boom* *crash*
"Urgh!"
Suddenly feeling a huge blast and crashing on my back upon the snow, I could feel the scorching pain upon my chest.
"Cough! Cough!"
Seeing his fist fuming with smoke and cinders, he glares down at me saying:
"Don't you fuck with me! Don't think just because my sister cares for you I won't hurt you. I'll kill you if I could but I won't become like you."
"Cough! Cough! Hurp..."
(This might be the first time someone actually attack at the front and catch me off guard).
The burning pain intensified, as I lost my breathe wondering how fast did he have to hit to produce that much force?
He kneels beside me and press upon my burning chest, he push down as I feel the pain intensified.
"Argh!"
"Now let me ask this again, you won't interfere, right!?"
I stare him down and grasp his arm replying:
"Just like how you will do anything to protect the ones precious to you, your family. I would do the same to protect mine! Hrrgh!"
I try to push his arm away but before his arm even budge he pushes deeper.
"Argh!"
"Hmph!"
Feeling the burning reside and the pain lessened I notice the qi he is pouring in to heal my wounds. He brings his face close to mine and he glares upon my eyes saying:
"Here's my last warning. Don't you head north, stay down here and continue your peaceful life while it last or leave this peninsula. If I saw you up there, there won't be another next time."
He pulls his hand back, and walks away when I notice a little girl waiting for him. He carries her on his back when I realize,
"Wait, you're not just gonna leave me here are you!?"
Yoo-Gisa looks back at me saying:
"Aren't you a proper Adventurer now? This much shouldn't be a bother for you."
"Wha- wait!"
*Blink*
Yoo-Gisa simply vanish without a trace as he disappears with a single blink.
"Fuuudge!"