Entering the dining room here for the first time, I am amazed by how big this place is. Compared to the dining hall back at my home palace, this place is decorated and filled with expensive stuff. From the floors, grand windows, to the smallest details of the lights and the patterns on their napkins.
(I wonder how will our dining place look like if Sis actually put in the effort).
"Cough, Sova Ssi, right?"
"H-Huh, oh yea."
"Come, sit across me young one."
"Sure?"
As she sits near the edge, I sit across her while Juha sits beside me. With the plates and utensils already in place, Kim-Yoo slowly flips to cleans her plate and cutlery before she then looks at me as I wonder if she has good hearing like me.
"So, Sova, where do you come from?"
"Oh, I'm from Rucina city. I suppose it's what you call Heaven here."
"Truly? And from your family name... I suppose you're from the rat sector huh?"
(Rat? Where did she get that idea... Wait, Saya is a rat and I am borrowing her brother's name it seems but I'm already called Sova as my Owlian nickname, either way...)
"R-Rat? Forgive me, but I'm from the phoenix sector."
"Phoenix!?"
*Snap*
The spoon she was cleaning in her hand immediately snaps as I see her furrow her white brow asking:
"Jin-Juha?"
"Worry not, Elder, she is here with Colonel Song-Iseon's approval. That is all I can say."
"Iseon boy actually brought a girl back? I see... Times truly are changing, he is a proper man now."
(What is that supposed to mean?)
"Now, how do you meet Yoo-Ah?"
(Now I'm feeling this is more like an interrogation).
"Elder Kim-Yoo, I would please implore you to refrain from asking such questions."
Before I could answer Juha intervenes and prevent me from answering as she then hands Kim-Yoo her spoon and continue saying:
"She is under the I.D.B's surveillance and Colonel Song-Iseon's command. It would be imperative that you don't pry any further."
"Sigh... You're sounding a lot like those pesky Intelligence Division."
"Oh, have grampa Hwa-Jin not tell you? I am a Senior Agent of I.D.B."
Pushed back from her seat Kim-Yoo compose herself before asking:
"T-Truly!? When?"
"Since I graduated 3 years ago and I recently become a Senior Agent just weeks ago. Though I don't blame you, Elder. Since Grampa Hwa-Jin only tells when you ask him."
She rubs her closed eyes replying:
"Sigh... It has been so hard without my eyes this past decade. Very well, can you at least tell me about how you start adventuring? I did hear the elected prince Yeon-Seyong and Jin-Yeon are famed adventurers as well."
"Oh! I got convinced by Yoo-Ah since first I wanna try being a Hunter. She also helped me out with registering too."
"I see, making snap decisions is so like her. But even with that, you must have skills to prove your worth. For an Owlian a Wanderer is already quite a feat."
"Thanks?"
"How old are you as well, young one?"
"Me? I'm 16 and I'm actually a genuine Adventurer not a Wanderer."
"T-Truly!? You have quite a bright future, no wonder you piqued Jin-Yeon's interest. I wonder when did Iseon had eyes for talent? And for someone so young, shouldn't you be in school rather than working?"
"I never went to school, I learn things from home. More like I don't have any funds or my family's permission."
"Hoh? Here I thought people from Heaven could afford tuition... Haah, keeping up is quite an arduous task."
Juha who starts cleaning her plate and ware cuts in saying:
"Elder Kim-Yoo, shouldn't you be asking something more fun or relatable? You currently sound like a dad interrogating his daughter's boyfriend."
"Heh, Jin-Juha when did you learn how to throw snarky comments? Though you are not wrong, Yoo-Ah is like my own grandkid and I owe their parents to take care of them."
Kim-Yoo raise her cane above the table and point it at me saying:
"Truth be told, young one, I'm not going to let some stranger with shady origins get so close to my precious grandkids even if you're from Heaven. Especially the youngest, she is off limits!"
"Um..."
"Do you get me!?"
"Y-Yea!"
"Sigh, just ignore that, Sova. And You should say that to an actual guy, Elder Kim-Yoo. Sova's a girl and even if it's not officially written, she has my approval as well, she saved my life when we are still strangers after all."
"Ah, is that so? I just can't help but get the feeling she is a man and I definitely won't let that young one get any closer until my suspicion is cleared."
Juha folds her arms replying:
"I don't wish to be rude by wishing for your eyes back so I can prove you wrong but we took a bath with her 3 times already, Elder Kim-Yoo. If She has one we wouldn't miss it! Else we're all complete imbeciles!"
(You are, I hate to admit but she's right and you're wrong... Now I feel bad for thinking that-)
*Glare*
"Eek!"
Juha glares at me as I was in the midst of thought. Kim-Yoo puts her cane down and faces me, even without her gaze she seems to know where my eyes are. Juha then sighs and finish cleaning her plate before saying:
"Besides, I told her that you're not what Yoo-Ah and Jin-Yeon Ssi demonize about. Please act like so."
"Heh, I care not what everyone calls me. Though I will keep a close eye on you, Young Sova... Well, my retainers and servants will since I have none to speak."
"I think that job has already safely landed with me, Elder. I need not any more busy bodies making situations worse like some newbies I have to sent back home."
"Hehe, you're getting quite strict. Just like your mother... How is she holding up?"
"She's calmer now."
"That's good to hear."
"Um!"
Juha nods along as the sun outside reach its peak amongst the hail of snow. As I try to follow them and clean my own plate as well, wondering where the food will arrive Elder Kim-Yoo looks at me again and ask
"So, how do you like it here young one?"
"Huh?"
Caught by the surprise question, she continue saying:
"I hate it but this kingdom is not what it seems to be ever since the war. Many fields and infrastructure are still destroyed, families divided, and a lot of people are suffering to actually show up on the streets with smiles or even show up at all. Especially your kind, with the older nobles new policy to appease those zealots and worse of all they're using my hubby to do it, then there's those new stuck up ring nobles barging in the scene demanding more power by abusing and stealing from their own people.
But recently I heard that is all about to change, I hope you don't mind staying a bit longer and watch it become better?"
"Of course!"
"That's good then, still you haven't answer my first question. How do you like it here?"
"A lot, I'm lucky to met Yoo-Ah and Juha. Without them, I can only envision a path of destruction... I got a home, a home made meal and a lot of assistance from her and Juha has been helping me driving problems away so I can have a peaceful time. I suppose the best part is I feel like I got a new family..."
"Sova Ssi... Young one... I'm not gonna hand youngest over to you."
"Elder please..."
Kim-Yoo nods in agreement replying:
"Heh, Juha aren't you happy to hear such praises? Well, that's good, I'm happy to see them being useful."
(Hmm, my kind... I've only seen them twice here when I arrived at this city but now they're gone and everything I heard is nothing great except when the Colonel is planning to relocate them back to the Phoenix Sector. And the other one is by meeting Daniel alongside Moriz).
"Jin-Juha, have you found any suitor catching your eyes?"
(Eh?)
Juha shakes her head replying:
"Not as of now, Elder. And I prefer to not be tied down as of late."
(Wait, is that a question you can just ask?)
"Really? I heard even Prince Yeon-Seyong and Princess Mi-Ok already found their desired suitors. I even heard Yeon-Seyong is sending in marriage gifts and a proposal necklace already as well."
"Prdff!"
Almost dropping the plate, Juha helps me out and place it back replying:
"It's better if you don't know, Elder."
"But I wish to know, after all what kind of girl could actually reel in the literal brick wall of an ignorant fish that is Yeon-Seyong? Cause she is one lucky girl or capable one to turn his face. I wish my grandkids would have courage to do what he does... So, Jin-Juha how is So-Yong or his younger brother So-Jun? Do my grandkids pique your interest? If I have to say they do have the looks."
"Sigh... Elder, please I don't wish to be tide down by familial duty just yet. Though honestly speaking, I find them lacking, looks aren't everything."
"Rrgh! I should've urge them to better themselves more! If that ignorant fish of a prince and sleazy fish of a princess could fall to some baits and change. My grandkids shall not lack behind! Please, understand Jin-Juha~ What's even worse is that hopeless Hon-Kwon's daughter even already had a kid recently... This is such a shame!"
*Slam*
"Elder, I think everyone is just taking their time doing what they love. I don't think you need to force relationships to everything. I suppose you can only hope for someone or a girl like Elder Hwang-So to appear for you grandkids."
After slamming the table and listening to Juha Kim-Yoo seems to deflate as her posture bends and she leans forward as Juha asks.
"Haaah... There's no way a guy or even a girl like hubby would appear so easily. Though if it wasn't for him, I guess I wouldn't be such a happy woman and die alone. Heh, thank you Jin-Juha you always make this old lady feel young by talking about love."
"Um!"
"So, young Sova."
"Y-Yea?"
"What about you? Do you have experience in love?"
"M-Me!? Well... I suppose I have."
"You do!?"
"Oh, it seem you have my grandkids and Jin-Juha beaten. Now tell us."
Juha and Kim-Yoo seems to be interested as I then start with,
"I guess it was my childhood friend. It took a while but I mustered up my courage to confess."
(Maybe I shouldn't say she and confuse everyone with this confusing circumstances).
Kim-Yoo nods as she then says:
"The girl confess? That's a huge shame for the man in question."
Juha agrees as well and add up with,
"Hmph! It is imperative that a man must be the one to seal the deal in this kingdom. Though maybe that's just how they do it in the phoenix sector?"
"I don't know about that, but recently we have been separated. And now I'm trying my best to reunite us together!"
"Doing things for love huh? You are just like Hubby. Heh! You might not be too bad young one! As the one with experience I shall give you a nugget of knowledge! Love can overcome many obstacle, so don't give up so easily if it's in the name of love!"
"O-Okay, I'll take that to heart!"
Juha looks at me with a piercing glare and as I wonder she says,
"So you have experience with love huh? So how far have you gone?"
"Huh? How far?"
"Yes, how much did your relationship takes you?"
Juha leans closer as I can feel the pressure. I wander back and say,
"I guess we have hold hands, cuddle, and recently its a kiss."
Juha's face reddened and back away folding her arms replying:
"Hmph! H-How shameless!"
"Well I don't think it's that shameless compared what hubby did to me when we were young... Juha you should learn more as well."
"Hmph! I-I need not to learn such crude behavior! Besides, I thought from the way you act so far Sova... You would be the innocent type but where do you learn all those... Courageous moves?"
"Hmm? Don't know what you mean but I watch a lot of soap operas for romance experience."
"..."
"..."
"Um... What? Is it wrong to watch that here?"
"No, I think she would get along well with you, Elder Kim-Yoo."
"Ahem! Not so, Jin-Juha. First, what's your favourite show, You g one?"
"Oh! I love the Alpaca and Lee Hwa series! I just can't get enough."
"Hrm...!"
Kim-Yoo still slouching stroke her chin that's resting on the table before replying:
"You may have quite a wonderful and refined taste but don't think just because we share a common interest I would hand Yoo-Ah so easily."
"Elder Kim-Yoo!"
"I'm sorry Jin-Juha but I cannot clean this doubt away."
"Sigh... Then just remind yourself with your own words. There's no way the Colonel would bring back a man no? And I doubt the Colonel is such a man. Sigh... What am I saying? Either way, don't worry Sova I'm sure she'll be convinced in due time.
As I hear her talk I can't help but wonder,
"Say, Elder Kim-Yoo ssi mind telling me about Yoo-Ah's parents?"
"Hmm? Shouldn't you be asking that with her? Well, I suppose if I have to answer... They're a bunch of hopeless dreamers. Ambitious, callous, and borderline suicidal... That's for her dad anyway, I never got much chance to know of her mother since she passed away early the moment she gave birth to Yoo-Ah and I'm also still busy with my job but..."
Kim-Yoo holds the huge spiral scar on her face and continue saying:
"Worse of all is my injuries at the early days before the Coalition turned traitor."
"I-I see... Wait, traitor?"
Juha nods replying:
"They wouldn't be calling themselves as Heroes of the Coalition if we're not part of them. It's honestly more of an insult to our neighbours to show that backstabbers never win and that we are the true heroes by defending our country."
"I-I see, it seem there's some complicated history there. Still, I can't wait for Yoo-Ah to finish cooking. She brings the best meals."
"Heh, yes, compared to her Traitor of a brother and book worm sister she is the true jewel in the family. She will make for a great- no, Wonderful wife!"
*Slam*
"But don't think anyone can easily get their hands on her! Not even my grandkids!"
Kim-Yoo still slouching tries to look up at me and I nod replying:
"R-Right."
"Sigh... When will they finish cooking?"
Juha sighs as I wonder the same and,
*Slam*
"Hum! Hum! Don't be so impatient! Good food don't come so fast!"
Yoo-Ah came in at the nick of time alongside the servant bringing in a wheeled tray. Yoo-Ah hands us a plate filled with some blue begetable shouting:
"Ta-dah! First things first are appetizers! It's Grandma's favourites!"
"Hoh? You still remember, Yoo-Ah? I'm so happy, I wish my grandkids would too. Only hubby would give me these whenever he return..."
Kim-Yoo happily accept it as Yoo-Mi walk behind her and rub her back. Kim-Yoo slowly sits straight as she pats her head saying:
"Alright, thank you, Yoo-Mi."
She bows down and walks away with the empty tray, Yoo-Ah then point at us shouting:
"Eat up! Soon more will be coming and we'll join you soon!"
Kim-Yoo and Juha hearing her close the door starts to pick off the meal one by one with their fork and I do the same.
"Wonder what these are?"
Questioning that, I take a bite and revel at the sudden moisture that pops and wash my mouths. The taste of sweet yet crunchy texture does makes me crave for something more.
(Appetizers really are a weird thing).
"These are Hago fruits mixed with Suya leave sauce. A pretty difficult meal to prepare if you're not a trained chef since the stamina and vigour it takes from your hands to soften, peel, and cut the fruit before blending the leaves takes a huge toll on your fingers. I hate to admit but she is a pretty good chef."
"Ooh! Amazing."
"You didn't mention the dexterity and skill it takes to even mix and dice them to such shape, Jin-Juha. Usually only head chefs prepare these appetizers for their client and if not trained enough you could numb your hand for a whole day but the results are simply worth it. Heh, you grow up to be great, Yoo-Ah. To think you can make these so quickly. *Nom*, Mmm~!"
Kim-Yoo chimes in as I nod and appreciate the details they describe. And eat more bite as I realize the craving for more increase alongside the sensitivity of my tongue.
"Yea, I'm so happy I met Yoo-Ah. I can only wonder what kind of path I will go if I never met her. I doubt I would even become an Adventurer now."
"I see, be more grateful then, Young One."
"Yea! And I'm grateful to Juha as well."
"Hmph! I told you before but don't think you can butter me up with words."
"Yea, still thanks."
"Hmph!"
"Then, why not tell me more about yourself, Sova? I won't pry deep but I wish to ask what's your plan moving forward?"
"Me? Well, I suppose first paying Yoo-Ah back for all that she did. If I become successful I can help Yoo-Ah out on what she wants."
"I see, I see... You sure you're not a man?"
*Jab*
Before I could give an answer Juha stabs the table with an unused fork shouting:
"Dammit, Elder how many time do I have to tell you before you accept it? And don't even bother with that joke anymore, Sova. It's not funny anymore!"
"Aww... And here it gave you that cute laugh before."
"C-Cute? Don't spout such nonsense!"
"Hrmm...?"
Kim-Yoo strokes her chin as she observes before nodding along replying:
"I see..."
"See! You're making this worse, Sova! Anyways, Sova's a She and that's the end of it!"
"Sorry."
As the time trickles on, the blue skies shines brighter from one side to another. Enduring the questioning of Elder Kim-Yoo each time I wonder when Yoo-Ah would finish?
*Slam*
"Sorry for making you wait!"
"Always slamming door wherever you go. This is why Hubby always reinforce his entrances."
"Don't sweat the small stuff grandma! Here, I got your favourite!"
Yoo-Ah takes out a sealed plate with many layers and soon opens the lid to reveal a glorious fountain of red raining down at some soft, smooth, fluffy bread with meat in the side where the fountain trickles away.
(That looks amazing... I wonder if my home sector has any amazing local dish their chefs can make).
"Hoho! I still can't figure out if you're a chef or a baker if you keep making this kinds of meal."
"I'm of course both! But I still prefer baking!"
"Haah, for once in a while eating stuff like this is always an exception but I just can't resist."
Yoo-Mi follows after with a long glass of green drink and place beside her meal saying:
"Please drink lots after this meal."
"Yes, yes, you go eat too, Yoo-Mi. I think I'm skipping dinner for finishing this. And from the last display this meal looks so much better than last time. Now for the taste..."
As Kim-Yoo taste and Yoo-Mi bows down and walks away with the rolling tray, Yoo-Ah walks beside us with a closed dish as well shouting:
"Sorry for making you wait! One for you! And one for you!"
As she place the dishes she grandiosely open both lid.
"Ta-Dah! My new master piece after the Monster Pancakes! The Quadruple Winter Special!"
As steam pours out like an explosion, hidden beneath the thick mist is colourful three layered dish, the pancakes with some yellow sauce, cream, and butter at the top, a muffin of sorts with sparkling blue sauce like the stars, and a weird bread I never seen with block patterns slobbered by a deep crimson sauce surrounding by towers of cream, fruits, and cookies. Yoo-Ah not done yet pulls out a bottle of spice and pepper them as the three colour melds at the top and turns gold, making it a quadruple coloured special.
"Woah! This is amazing!"
I grab my spoon and fork as I can't wait to dig in but Yoo-Ah looks at it asking:
"Isn't this suppose to be a dessert than the main dish?"
"Ah! Don't judge it by just the outside, you gotta cut in deep too!"
"Oh?"
Juha following her advice spoons the outside a bit, and with just a slight touch the surface melt and separates easily when something inside pours out a bit.
"W-Wha is...!"
Juha is shocked as she sees the yellow content and Yoo-Ah proudly proclaims:
"That's right! There's the rare Guam Eggs and Guam Meat inside! Perfect delicacy meat to eat with sweets! This is why I need Hwang-So gramps kitchen since he's the only few who have the tools to prepare those!"
"Hmph! I conceive my defeat... I have a huge fear my appetite will never be the same..."
Juha gives in and stars to eat and I do the same saying:
"Thank you for the meal! Let's eat!"
"Yes..."
"Yup! I got mine as well!"
Before I take a bite I notice someone missing and ask,
"By the way, where's Jin-Yeon Ssi?"
"Hum! *Nom* Oh! She's on her way now! She brings her own food! *Nom!*"
"Don't talk when eating!"
"Eep! *Nom* Sorry grandma!"
"Sigh..."
Kim-Yoo looks at her disappointed but changes her expression quickly as she takes another bite. Waiting for her I take my first bite as well from the top. The golden and Yellow sauce pancakes...
*Munch*
"Yum!"
I simply can't describe the taste but my loves for sweets have deepened very significantly. Just like Juha said,
(I wonder if I can go on without Yoo-Ah's meal now).
My mind seems to melt just eating the top and my hands move on its own trying to eat the blue one next as I see the egg yolk and meat converge on my spoon I take another bite. My mind blanks out as I see myself gobbling down from the muffin, to the cream, egg, meat, and fruits...
(Ah, this is bliss...)
I finally regain control once my spoon touches the bottom of the plate and there's nothing but sprinkles of sauce left scatter around. My mouth is drenched with the mixture and before I knew it, Jin-Yeon is looking at me happily with an empty plate saying:
"Hoho, I guess you are pretty normal."
"Well, I guess? Oh! Jin-Yeon Ssi, when did you arrive?"
"About when you half way finish your meal. I just love "girls" with big appetites like you."
"Urgh..."
"Now, now, wipe your mouth."
Jin-Yeon takes a napkin and help wipe my mouth and cheeks before I stop her and do it myself. When I look to my side I see Yoo-Ah happily watching me as well with her dish almost finished too.
"Hum! Hum! Seeing you eat just proves I got even better! Hum! Hum! Just look at Juha too!"
Juha who's sitting beside me with reddened cheeks and a finished plate folds her arms and looks away replying:
"D-Dumbass don't look! Credit where credit is due, I say she's already the same level as the royal chefs or maybe on par with the best up there."
Yoo-Ah stands making a thumbs up replying:
"Hum! Hum! Learned from the best!"
(She really likes using that gesture now).
"Hoh? What is that move you're making Yoo-Ah? I sense you're sticking your fingers out, don't do that. It's not appropriate for a lady."
"But grandma! This is a gesture of goodwill from where Sova come from! And it's fun to do! Yeah!"
Kim-Yoo sighs alongside her finished plate replying:
"You're lucky I'm getting too old for this."
"Oh~ ack!"
Yoo-Ah joy was cut short when she receive a blow to her head forcing her to sit down.
"Don't celebrate you idiot! And don't think I can't hit you. So, finish your meal!"
"Uuuh..."
Yoo-Ah rubs the top of her head as she continues eating and Yoo-Ah then sneaks in a small plate to Juha and me saying:
"Hum! Hum! I made this with some leftover ingredients, clean you plate's sauce with those. I made it from some ancient technique Uncle Yi-Il taught me."
"Oh? Thanks!"
"Hmph! I suppose a bit more won't matter."
"(Hehehe, Hum! Hum! Eat up, Juha and soon you'll be fatter than me! Hahahaha!)"
I see a malicious smile forming on Yoo-Ah face as she murmurs those words that's barely noticable, that's when Jin-Yeon appear between me and Juha holding our shoulders asking:
"Aww~ what about me, Yoo-Ah? Don't your Unnie get some extra more?"
"Eek! I thought you said you don't want any?"
"Seeing you three eat just change my mind! Anyways, snatched one! Haha!"
"H-Hey, that's Sova's!"
Jin-Yeon appear back at her seat just beside Kim-Yoo and she share some saying:
"Here's some more, Grandma. You really are losing your touch- eke!"
Kim-Yoo hits Jin-Yeon on the head before she could bite the desserts replying:
"Don't push your luck."
And when I look around, I see Yoo-Mi eating at the corner with her own seat at the rolling tray she brings the food in.
(That's kinda lonely. A bit different than when we ate at Juha's place the servants were sitting so close).
Noticing there's a glass of milk beside me, I joyfully take a sip and downing the desserts.
"Yum... Huh?"
Tasting it I can't help but remember the taste of those same snacks I had when I first visit the Jaguar Sector... The sweet and subtle mild taste suited for everyone...
(I wonder what happen to that person? And I'm now reminded of the lost of the recipe when my armour got destroyed again).
"Haah, I haven't had such satisfying meal in a while... Say, Yoo-Ah won't you quit that dead end job and just cook for my family? You're not even cooking for your own family inn, so I'm sure your sister and my Hubby would be more than happy. Hubby would definitely pay you more and provide you with better living space than that staff room."
"Still no!"
"That's quick."
"Hum! Hum! Yeah! Maybe if I haven't met Sova I would gladly accept it but now I gotta be the best personal staff for her! This is also a bit personal too after what happened to Sova!"
"Hrmmm!"
Kim-Yoo stares at me and I can't help but look away. Kim-Yoo nods along replying:
"I suppose you're trying to support that traitor of a brother when you started. Haah, now I'm just happy you're growing up to be a fine lady... Ahem, well, at least a desirable member of society."
"Hum! Hum! *Nom* Yeah!"
Yoo-Ah finished her meal and gave her a thumbs up but Kim-Yoo sighs saying:
"Between your Socially awkward Sister who has her ways with words or your traitor brother, I'm satisfied one grows up to be normal."
(Socially akward? Yoo-Sui is? Last I met or talk with her she seems to be quite normal).
"Um, is she really? Last I speak with her she seems normal and kind. How is she socially awkward?"
Kim-Yoo nods while Yoo-Ah shakes her head. The first to speak is Kim-Yoo saying:
"Like I said she has some way with words but that's about it with her social life. She rarely make any friends that's not close to her family. In the end of the day, she is never the one to start a conversation."
(Really? I'm pretty sure she's the one who ask first when I'm back at the inn or am I just remembered wrong?)
She then looks at Juha and continue saying:
"For more proof, why not ask her classmate and peer?"
Juha who is finishing the desserts with the leftover sauce and cream wipes her mouth a bit replying:
"Ahem, yes, Valedictorian she may be she is very distant in more ways than one. Just remembering her receiving the title at the imperial palace is pretty short. She simply greets important guests and reply to those that approach her before just heading home."
(Huh? I feel like that's something I would do myself).
"Hum! Hum! Yeah! She only stayed longer because I was there to eat more with Uncle Yi-Il! One of the best night ever!"
Juha looks at Yoo-Ah with concern, furrowing her brows saying:
"Hmm, ah yes, now I remember that there was an important kid and person holding up the food stands. So it was you huh?"
"Hum! Hum! Yeah!"
"Sigh... Don't bring that up, Jin-Juha. It hurts me to remember Hubby and I are the one suggested the two. Though I suppose they don't say anything since one is a former World-Famed Hunter and Baker, we still get some silent treatment for a while."
Yoo-Ah lay back at her chair slumping down tapping her belly saying:
"Haah~ this is good. Hum! Hum! Yeah! With this Sova will get our journey blessing! A bit early saying it since you haven't left but with this meal, You will definitely got great luck!"
Chatting amongst the jolly mood, the winter outside grows as the sun sets... The time is at hand.
*************************************
[Extra] How to be Human
The stars shines across the thick snow storm. Shaking the window, the embers of fire warms the room as I am granted a rare audience. Sneaking out the private accommodation Kim-Yoo gave me I went to visit someone.
"Oh? Didn't think you would be visiting me."
Jin-Yeon who heartily brings me in serves me a hot coco drink and I gladly accept. Wearing nothing but her an open shirt and undergarment beneath I found it hard to know where to look.
"T-Thanks."
"Hoho, why so shy? Aren't we both girls? And didn't you seen me naked already?"
"You should know why by now and don't tease me!"
"Hahaha! So what do you want? Visiting a lady in the middle of the night secretly like this. You're much bolder than I thought."
"What do you mean? But either way my purpose here is simple. Y-You may have not follow us up north but I know you guys planned something up north right?"
"Well isn't that a given? Haah~"
Jin-Yeon answers casually as she slouch over bed she's given.
"I just want to be sure, it doesn't involve hurting Juha or the other in concern right? Not counting Yoo-Gisa of course."
*Snap*
Jin-Yeon snaps her finger and points at me replying:
"Heh, shouldn't you be the one to know? Those Oghranje and Phoenix people are the ones busy up there."
"Well, I guess..."
(Donuts, I don't know what else to say since I know nothing).
"Hey, you should've known by now how we secret organization do things..."
Jin-Yeon rests her arms on the bed as she sits upon the ground saying:
"Don't get too attached."
Her face darkens as I can only see a frown beneath that shade. My hands clutch upon her cup as I almost break its handle before I can control it.
"...Then at least won't you tell me why, Jin-Yeon Ssi. Why are still so afraid of Elder Kim-Yoo? Aren't you so powerful and almighty already?"
The soft glows from the bonfire lighten her face with a smile as she reply with,
"Simple! Because it still makes me feel... Human."
Jin-Yeon moves her arm and fingers as electricity course through her veins and finger tips. She opens her palm and a small cloud appear before she crush it.
"With the power coursing through this mortal coil, I have easily surpass those self proclaim demi-gods in Heaven. Nothing but those Exclaimed True Martial Artist Supreme Grand Master and a mage of the same caliber or beyond could ever hope to defeat me... Conceited as that sound I still feel Pitiful compared to the beings that is beyond strength like Taiga and her Shadow Executives.
Those fools at the top desperately clinging to their position striving to be perfect are blinded by what makes us great. To be human is to be imperfect, to feel the 7 vices are a privilege only we have. And I like to have fun, and to my experience being perfect is not fun. I'm sure someone with special powers like you know what it feels right?
"Um..."
(Where is this going?)
"Hahaha! Look at your face, you better think twice before asking such deep questions, Sova."
"I don't think it's any deep."
Jin-Yeon walks up to me and pats my head, ruffling my hair with a warm smile replying:
"Fufu, well, I guess for a simple answer is. No matter how much we grow, we would always still fear our parents. It is simply instincts. That's what I think anyways."
"I-I see!"
"Heh, you really are still young, here I wonder you might be some reincarnated soul or some other powerful being."
"I don't think I'm that special to be considered like that."
"Oh come now, I met too many people like that in my travels. Especially when you have those immortals standing at the top."
Jim-Yeon continues to pamper me with head pats which I don't mind but she stops and looks toward the door saying:
"Hoh? Seems your bestie is looking for you. Go out now, and kinda forget the conversation we had."
"I won't forget but I won't tell anyone, Thank you."
"That's good enough. Nighty night and good luck on your exploration tommorow. Not everyone gets the privilege to dungeon dive so quickly."
"Yea, thanks, and good night."
Jin-Yeon sends me off as I exit expecting Yoo-Ah but she is nowhere to be seen. Wondering where she is, I try to wander back to my room and bump to someone.
"Sova! Finally found you! Where were you!? First Demon grandma gave us separate rooms and now you're wandering around!"
The one I bumped to is none other than Yoo-Ah. Wearing a thin white dress she hugs her pillow as she complains and I can only reply with,
"S-Sorry..."
"Well that's fine either way! Come let's sleep in your room!"
Yoo-Ah drags me by the wrist along as I follow, holding her hand back I say,
"Yoo-Ah whatever happens up north. Please know it's not in your control."
"Huh? What are you saying!? You can be weird some times but yeah! There's no way I can predict what my brother is doing but you just gotta return, okay!? Better yet, beat that stupid Oppa and bring him back home!"
Yoo-Ah ask back with a smile and I nod along replying:
"Yea."
(And I gotta be ready when I got forcefully brought or summoned).