*swish* *crash*
"Jacky! Jacky! You have to help me~!"
Paradise, a world beyond the harsh climate. A place where everyone can lay back and relax to enjoy the wonder of nature. Her I am breaking it with my embarrassing pleas. As the sound of crashing waves drown my cries, Jacky folds her arms and turn away replying:
"Shut up! I'm not a Doraemon with his magic pocket!"
"Doraemon?"
"Ah, its a character from a show the progenitor watch- either way, what do you want me to do? I told you I remember nothing much!"
Jacky lays back down on her bed and swing it left and right as to throw her worries away but,
"But isn't that why I let you stay? Please! Can you at least tell me something, anything, about those ohgranye?"
I grab her by the arms that I feel so much shame as I remembered I haven't thrown such a tantrum for more than half a decade. Probably annoyed by how I'm not any different than a child crying for their parents to buy them toys, Jacky turns her head away and hide her face with her curls saying:
"Hmph! Well you shouldn't lie when you can't handle the consequences. If you can't do the time, don't do the crime."
"I don't what that means. But... Technically I didn't lie. They just misinterpret what I said."
"That may be true, but good luck reasoning with them."
As if she has no care for the world she replies my excuse by picking her nose as if I'm just a passing breeze.
*grab*
I hug her tightly trying to squeeze the desired answer out of her shouting:
"Jacky, please! This involves you, too!"
"Hrrghh! What a troublesome host, even parasites would rip themselves off from you. Fine... But I expect a huge sum of sacrifice to be made for me. Also, let's not forget you still have the debt of our first meeting."
"Yea, whatever you want, I'll do it, please!"
"Hmm..."
Jacky smiles at my response twirling her curls before saying:
"Hmm, I suppose I could start with what I remeber."
"Oh? Please do! Maybe this will lead to whatever they want."
I let Jacky go and grab as many snacks at the table to present her, Jacky feeling like royalty smile gleefuly as she randomly picks a snack saying:
"But just saying, humans are a really fickle species. Just give them half a century- no half a decade and they will turn into something completely different. And now we're going to talk about a culture and civilization from more than 2500 years ago before I even become a MK vassal."
"Now that I think, the span of 2000 years or more truly is quite a mind boggling number. That's pretry much almost the entire calendar. I guess that's also why Kagan calls them Ancients."
"Heh, don't be too amazed, I reach Archduke class 1000 years after I turned and trust me when I say that we spent most of the time hibernating. Do you realize how much energy and mass we need to consume in order to move? Since this is also from such anceint times lets not forget that the gigantic black space hulk is still around too, now that thing is the real cheat despite not being alive."
"Space Hulk? What's that?"
"It's what we call the capital ship of the Auila Respublica. You know, even you should know the World Invasion."
"Oooh! Yea I do!"
(Auila? Owlian... Linguistic are confusing).
"Hehe, I heard many weird things reading your memories and boy so many things change to something completely unrecognizable. Anyways, I was still just a sea tumbleweed and as far as I can remember... It was the early phase of the invasion those Owlians (Is what you call them now) towards the Sovereignty."
*swish*
All of the backdoor paradise around us slowly transition into a deep dark sea.
*vwooom*
The sun swallowed by darkness as the waves rises beyond the beaches and slowly floods the ports. Seeing from the eyes of presumably Jacky, I could see a world plunge into armageddon. Asteroids- no building that once float atop the skies are now falling like stars, mountains once dormant starts erupting and spweing magma towards the helpless cities below that has lost their light.
"Woah, c-continue."
(Completely excited to hear about genuine history from the source itself I can't help but feel my heart beat again).
"Before they could besiege the mighty city of Rucina, the Owlians needs to encircle and choke them. And from what I remeber, the first phase includes taking the twin peninsula before isolating the rest of the city from the entire continent of Iberos."
And from the darkness of what is now the sun, countless black ships each of them bigger than the fortress ship I saw Kokkan descened while those ships spew out smaller ships and so forth, turning a small fleet into something akin of a locust swarm.
"And... One of the few client kingdoms who manage to keep their Sovereignty from Rucina must now defend themselves from the incoming alien invasion. And just saying this is different than the maritime empire powerhouse you know that encompass both the peninsula."
We soon zoom unto the northern peninsula, like a fire upon paper, the encrounching darkness cannot be stopped.
(So the ohgranye once had a full kingdom in the northern peninsula huh?)
The few spots that doesn't get caught be the fire are the mountains. Our view soon reach inside the familiar mountain caves, but unlike the solitary and lonely cave we have the caves inside the mountains are completely revamped. Tunnels of marble, crystals with light or torches strap to those crystals, smooth floors, and the ancient cities that is abandonned are now full of life and is a thriving community. Watching from the flowing aqueducts, we entered what seem to be the centre where those altars were. There many people with red robes gather upon an amphitheatre.
(Wait... Those clothes, while they are completely different, the feeling I get when looking is similar to the ones the Ohgranye wears).
But most eye-catching is the person standing at the centre of that altar. A man with deep blue hair like the abyss wearing a red robe with blue trims. I just can't take my eyes off him as I say:
"Oh, thank you Jacky this is definitely what I wanted to see. But can we hear anything they're saying?"
"Like hell I can do that, I'm a tumbleweed, I don't have ears. You should be grateful we have some eyes to see. But at least, you should know what that mirror they want look right now right?"
"Huh? Mirror? What are you talking about?"
*Chirp* *Chirp* *Roaaar!*
*************************************
"!?!?"
"Aaah! Take cover! The ruins have come to invade!"
*Thump* *Drop*
Rudely awakened by the large cry of a beast, I open my eyes towards the dim light passing through the cracks. Being given a large shared guest room, I try to bask in the morning ambience while I slowly rise. Rubbing my blurry eyes, I see Heon cowering between our beds while hiding under his blanket. Wondering where the sound is coming from, I take a peek outside the curtains to see the city.
Dark clouds hang above while the once bright sparkling city has now dimmed with the clouded sun. Countless beast flies beneath the clouds, and I can see droves upon droves of armed soldiers lining across the palace walls.
(It seems this will be a busy morning... And what am I going to do?)
*knock* *knock* *knock*
"Dark... Mhm! Dear Guest, this is Harun, the King and the Ancients are awaiting your presence at the throne room."
(Oh no!)
"Um, can-"
"And just to tell you in advance, they need your presence immediately. You need not prepare yourself."
"Right..."
Before I could reply, Harun has brief us more details or saying that we should just go now. I shake the cowering Heon saying:
"Heon, come on, lets go."
"Uuuh... Hold on... I hit my knee on the bed pillars... It hurts..."
(Really? Is it more of a mental damage?)
"Haaah, let's get you out of the blanket first."
"Woah!"
(To think a time would come where I have to be the one to drag someone out of their bed. Usually it would be me being wakened up).
"Come now, let's get up."
"Rrrgh! Huup!"
Heon rises by hinself yet still unstable and wobbly on his feet. Just like when I saw him washing his face back at his old home. When he finally stops swaying left and right, I look him straight in the eyes and he immediately looks away shouting:
"W-What are we doing again?"
"They want us to head to the throne room immediately, we should be hearing good news... Did you not sleep enough?"
"H-Huh!?"
(He did tuslle and turn a lot and even got up to walk around the room before I get to my hideout. Ah, I get it...)
"Don't worry, I understand. Its hard to adapt to somewhere new. But don't worry, we'll be back to the Republic soon enough. So let's go."
"O-Oh! Right! Yes, Gwishin nim!"
*Click*
As we exit our lodging, Harun is there to greet us with a comb saying:
"Please at least tidy your bed hair."
(Oh she's nice... And wow, I just realize how long have I not seen a comb).
*************************************
*Creak* *Open* *SLAM*
Our arrival starts with an accident as the gate towards the throne room fell and collapse as it opens.
"Uh... I have brought the Special Guest as you wish fa- my lord!"
Harun seem to proceed despite the damage and we enter as I see the broken sight fron last night is still apparant.
(So he wasn't lying when he said he has no way to fix this place? Now I feel more terrible).
Compared to when I arrive yesterday the tribe leaders have significantly decrease by a lot, with one side of the throne room filled by them and the other side by familiar in blue robes.
"Hmph! What a pathethic sight to see. Where are your earth mages or masters? Don't tell me you have none."
"Tch! You think we will be in this situation if there are? You should know better than us when we are completely cut off from the Wen mountains."
"Hmph! This is why your system built on superstition is such a failure."
"Oh, Brother, please be lenient. We're talking about the inferior middlefolk. We should be more considerate and helpful as Superiors. Maybe after this meeting we can also send some earth specialist too."
"Oh~ your highness truly are so magnanimous."
*CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*
The ohgranye not only arrive in numbers but with explosive intensity as one side of the room erupted with cheers and applause like they are celebrating a triumph. Waiting for us at the end is not only Kagan and his vassals but many distinctive and important looking people similar to the leader from yesterday wearing unique masks each standing at the other side of the table.
(Oh boy... This really reminds me of the story of Huangying. Let's hope this tower of lies don't fall so spectacularly).
"Hm?"
That's when I notice as we walk closer, surrounded by those masked leaders is a little girl similar age to Heon, wearing an intricate robe of blue with golden trims, her deep blue hair and eyes like the abyss strikes in contrast to Kagan's crimson and this gloomy room. She turns to look at me while her unique mask is still above her forehead and she grins pleasingly when she saw me.
(Is she the one that talk? I have a bad feeling about this... But, is she really related that that guy in my dreams?)
Slowly we ascend the broken stairs and all of their eyes are finally on me. Heon seem to feel the pressure as well as he holds me tightly and hide underneath my arm. Kagan who seem worse than tear holding back his anger gesture me to sit saying:
"Take your place and we can begin this conference."
I sit on the floor where they provide us with a pillow and as soon as I did, the blue girl slams her hands at the table shouting:
"Is it true!? You have found Hyerinthra's Mirror!? Please, show it to me!"
(Ah, so they really wanted a mirror, I'm fudged!)
I try to come up with an answer as to how to dodge this bullet and simply put...
(Nothing's coming up!)
"Hey! What's with you? Straing a hole at me? Could you be captivated by my beauty? Hohoho, to think even the Gods from Heaven would fall for their foes!"
(Foes?)
Unlike before our talk starts, the Ohgranye have been completely quiet and reserve as they fade to the back except for the girl. I take in a deep breathe and follow Saya's advice to my heart.
"Captivated... You may be right. I can't peel my eyes away from you."
"Uhe!?"
" "!??!?" "
The girl gasped while the reserved leaders as silent as a rock finally moved by my words.
"..."
"..."
It was silence for a while as they all stare at me, I could feel the Heon's grip tighten and I realize that all the audience and people around the rable are expecting I explain...
"Fuuuh..."
Rubbing Gangyi's ring I steel myself.
(Here goes).
"I can't helped but reminiscent about the past as I'm talking about the oh... Well, the Ancients."
(Remembering that the elder last night being angry calling by their names, I decided to call them by what the Sentinels refer to them).
"Explain more! What do you mean? And what part of me are you captivated by!? I won't take any half ass answers!"
*slam*
The girl slams at the table with reddened cheeks demanding more and I try to arrange my words before saying:
"Well, it was something from more than 2000 years ago, when you still had your Sovereignty and when the Heavens throw you to the tempest."
I could feel anger and torment visible from one of the masked leader, jusging from his grey beard that's grown out of his mask, he must know what I'm talking about.
"As for what I'm captivated by, well I saw a man. Standing at the centre of that theathre, he must've been your ancestor, sharing the same hair colour and eyes, I was completely distracted before I was rudely awaken... I guess seeing him in you intrigue me."
At this point, I feel like a desperate man who needs to say something than someone who has something to say and...
(When did I learn how to speak like that!? I sound like a terrible cheater!)
"I heard enough of this bullshit!"
One of the masked leader storm into the table, shielding the girl from me he makes some distance between us as he shouts:
"As expected of the voice of Heaven, you have completely shifted this discussion towards your revolting fantasies!"
Infuriated by my answers and I can't blame him, he then grabs one of the scrolls behind the girls and slam it to the table saying:
"2000 years ago? There isn't any immortal from Heaven who is that old except for the current War God, and I doubt that geriatric senile wishful thinker can remember something that old. And if in the thousand of chance the Central Archives holds such information, we would not be such a thorn on their side in the fiest place."
(From the way he speaks, he seems to be familiar with one of the Ansei A Jusei... Still, someone is that old? A human?)
Seeing such anger and fury from the eyes piercjng through his mask, I try to gather my courage again and take a deep breathe replying:
"Haha, you may be right, it is nonsense."
"Hmph! Then let us continue on-"
"If it is a human memory."
" "!?!?!?" "
"(Heh, it seems this is your favourite way of speeking it seems)."
Hearing the familiar elder from last night, I try to ignore his sarcasm and continue forward saying:
"But what if the information come from another much more reliable source? I suppose I could call it a first person historical evidence."
"Stop beating around the bush, what do you mean to say?"
The bearded leader question me and I can only wish that I can say I don't even know who or what I'm trying to prove anymore but just roll with it.
"You... Called my words nonsense, a fantasy, and other derogatory."
"So what? To call out a lie is a virtuous act."
"Tell me lord Kagan, what do your people call me again?"
"Hm?"
Probably surprised by how I suddenly pull him to the conversation, he seems to weight his answers before answering:
"Dark Spawn."
"And what do your people mean by that?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
Everyone seem to await his answer before he finally mutters,
"A Monster King Vessel."
"What does that have-"
"And tell me old man, judging from your beard and reaction. You must be one of the oldest are you not? Then I'm sure you should know how old the oldest MK Vessel is right?"
"Admitting yourself as a monster now are you?"
From the question given by the elder, some of the masked leaders grab ahold of the weapons underneath their robes. And Heon who seem to listen attentively look at me with curiosity as he wonders what we meant. I feel my spine tingle as I look at the old man through his mask replying:
"If I am this whole peninsula wouldn't exist wouldn't it? Hahaha!"
(What in Libera's blue dangos am I saying!? Ring, you have gone crazy!)
"And shouldn't I be getting more thanks for saving your paradise from getting devoured by the other Archduke Vassal?"
(Aaaah! Noooo! Stooop!)
Everyone's heart seem to sunk by my threat as I can hear some shiver and quake. Even Heon seem to feel a chill as I feel him tremble close to me. I try to calm him down by leaning at him and use him like an armrest, embracing him and patting his head before saying:
"Please, calm yourself. I'm not like my Sisters. To avoid any more rising tensions I'll just cut it brief... I have absorb the essensce of the recent Archduke Monster that showed up weeks ago and have been reading its memories, and what do you know, it is a monster that's been alive and roaming around 2000 years prior..."
"What!?"
"Reading memories?"
"What nonsense!?"
I shut my lips and try to stop talking. Seeing the ring glisten as I feel something in my heart. I steel myself for my next words with a clear mind.
(Okay that's enough of that).
Holding my chest, I look at them sincerely as I try to ignore the ring saying:
"Sorry, I know I may have say some outrageous things but believe me when I say, I want to help you. I really do. I have nothing to gain from lying to any of you, it would just hurt me more."
"..."
"..."
The throne room have become completely silent by my words. Wondering what to say next, that silence is broke witha question.
"You... How can you control that power? I have countless stories of those who try to take its power and turning into the same monsters themselves. The First Sentinels did the same and look at what they have become. The Monster King is not the same as those F.A.B.L.E.D. it is a monster among monster whose desire is to simply consume everything."
(Well, I don't know know who those Sentinels are!)
The King who have only been silent or answering us finally speaks and ask his own question. The sadness and sincerity in his voice caught me off guard before I nod replying:
"I'm confused as well, but if I have to say something of that. The Monster King Essence all say it's all because I'm supposedly the descendant of patient zero."
" "Patient zero?" "
"Patient zero?"
"Patient... Zero?"
Everyone from the King, the elders, the girl, the masked leaders, the King's vassals, and even the tribe leaders, they all repeat what I said in bewilderment before I continue saying:
"If you don't know, that's fine."
"Urgh..."
It seems the Elder is out of words before the girls who have been so full of cheer and smiles have now wear a serious expression. Kagan shows a serious expression as he clench his fists saying:
"Don't mistake our silence for agreement. The moment you show signs to harm us, we will strike you down."
"Very well, now elder nim can you please continue what you were going to say? Continue on?"
I ask the Elder to continue but it seems the little girl reaches a decision as she pushes the elder away asking:
"Oh precious friend, before we begin, can we take your words sincerely? Do you truly wish to help us? In which we who live in this peninsula deem positive? Even in the long run for this world? Do you truly feel sorry for the suffering and lives everyone lost and endured? Are you truly willing to put your own life and betray your own flesh and blood to help us?"
"Yea."
"!?!?!???"
(Hm? Still, what's with that weird questions? But... Yea, I do need to right my wrongs and put my life and dreams on the line).
I answer immediately despite my confusion and the girl simply widened her eyes in shock by my answer. For a little while the girl contemplate, closing her eyes, scratching her chin, and swaying left and right before she nods replying:
"Very well... Esteemed Elders, we can trust this... Companion."
"Your highness?"
"Is that true? Did the spirits say something?"
"Did that "precious friend" really speak nothing but the truth? Despite all that questions at once?"
"To call a monster a companion is... She's not even human, does she even understand those questions?"
"She still hasn't proven her claims as well!"
The quiet masked leaders seem to finally speak their minds as they question the girl but she shakes her head and straighten her posture as to finally take things seriously replying:
"We may discuss that later, we have already deviate on our main topic for too long."
*swirl*
The girl unfolds the scrolls behind her and continue saying:
"As for last night's agreement brought by Elder Munchkin, we shall formaly agree to send the mountain folk their needed aid."
(Munchkin? That's really his name?)
As I'm still baffled by his name, the girl raises her hand circle it around saying:
"And the price will be paid by our Companion... Let's discuss this more privately at a later date, Companion."
"Truly? WE ARE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL! OH ANCIENTS ONES, AND YOU, DARK SPAWN!!!"
Kagan with tears welling up in his eyes smash his head to the ground to bow down and,
" "Huraaah!" "
"Yes!", "We're going to survive!", "Praise to the ancients!", "Father, I did it, we need not starve any longer.", "Food, it's finally coming... sniff!"
(They really are struggling).
The whole half of the room erupted in cheers as they all seem to celebrate. Turning to look at the girl, we seem to have the same idea as we both look at each other.
(Hm? I hope I don't get skewered when we meet).
She smiles, unlike the grin she makes before this time it is a more amicable smile. She rolls the scroll in a single swoop before saying:
"We shall consider the people of Wenju as allies so long as our Companion consider them so. Don't you wish to celebrate with those people you helped?"
Knowing what needs to be done, I shake my head replying:
"True... But, I don't believe this is a time to celebrate just yet. There's still Wenju after all. You said it yourself, as ling as Wenju is in the hands of those invader, the people will never rise."
"?!?!?!"
The King hearing me lift his head to reveal a face full of tears, he wipes them away with his arms and nods saying:
"You are right, dark spawn. This isn't over. With those much needed supplies, we can finally realize our reclamation plans."
Hearing such words, the vassals and tribe leaders slolwy quiet down and start to focus on the discussion once more. As the King pulls out the scrolls he shows me yesterday, he starts retelling the operation plans. Unlike last night where he only tells me of my role, he starts talking about the actions other tribes need to take as well. He would even descend and intruct the tribe leaders on what they could do and what to bring, safe to say,
(He is quite a hands on person).
In the middle of his speech where we are left up at the podium, the blue haired girl raise her hand saying:
"Pardom me here, King of Wenju."
"Y-Yes?"
Caught surprised by her wish for attention, the King stops his brief and turn around alongside the many tribe leaders who is listening as well.
"Since you have already brief our companion's role in this assault I believe we may take her out for some discussions right?"
(Hm? She seems to be in a hurry).
The King looks at me before nodding along saying:
"That's true, don't let me keep you here. Harun, if you would please."
"Yes fa- my lord! We obey!"
Harun who stands alongside the other vassals steps forth with reddened eyes as she wipes her tears hide her eyes saying:
"Forgive for my disgraceful display, but please follow me, I shall provide all of you with a better room to talk and rest."
"Finally, sitting on this pillow floor is torture. Also, do you happen to fancy some meals?"
My ears tingle at that word and my head has never turn so fast before replying:
"Yes, please, we haven't had breakfast either."
I nod repeatedly to show how much I'm anticipating and the girl held her head uphigh saying:
"Ohoho! We truly are saviors of this peninsula."
"Mhm, sorry to disturb your conversation but please do follow me... And if you're really that hungry, we can provide you with your breakfast-"
"Shush now, bottom dweller! Can't you see the Gods of Gods are speaking? We shall provide the meals ourself, just do what you have to do. Brother, you come with me and the rest stay and observe."
*snap*
" "Yes, your highness!" "
The girl snaps her fingers and the one she calls brother lifts her up and help her stand,
(Hm... For some reason, she reminds me of Ji-Hye but... Even more annoying).
Harun starts walking first before the girls follows suit and turn around saying:
"Come now, we have not much time."
Before I could even let Heon go, I notice he's holding my arms tightly as if he doesn't want me to let go. Seeing his reddened ears from behind, I ruffle his hair saying:
"Heon, let's get something to eat. With every step we're getting closer to our... Conquest."
Heon seems to get his act together and quickly gets up, jumping down multiple steps at a time he looks back saying:
"L-Let's go, Gwishin nim."
I ignore Heon's weird antics for now and follow along as we exit the throne room. The girl in blue hair seem to be intrugue by me as she walks very close to my side which seem to anger her brother following closely behind her. I look forward at Heon who seem to ignore my plight with reddened ears as he walk alongside Harun who is indifferent with everything.
"Hey, hey, Companion, you seem to be quite the sinful woman."
"Excuse me?"
"Ohoho! A natural aren't you?"
"Um, I just realize but we haven't even introduce ourselves. I'm-"
"Oh, please companion, no need to be so formal. We already know who you are. And as for me..."
The girl dances in circles around me as she ponders before saying:
"Yes, you can call me Lazure."
(Compared to how the names in the peninsula goes).
"That doesn't sound..."
"Shhh..."
She raises her finger at my lips as she then says:
"We don't give our names so willy nilly, Companion. We consider our given names as one of our most sacred possesion that we only share towards our family. You should already be in tears for a supreme being like me bestowing you the honour of adressing me."
"I... See?"
(No wonder his name is weird, so its not even his real name... Also, I feel like I have meet quite a lot of royalty and it makes me appreciate how down to earth Sis Yuwei and Sis Fei is).
"Wait, how would you even-"
"I see! You must be interested in our way of life. But we don't share so easily to outsiders, so if you truly wish for it then you are welcome to try to betray your homeland and join us, companion! Ohohoho!"
Breaking out in quite the fashion, she cuts me off from an inportant question nefore I simply change the subject replying:
"Right... Then can I at least know what we can have for dinner? I mean does that mean you brought food yourself?"
"Ohohoho! You truly are an honest person. To think someone like you could part of the Confederacy's strings."
"Strings?"
"Hum? You worked as a diplomat do you not?"
"Yea, I'm... An ambassador? But I just got stranded a lot lately from my Sister's plans. Either way, I'm the Silencer... Of the diplomacy?"
"Ho, I truly don't understand what those phoenix folk are planning utilizing you like that. And I seriously can't tell if you're just stupid or pretending to be one."
"I prefer calling myself lacking common sense."
"Bohohoho! Nobody calls themselves that, moron~"
*hug*
Seeing her spirit elevate, Heon suddenly came back to hug me by my side.
"What's wrong?"
"I hate it..."
"Huh?"
"I hate being so clueless and left to the side. I'm supposed to be the Hyung yet I'm just nothing but a wall flower it seems. I want to be part of this too! I wanna be part of those grand plans too! I wanna be the one to shout ideas and orders too!"
"Hohoho! Little boy, you should already be overjoyed to be standing beside Supreme beings like us. Common folk like you wouldn't even dream-"
"Shut up you brat, I honestly can't stand you being so up your ass all the time."
*rumble*
While Heon's jab may deflect past Lazure's, the brother behind her doesn't seem to share the same sentiment as I see his robe fluttering as if something is leaking. I ruffle his hair scolding him saying:
"Heon... Did you forget what we agreed on?"
He shake my hand away and look up replying:
"N-No Gwishin nim! What's so wrong about me saying the truth?"
"It's for your safety. Not everyone can take your words so leniently. Remember, I can't teach you the secret technique if you're dead."
"Uuuu..."
Heon hugs me tighter as he glares at the girl but she just seem to be amused by his actions.
"How cute..."
Lazure comments which makes Heon even more angry. With 2 people being over the edge, I can only wonder when we'll arrive at the room...
*glare* *sparkle*
"Ohoho~"
Seeing the others in their own worlds, I lean over asking:
"Um, Harun Ssi, when will we arrive at that room?"
"Since many of the facilities have been destroyed by the landslide's tremor the only intact place is the furthest wing where your room is located. We will soon reach there."
"I see..."
(Hmm... Having someone like her seem pretty useful as a helpful... Hmm... Should I ask Kagan if I can bring some people to help me? Or should I ask Lazure instead?)
"Hmm? I know that look, you seem to wish for something from us don't you?"
I can't help but try to hide my face replying:
"I really do need to wear a mask."
"Ohohoho! Truly a mystery indeed, to appoint someone so open like you to be an ambassador. Now, shall we negotiate ?"
"Eh?"
"Dear Guests, we have arrive, you may discuss what you wish inside. I'll be waitng outside if you need anything."
(I got kind of a bad feeling... Truthfulness don't fail me now!)