Jek and Dan speak quietly at the table while discussing a serious topic.
"I'll get straight to the point. There might be an intruder here in Daintaline"(Capital city of Askalandra).
"Excuse me??? In Daintaline? That's impossible. What makes you say that?"
"Remember the Defus that attacked us two days ago? We had to bury them in the mass grave, right? Well, when I left today to check for the safety of my parents, I accidentally came across something on my way back. I was trying to take a quicker route to get back but I accidentally found one of the corpses on the ground."
"That doesn't prove anything, though. It could've been one of the people that hated the Defus and wanted to take their anger out on their corpses."
"Well, after I found the body, I went back to the grave to see if anyone was there. After examining the graves, I realized that every single corpse has been dug out and placed back into the grave. After checking the corpse that I found, I realized something was strange. I think his clothes were taken off before and then put back on properly."
Dan looks over to the kitchen to make sure that the others have not come back yet.
"I don't think someone who would hate the Frendrilks would go their way to do all this. I don't know...something just seems off to me. It's as if someone is trying to find and erase any evidence left on the dead soldiers. Only the Frendrilks would do something like that."
"I dunno... I mean, our soldiers couldn't find anything valuable on them. What could they want to hide from us?"
"That's what I want to know, too. I went to the palace earlier on to report this and on the way there, I saw Emili and I ended up taking her with me."
"That's ridiculous. Do you seriously believe it was the Frendrilks? You can't even explain the intentions of them to do such things. Besides, I don't believe any individual can get past all our defenses and all the way to the capital all alone. Especially not those dumb and weak Frendrilks."
Dan looks at Jek with a serious yet worried face.
"That's what makes it scary, Jek. If it really is a Frendrilk intruder, that means this person is very strong. It's possible that he's one of the Hades Knights. We have to report to the palace before it's too late."
Just then, Emili comes out with a plate of food followed by Kora and Ken.
"The food is ready, guys!! You must be hungry now since it's so late, right?"
Emili places the place of food in the center of the dining table while Ken brings out another two plates of food onto the table. Kora brings out the bowls and utensils for everyone to use. Ken goes back to the kitchen with Emili to grab more food.
"Take a seat, Kora. We'll be back shortly with more food."
"O-okay," Kora says as she awkwardly takes a seat across from Jek and Dan.
Jek and Dan's serious conversation has been put on hold for now because the food is now ready. Emily and Ken come out once again with more food and they both take a seat with the others.
"Well then, shall we eat now?!"
Everyone starts to eat and talk about different things going on and joke around. Overall, they have an enjoyable night, eating while having fun. Kora makes a bunch of different funny expressions to show her love for the food. Everyone chuckles at the expressions she makes. Ken smiles and Emili acts proud as if she was the one who cooked the meals.
***
Three months have gone by since that memorable night for Kora. Kora packs a few necessary items with her before walking out of the bakery.
Emili sniffles and goes to hug Kora.
"Kora! Are you seriously leaving? You could stay here forever, though!!"
"I would really like to stay too, honestly... I enjoyed spending my time here.
Kora hugs Emili back.
"Emili...Sorry, but my mother must be really worried about me by now...I have to find my way back to them."
"No, don't mind me... If I really was against you leaving, I wouldn't have asked dad to prepare you a map and help you pack up. If I were you, I would've probably done the same thing but-"
Emili starts to tear up.
"Kora!!~ You have to write to me whenever you can, okay? I told dad to put in a bunch of letter paper and ink in your bag. Come back to visit anytime! You'll always be welcome here."
"Don't worry! Of course, I will write to you and I'll come to visit you again some day!"
Ken comes out with another bag of necessities for her.
"Kora, remember to bring this with you too! I made sure to put in enough money, food, and water to last you a while."
"Thank you so much...I really don't know how to repay you for all the kindness you two have given me."
"It's alright," Ken chuckles.
"A little girl like you wouldn't be able to survive without any supplies."