Each mug seemed handmade, stamped with the symbol of Albion. It was an etching of cliff with waves splashed at the bottom of it. The place was well-lit due to the daylight but its stained-glass windows made it even more beautiful.
"I love these..." whispered Masvislin as she studied the windows.
"Those were made by an anonymous glassblower. Reminds me of the Old Chapel as well. I wish I would've gotten more of it," said Gab.
It's hard to think that it would be turned into a place filled with alcohol in about a few hours.
Gab ushered the girls into their rooms, situated on the second floor of the cafe.
"Human rooms are rather boring," said Mavislin, pouting at the sight of her room.
It was simple, with a single wooden frame bed, a desk, and a chair. There was a nightstand beside the bed while a small wardrobe was by its side as well. The view from the small and round window was not bad.
"Sorry, it isn't as flashy as your room in the Old Chapel. But I guarantee is the best room you'll find around these parts," said Gab, carrying a blanket and pillow.
As the two unpacked in their individual rooms, Mavislin decided to stretch out her wings. Unfortunately, she failed to notice the Slayer standing at the door.
"Does it hurt?" asked Bryan, out of the blue.
This startled Mavislin but she smiled as she continued unpacking. She took out the same dress that she tried on before leaving the Old Chapel.
"Yea, being in a human form hurts my wings sometimes," said Mavislin, as she tried to undress.
Bryan instantly turned around out of embarrassment, confusing Mavislin.
"You are a girl, I am a guy," reasoned Bryan.
"I have inner-wear. I'm not bathing yet so I won't take that out."
"But you were uncomfortable earlier."
"That's because you stared at my chest for more than usual."
Bryan sighed but still did not move or turn. Mavislin shrugged as she continued to put on her dress.
"Bryan."
The man turned to see Mavislin sitting on the chair, with her hair down.
"Yes?" he asked as he came closer.
"Help me do my hair," instructed Mavislin, as she gave him the tools needed.
"As you wish."
As he was doing her hair, Mavislin was thinking about their next move within the district. She thought about what had happened to the girls. She knew that she couldn't show her powers outright. If it happened to be a mistake, it will land the Arks into hot water.
And who was that Mage? Gab wrote briefly about her but there was no record of such a Mage, both in the Arks or the Congregation. Part of her wanted to investigate this mysterious person but the other said to focus on the main mission.
Bryan was right, a week might not be enough to cover the tasks on hand. And Bryan was still too new to be left alone with a single task at this point since he might encounter something or someone above his level.
And speaking about the boy, Bryan had finally done her hair and was adjusting the butterfly hairpin. He then spaced out as well.
"Sis, sis! Let me play with your hair again!"
"No way! You got it tangled up last time!"
"Pretty please! I just wanna do a braid..."
"That's what you did before too!"
"Waaa!! I'm telling Mama!"
"Okay, okay! Quit your whining! I'll let you play with my hair."
"Yay!"
Who were those voices? They sounded so familiar in Bryan's head. That could not have been Nova, since it sounded like the two were siblings. A quick holler from Gab coming in broke the two people's daydream.
"Let's do a meeting so we'll know what to do once the sun sets," said Gab, before going off.
Mavislin stood up while Bryan moved aside. As Mavislin stood at the doorframe, Bryan hollered at her once more.
"You look stunning, especially when you are in battle. I prefer you in your battle outfit and your wings. It truly makes you a queen," commented Bryan, with cheeks lightly dusted with pink.
Mavislin was shocked at first but she gave another warm smile as well. She nodded and gripped the man's hand.
"Let's go, Ysabeau hates people who are late," said Mavislin, cheerfully.
As they arrived downstairs, a map was laid out on one of the tables. Ysabeau was waiting patiently with a pot of tea by her side.
"Alright, we plan to infiltrate the two brothels narrowed down by Gab. This is what we have discussed before the trip here. Now, do ask questions if you both have any doubts about this or anything related to the area," instructed Ysabeau.
"Not for the time being," answered the two.