"Let's go. Someone has already made arrangements for us." Little Eu broke her silence as she led them to the nearby inn.
She recalls her Master's instructions once they reach this place. He recommended to stay at this prestigious inn and rest while doing their investigations.
The Divine Lord Foeni is unaware of their operation. While Captain Jairu has instructed them to work discreetly and protect her at all cost, they wonder, who else might be backing this young Oracle girl?
"She is an eight-year-old human, right? Is there a possibility she is a Spirit or a Mystic instead? After all, the Divine Lord refers to her as his sister, right?" Haru whispered to Di'Anon, who is walking beside him.
Nine-Tailed foxes have extremely keen sensing auras and smell. The girl is unique and very talented, but he can tell she is just a human Oracle.
Though Oracles are mysterious entities, they are considered humans since they have no other forms and limited life spans.
He shoots a warning glare at Haru as if telling him not to bother him with his conspiracy theories and wild imaginations.
Haru was quickly taken aback with his threatening glare as he walks away towards Eirwen instead. He can't take his opposing aura that he is currently directing at him.
Eirwen just shook his head after witnessing the scene as he inwardly sighs and thought, 'Cousin, you need to work on your temper. The poor guy is just making a lame attempt for a conversation.'
They finally reached and entered a two-story, yellow building named The Golden Inn.
An older man who introduces himself as the owner has welcomed them in. It is a well-known, prestigious, and widely recommended establishment.
The young girl's efficiency has honestly dumbfounded her companions. Their accommodation is topnotch and tailored to cater to their every need.
They have never dreamt they will have an opportunity to stay there during their mission. After all, not everyone is allowed to stay there.
"The Master prepared this room for you. Rest assured that your stay and presence are held with extreme secrecy. We value our customers' satisfaction. Please enjoy your stay." the old man bows his head as he left.
As they enter their extravagant room, the heavenly aroma of different delicacies has welcomed them. Even Little Eu wasn't expecting to find such finery as she sighed inwardly and thought that her Master is incredibly spoiling her.
He doesn't need to go overboard helping them out, as a dull room or house as a headquarters will suffice. Still, she can't reject his arrangements, especially after seeing how her companions love the place. How can she disappoint them?
The room has four separate bedrooms, a study, and one common area. High-grade Solas gems are lighting the room, a well sought illuminating jewel that glows.
The four-poster beds and windows use the most beautiful linens. There are also hand-painted dividers of explicit scenery.
The heavenly scent of the room is relaxing. It is a well-furnished unit fit for nobles.
Days passed since they arrived, and their progress is rather disheartening.
Since they can't access Celesean Realm without alerting the Divine Lord or whoever is pulling strings, Di'Anon, Seig and Eirwen decided to work as bodyguards for wealthy merchants. It's rather a long way around their goals.
Meanwhile, Haru loiters in the taverns to collect his intel from the travelers and the ladies. As for Triteia, she blended along with the other merchants and sold some accessories made of materials from her hometown.
Little Eu, on the other hand, is restlessly staying in their room. Her companions have volunteered to do the investigations while they advise her to wait for them. They don't want to put her in danger.
It's a sweltering day, so she decided to wear light robes and tied her hair into a bun. She is in disguise as a precaution, and normally, she won't be recognizable unless they are a much powerful caster.
She decided to roam around the bustling Bordertown. She couldn't check the bazaar when they arrived because of the preparations.
Besides, it has been a long, exhausting journey, and everyone wants to rest that day.
Humans and Mystics are interacting and working with each other, doing trade, and socializing. She silently observes them from afar.
"Little Eu, what are you doing here? You shouldn't be here, right?" someone called out to her. Her high pitch voice is unmistakably familiar.
She turned to witness her evident surprise expression. Out of instinct, she started sensing if the Divine Lord is accompanying her. She doesn't want him to discover her plans.
Her red dress is fluttering in the wind as she hovers around on her red grimoire. She approaches Eu and disembarks as soon as she reaches her.
Noticing her troubled face, she quickly figured out that this little girl is definitely up to something, and the Divine Lord is unaware of her movements.
"Don't worry. That shameless Lord of yours is not with me. He sent me to scout the area. I assume you are the same. You look so bored and hopeless." Vermilion chuckled as she said.
"Holy Gua…" She was about to say something and call her out when the cute, adorable smaller girl holding a red, hardbound grimoire cuts her short.
"Freya... Just call me, Freya." Lord Vermilion once again hop on her grimoire as she continued, "There are things I wanted to discuss. Join me, Little Eu…"
She felt somewhat awkward being called 'Little Eu' by this smaller, younger-looking girl as she stares at her. She doesn't want to offend her as she hesitated to respond or say anything. She bit her lips, pondering what to say.
Freya started to crease her brows as she wonders, 'What is this little girl currently thinking?' She looks distraught ever since she appeared after all.
"If you are worried, I will tell, Divine Lord Foeni. Rest assured, I have no intention to disclose anything." Vermilion assures Little Eu.
She smiles mischievously as she thought.
'That is a little punishment for being so shameless and deceiving you.'
"No… It is just that…" Eu started hesitantly but continued, "It's just that, you keep calling me 'Little Eu' when you are much smaller… and younger-looking… It feels wrong..." she pauses with a gulp.
She knew her temperament from the three days they were together in the Cave of Origins. She knew for a fact; Freya hated that she looks like a five-year-old toddler, and she hated, even more, when it was pointed out.
There was an awkward silence between them. Freya was stunned as she looks at the Little girl. She understands her point as she unconsciously looks down on herself and back to her.
Eu is expecting her to lash out, but to her surprise, the little Lord hooked her small arm to her neck. She understands where Little Eu is coming from.
"Then, how about I just call you, Sister Eu or Big Sister Eu instead? Since you look much older than me." Vermilion suggested.
She was speechless as Freya guided Eu along the busy streets, moving between various shops. She could only sighs in resignation.
'How did I end up as the elder one when the Holy Guardian Lord is so much older?' he thought.
Freya, on the other hand, just ignored her troubled grunts and expressions. She enjoys herself as she hangs out with this young girl.
She doesn't have anyone to accompany her, who will always mistake her as their daughter. It is somewhat nice hanging with someone visually looks close to her age.
Before, Freya is timidly checking out the food stalls on her own. Some even rejected transacting with her.
Freya took the liberty to buy one of each that caught her eye. While Eu holds all of the paper bags, she has already resigned to her fate and accompany her.
A smile formed at her lips as she observes the Little Lord enjoys her little food shopping spree.
Meanwhile, Freya recalled how very ecstatic she saw Little Eu wandering on her own. She quickly called her out as she approached her before disappearing from her sight.
The Divine Lord has been working her like a horse since she came back, and she has no time to relax. It is unexpected and a blessing to find this little girl in the Mystic Spirit Bordertown.
Later that night, as the others retreated to their room, they were taken aback when they heard the hearty high pitch familiar laugh. They look at each other as they thought it is impossible the Little Lord was there.
They quickly dismiss the possibility as they thought, Little Eu, can't possibly be acquainted with Lord Vermilion.
What are the odds that Little Eu knew her?
It was wishful thinking as they saw the familiar small figure confirming their suspicion. Their face is ashen as they saw the infamous sharp tongue, hot-headed, dictator Lord Vermilion.
She is in their room and laughing heartily as she tells random stories to the young girl who listens to her intently.
They started hesitating to enter their room and wishing themselves to vanish — all except Di'Anon and Triteia.
Everyone is familiar with the Holy Guardian Lord's temperament. They fear that she will lash out when they accidentally interrupt their merry gathering as they walked back.
Freya noticed the group and called their attention in high spirits. They had no choice but hesitantly came back.
"Greetings, Holy Guardian. We were just leaving in fear we might spoil your mood." Haru tried to explain.
"Ah, you are all being so formal. I have long vacated my post. Calling me Lady Freya will suffice…" She waves her hand as she continued, "No worries. I am waiting for everyone to arrive so I could discuss an important proposition with you…" she said with a carefree, innocent smile.
She is rarely in good spirits as they oblige. They cautiously reenter the room to prevent offending her.
They notice the assorted street foods on the table. It is quite apparent the Eu didn't buy any of them and they turned at the Little Lord, who is happily savoring them.
Who would have thought, the Holy Guardian Lord Vermilion Bird is such a foodie?
Still, they all look slightly drained of color and overwhelmed with exhaustion. Triteia and Di'Anon could only sigh as they looked at the other three who are shivering as they reenter the room.
What can the Holy Guardian Lord possibly need from them?