We ended up wasting most of our time browsing the internet on our usual spot in the city centre. From checking the item market to reading useless stuff in NWF, we did everything we can to wait for the timer.
I was watching videos of PierceTheHeaven, a high ranker who uses longbow, to study his playstyle. He is rank 18th in the world ranking and number one in Salix City Rankings which backs up his strength a lot.
Although he is quite a narcissist base on the few videos I watched about him. Not only because of how he acts in front of his own camera but also this guy almost posted every hunt and duels with players he had while saying that he is the strongest.
Nevertheless, his moves are not to reckoned with. Every duel I watched about him was a one-sided battle. The melee players were not able to get close to him before dying on his arrows.
"He got amazing Skills. I wonder where he got those."
"What are you watching, Cherry?"
"It's just this strong longbow player whose attitude is barely watchable. If it weren't for his skills in the longbow, I would have reported all his videos."
Time went by smoothly and our wait is almost done. Finally, we can enter the barracks once again without any restrictions. This is the moment whether this Guild Territory quest will succeed or not.
Looking for Captain Emily was not as difficult as last time since she has been training by herself ever since our incident happen. The people we asked told me that this was not a good time to meet her because she hates being disturbed once she begins training alone.
Aria suggests that we should wait for more to appease her anger a little bit, but my gut feeling is telling me that this is only time this would work. All I need would be the right words to tell her when we meet her.
"Should we stay here for the meantime? Me and Michi would be useless if we go along with you. Maybe she will feel less intimidated of lesser players approach her."
"Do NPC care about that?"
"Well, our quest did say to befriend her. Every little factor could help-- Here's the doll, Cherry."
"I want some backup, but you have a point. Wish me luck."
They gave me their good luck prayers as I waved my goodbye to them. This feels like I am going to fight an end game boss just ahead of this hallway. I have never felt this nervous even during the time of hunting the Rainbow Serpent.
'Ok, Charlotte. Remember to not mess this up.'
I keep telling myself to calm down in every step I am closer to meeting Captain Emily. When I heard a female voice along with arrows hitting a wooden object, I know that I have reached the destination.
Gathering my courage, I knock on the wooden wall to indicate my presence. I was like a shy junior confessing to her senior in our situation.
*Pierce*
She ignored me and continued pulling her bow. I know this is an unwritten rule to NPC and players, but I interrupted Captain Emily.
"Good Afternoon~"
My weak greeting seems to have gained her attention somehow since she dropped her arms. She has not seen me yet, but I got the feeling she knows it is me through my voice alone.
"You have the guts to come back right away."
"Uhm- Ah- I'm sorry!"
I did a 90-degree bow before she can even say anything back.
After all that brainstorming, this is what I have come up with. It may seem strange to come up with this through all that nervousness I had, but I believe the only proper thing to do first is to apologize sincerely.
Programmed or not, treating them like a normal human being is a good start to befriend a person. Since our first meeting started with a wrong impression, it is better to return our relationship with her to a neutral state.
From my interactions with Luna, I know the fact that the AI in this game have replicated human actions and emotions to barely indistinguishable compared to the real thing.
"Hahaha~"
While dying slowly at the silence that followed my apology, her sweet laugh reached my ears after being quiet for a while.
"ha~ ha~"
I unconsciously laugh lowly as a reaction to her sudden laughter. I do not know why but it is in my instinct to nervously laugh in awkward situations like this. Fortunately, this time, Captain Emily's mood turned to better.
"Ha~ you're a cute kitten… All right! Apology accepted."
"??? Just like that?"
"Yup, just like that."
"This may be shameless, but may I know the reason why?"
"Nothing special. It's just my first time to hear a Traveller apologize to a resident."
It still does not satisfy my question, although it looks like that is really the only reason she has because she did not follow up with anything anymore. If I describe what I feel and look like right now, there would be a large imaginary question mark on top of my head as I comprehend what the thought process of Captain Emily is.
"Is apologizing really something worth to be taken note in Astrea?"
"You're really adorable, you know. Of course not! An apology is an apology, end of discussion. But when it comes at the mouth of a Traveller, it seems too surreal to be believable. That's why I find you funny."
"How about the doll or the topic of your village? Should I avoid talking about it?"
"I appreciate the concern, but it's fine. I have already got over it. I just hate Travellers mentioning my past although it seems like you are a special case."
From her words, I can deduce it is going well right now. Good thing I am already on her positive side. Few more progress on this relationship and I believe I will be able to hear the updating of the Guild Territory Quest.
'But she really hates Travellers does she.'
I want to pry on that certain information, but I am afraid anymore of that and I will be back at the beginning. I should focus more on ensuring my good relationship with her, And to do that, I need to meet with her more.
"Are you free this night, kitty pie?"
Eh.