"Geez- What is this kid? A troll?"
Zhang Yuxin spoke his thoughts aloud, however, strangely enough, they seemed to be automatically translated into a language that sounded suspiciously like French. Zhang Yuxin's first reaction was that something was wrong with this body, but that was quickly shut down by the fact he could clearly understand the language.
"Hello! Hah. Bird, do you hear me?"
He felt a bit giddy, cheeks flushing slightly as he experimented with the new tongue. Unfortunately for Zhang Yuxin, his experimentation was very much public, and this body just so happened to be hiding when he arrived. He received a funny glance or two at first but in the next moment Zhang Yuxin could feel a hard stare on his side. It was very early morning so there weren't many people on the streets, but a pair of men stood out amongst the few there. They were both clearly older than the original owner of the body, and much stronger. It was likely that they were labourers of some kind. The moment he saw those two men Zhang Yuxin's body had a fight or flight response. His heart sped up rapidly and muscles tensed. He could feel his body instinctively pushing for him to run, so he did. And surprisingly, this body was very fast. The two men were quick to follow, beginning to run the second he did. He had completely left his boots behind, subjecting his already sore and blistered feet to the harsh ground. Now that Zhang Yuxin was paying closer attention he could notice hints of strain suggesting the body had been running, running a lot actually. But it hadn't put on much muscle likely due to malnutrition. It didn't have anything to spare especially when it's constantly burning calories. Zhang Yuxin's body seemed to almost move on its own, triggering some sort of muscle memory. He easily knew the area like it was the back of his hand, occasionally twisting into thin alleyways or jumping over short walls in an attempt to escape the two pursuers.
Zhang Yuxin panted heavily, pressing his back against the brick wall and sliding down into a sitting position. He curled up his body pressing his forehead to his knees and attempting to calm his racing heart and overworked lungs. It felt like he had spent an eternity running just to escape from those two men, but he could relax now. If Zhang Yuxin was just not in tip-top shape before now he felt completely broken. All he wanted was a warm bath! He suppressed the tears of frustration that threatened to fall, lifting his head up and deciding to get more information from Birdy and hopefully distract himself.
"Birdy, who am I? Er- I mean, who is this body?"
Seeing as there wasn't anyone Nearby Birdy decided to reveal himself, seeming to appear out of nowhere. His feathers seemed to glow a little but it wavered after a moment. He would've sat on Yuxin's shoulder, but currently his host's body was covered in grime so he opted for a nearby stack of pallets that have been abandoned in the alley.
"The body's name is Sascha and is nineteen years old today. He's been orphaned since he was little and doesn't have any remaining family. But the most important part is that Sascha is an escaped slave from the Thomas duchy. He was only recently purchased by Duke Thomas and escaped right after the transaction. Those men from earlier were the Duke's lackeys."
The moment the word 'slave' left Birdy's beak Zhang Yuxin's expression twisted into one of disgust. Not for the body, but for the Duke. He idly rubbed the now dried mud from his hands as he thought, lips pressed into a thin pout that would've looked very pretty on Sascha's face if it wasn't covered in mud and bruises. "The Viscount doesn't own any slaves, right?"
"No. Slaves are illegal, it's been five years since the slave trade was closed but that doesn't necessarily stop the nobles, especially ones as high rank as the Duke." Birdy explained as he groomed himself, leaving a few yellow feathers on the worn pallets.
Yuxin nodded quietly, spending about a minute organizing his thoughts before speaking up again. "Is there anything else I should know?"
"Sascha is high valued because of his affinity for magic, he can't control it well especially if your emotions get too intense… so be careful to keep calm. And you have to make sure not to go too OOC. Luckily Sascha was quiet and didn't have many friends so as long as you're not too chatty you should be fine." Birdy stopped his grooming as he explained, watching Yuxin's reactions carefully.
"Magic? Can I use it?"
Yuxin easily chose to ignore the rest of what Birdy had said, focusing on the thing that interested him most, magic. His previous world only had petty tricks, but if there was a real possibility of magic here Yuxin was sure he'd be able to have fun here.
Birdy hesitated to explain to Yuxin, feathers fluffing up. However his hesitation didn't last too long. "You can, but it's dangerous. So don't. Magic isn't very common, here you might see it more often because it's a city but elsewhere you'll rarely see it. Don't go showing it off." Birdy tried to use a strict tone to lecture Yuxin, but with his high pitched voice it sounded like a know-it-all child spilling out everything it learned in class to prove a point.
Yuxin was a bit disappointed to learn that this world wasn't very magic oriented despite having magic in it. Weren't they taking this gift for granted? Yuxin didn't get anything even remotely like magic in his world! Everything was so plain and empty! Nothing mystical. But his dissatisfaction didn't amount to much, because in the end he still had magic! And though he wanted to play with it immediately he restrained himself. The first thing on Yuxin's agenda is a bath, and maybe a snack on the way if he can find anything.
Yuxin struggled to figure out the lace on his tunic before giving up and pulling it over his head, it was too big for him anyways. He tossed the oversized tunic aside, frowning as he glanced at his chest to find a variety of lacerations and whip marks, it's no wonder everything hurt so badly. Next Yuxin removed his pants and underwear, tossing it aside and creating a small pile of clothing. It was a warm day and bright outside, Yuxin was at the edge of the nearby forest where the river cut into the trees. He didn't have anywhere else to bathe and refused to wait until day to clean himself. It took some time but eventually Yuxin struggled into the chilly water, he had found himself a place where the river was calm. Having come from a 'modern' more developed world, bathing in a river wasn't something Yuxin was used to. Especially since he came from a wealthy family. But he didn't have much of a choice, Yuxin was sick of being stinky!
He spent about an hour properly washing both himself and his clothing before getting out. His clothing had for the most part dried in the sun. Since Yuxin didn't have soap he didn't manage to clean everything perfectly, but it'd be good enough for now. Now that he was clean, Yuxin found that this body was quite pretty. Sascha had a very elegant and young looking face paired with long silver hair. However he was pretty severely emancipated and looked sickly which took away from his charm. Yuxin would've been satisfied with this body… if he wasn't a man. Wasn't this face too feminine? What's with the long hair?! He's a man! He should look it! But Yuxin didn't have much time to worry about his face, he was hungry and shoeless. So, Yuxin packed up and set on the way to search for the boots he had left behind. Unfortunately… when Yuxin reached the bridge from where he first arrived his boots were nowhere to be seen. Which was to be expected. Sure, they were dirty old boots, but just like how Yuxin was now, it wasn't easy for beggars to get their hands on proper clothing. So leaving them out unattended even if it's just for a few hours, it's only expected that they will be stolen.
After finding his boots were nowhere to be seen Yuxin went on the hunt for some food. He walked by multiple stores and kiosks that were selling food, but as it turned out, runaway slaves don't typically leave with any money. His weak body wasn't suitable for work and he was completely illiterate. It wouldn't be easy to get anywhere.
'Birdy, can't I just magic this hunger away and heal my wounds or something?'
Yuxin questioned internally as he walked, making sure to keep an eye out for the Duke's men.
'No. Your body is hardly strong enough to get around. Do you think you can cast magic? Besides, Sascha has no control over his magic. You'd just draw attention to yourself and cause trouble.' Birdy responded, using a condescending voice which made it seem like he was directly asking Yuxin if he was dumb.
Yuxin simply grumbled a response before moving on to his next question. If he wanted to get out of this body, he'd need to deal with the Viscount. But it's unlikely this runaway kid has any connections to the nobility other than the Duke. How was he expected to climb up so far with nothing? 'How do I get to the Viscount?'
'He's doing charity nearby. Giving out apples after prompting from the church. Go meet him there.'
Birdy responded casually, as if this had nothing to do with him.
"Seriously? You didn't think to mention that earlier?"
Zhang Yuxin criticized, speaking aloud by mistake and again drawing some eyes to himself. But he sped up his pace and quickly shook them off.
Soon enough Yuxin reached the place where the Viscount was. There was a small group of people surrounding a much cleaner and more well dressed man. He was clearly dressed down as to not reveal his identity or draw unwanted attention, but it was easy to tell this man had money. He was tall with tan skin and curly chestnut brown hair. The Viscount's most prominent feature were his fiery red eyes. Though Morgan smiled kindly anyone who looked closer would notice the disdain in his eyes. He didn't care for the people he was helping, but that was unsurprising considering he was only doing so because of pressure from the church.
Zhang Yuxin approached the viscount, standing out amongst the small crowd for his somewhat unusual features. While there were more diverse hair and eye colours here, they weren't very common, especially amongst peasants much less beggars. His pretty face and strange hair colour was enough to catch the young noble's attention. But having a pretty face wasn't enough to gain Morgan's respect, he was still looking down on Sascha. Yuxin held out his hand to Morgan expectantly, eyes narrowing in a catlike manner. Yuxin wasn't one in any position to judge Morgan. He felt the same way, these people disgusted him, even this body made him uncomfortable. But, because he was in this body it felt strange to think he was above them. Because in the end he was in the exact same position. Morgan held the apple above Zhang Yuxin's hand, preparing to give it away before pausing.
"You're welcome."
Morgan's tone was just a bit passive aggressive as he set the apple in Sascha's hands. All the others had been asking kindly, pleading and expressing their gratitude, but this one had remained silent. Acting as if he didn't have a tongue. But considering where he was and who these people were, Morgan wouldn't be surprised if he really didn't. Yuxin took the apple, completely neglecting his manners, but Birdy was quick to remind him. 'Say thank you. You're a meek beggar not a wealthy child.'
Yuxin cringed, showing an uncomfortable expression on his face as he stared at Morgan. He'd have to lower his pride and thank this guy? Really? The man in front of him looked at everyone here with disgust and judgment and still expects thanks. Though Yuxin struggled he soon but on a pout, rolling his shoulders back to straighten his posture and giving Morgan a short nod.
"Thank you."
He muttered, while his voice was quiet, it wasn't inaudible. Sascha's voice was naturally very soft and pleasant, but after not speaking for a time it had become a little hoarse.
Though he had received what he wanted Morgan wasn't yet content, he quirked up one eyebrow slightly. Truthfully, Morgan wasn't sure why he wanted this guy to acknowledge him. But with the majority kissing up, when this guy, the only one who had really caught his eye didn't it made Morgan upset.
"Pardon? What was that?"
Sascha's eyebrows creased, showing signs of mild frustration. Yuxin could tell this nobleman heard what he said, so why did he have to repeat himself? But after Birdy's reminder he again swallowed his pride and repeated himself.
"Thank you."
Yuxin made sure to speak up this time, doing his best to keep any displeasure from showing in his voice or body language. But he certainly expressed himself inside.
'Do I really have to save this guy?'
'What? Of course you do. Why are you even upset? You just met him and all he did was ask you to repeat yourself. Why are you so unreasonable?' Birdy was confused. What was there even to be upset about? All the little host had to do was say thank you. There's no reason for this to be difficult.
'Birdy, can't you see it in his eyes? He's mocking me! I swear he is. Look at what he did with his stupid eyebrows!'
'Host… aren't you reading too far into this? All he did was look at you.'