In response to Ezer Ji's massive stature and heavy presence, Breda noticed that the crowds she once found herself hopelessly adrift in seemed to part in his path.
It was evident to her this was not out of unease or fear on the part of the populace either, but instead out of respect.
'Isn't that General Ji?' 'No way! That's the Man of the Golden Staff?' 'His pole is red though?' 'He wouldn't bring such a valuable and dangerous weapon on patrol.' 'Can you believe he was bestowed a name by the heavens?' 'Seriously!?!? I thought his name was just Ezerji, one word!'
These were just some of the whispers and gossip she heard of her escort as she passed.
"If I may ask, what do you do for a living Breda?" Despite having mentioned wanting to converse along the way, it took him a few minutes to ask her a question.
This was honestly one that stumped her too.
While it would not be entirely be wrong to say she was serving as a maid as she DID receive payment from Kelvin, she was not under any form of contract and could not be considered properly employed. If anything, she still spent more time performing her duties as a mother.
"... You could say I am a maid of sorts." Her tone was not very convincing. Causing Ezer to raise an inquisitive brow.
"I take it there is nothing illegal involved? If you are sufferings at someone's hands there may not be a better person to ask for help." He wasn't bluffing either, but what Breda was involved in was about as far away from the definition of illegal as could be.
"Oh dear no, nothing like that. It's just that I am not under a contract of employment. It really is just a matter of making extra income for my family. Sometimes it doesn't feel like I am doing a maid's job though, like right now." She gestured to the bag around her shoulder, suggesting this would be work better suited for a courier.
Speaking of couriers, she wondered if this was what Nofafi's job was like. Granted, he probably never got nearly as lost as this.
"Ah. My apologies for assuming there was something suspicious. It would appear that is a habit of my job. Despite how peaceful life is here, there are always those who would seek to do others harm. I never will understand them." He closed his eyes and shook his head, clearly visualizing some unsavory fellows.
"That must be hard." The words escaped Breda's lips.
In response to this, General Ji's somewhat solemn expression was replaced by a hearty laugh. "Honestly, it is keeping guards like those you met before in line that cause me the most hassle. What is it that causes such unsavory people to want to be in a position to protect others I wonder? The money? The influence? Could it be bragging rights? What do you think Miss?"
He really was putting her on the spot today. Breda had to take a moment to think about her response. "Might it be that they think it serves as a justification for their actions?"
"An interesting take for sure, but probably not without a semblance of truth. Perhaps it would pay dividends to investigate such reasons in full. Who knows? Perhaps each has their own unique reason."
After the conclusion of this topic, Breda remained quiet for some time as Ezer Ji made a check in with a guard patrol. Despite the lax way in which he conversed with her, he was very strict when it came to his subordinates. Any lack of etiquette or breach of code would be swiftly rectified with the impact of his staff and a sharp remark.
"My apologies for the wait." This time he even went so far as to bow to Breda, making her feel a bit uncomfortable. This was a general after all.
"Please, raise your head! If anything I should be apologizing to you for making you take time out of your schedule!"
"Your understanding pleases me greatly." Breda had to admit, Ezer's bright smile had a very soothing effect on her.
A few more minutes went on in silence. Well at least as silent as a bustling city could be.
"I can't help but wonder what it is you do for fun Mister Ji." For once in her life it was Breda initiating the conversation. "It seems like you would never have any free time."
"I wouldn't say I don't have free time, but I'm not sure I do anything that would classify as fun. If I am not spending those free moments training or reading, then I am spending those moments in the presence of my wife and family. How do you spend your time?"
"Most of my free time is spent taking care of my children, there are four of them so you can imagine the trouble they get in, but in a rare moment I find them all asleep I usually spend my time knitting or reading."
"Do you not spend much time with your husband?"
"Unfortunately. But that is because of his job. He works as a courier, delivering mail and such, so he is often away for extended periods of time. He recently got a promotion, so he can be home more often, but he loves his job and it pays very well. Plus, he gives me so much attention when he is home I am not sure I'd be able to handle his presence for an extended period of time."
"A courier eh?" Ezer looked up to the sky with an almost depressed look on his face. "My brother was a courier."
"Is something wrong?"
"Not necessarily. Just remember that being a courier is a far more dangerous job than your husband probably tells you." It was clear that Ezer was very concerned about Nofafi.