Caddel and Aki were just standing there, as everything had happened. The mistress had a red dress. She was brushing off the white fuzzy hair and picking at it and dropping it midair, then the wind took it away. She kept her attention on her dress, looking down on it to see if there was any more hair or anything else on it, too.
"I hate cats," said the mistress.
She looked up at both Caddel and Aki, where she just noticed them. Her eyes went wide, her face redder than her own dress. Clearing her throat, she looked at them.
"I knew you would be coming to my house," she told the two of the women.
"Yes, we were just about to enter, but then something came up."
Caddel said with a smirk on her face, implying that she was playing with the mistress. Aki went up to the mistress, bowing her head down.
"Hello, my name is Aki Yoshie. It's a glee to be at your acquaintance."
The mistress' reaction was like a bolt from the blue.
"Yes, it is a glee to meet you as well. My name is Arleen Kimberlee. I am the owner of this place."
Caddel imagined the owner to be an irritable old man, however, it was a woman in her twenties.
"Part of the group of heroes," a maid said.
"Oh, hey you two… eh, Aki and-"
"Caddel Francis, is my name," Caddel said
"Nice to meet you" A couple of seconds went by and then the maid broke the silence.
"Well, I think we should head inside now."
"Yes we should,"
Arleen's face displayed a clear lack of enthusiasm as she reluctantly continued her previous task. Ascending the stairs, they approached the grand entrance, which revealed a magnificent mansion with a truly distinctive interior design. The opulent building boasted luxurious furniture throughout, including a spacious kitchen. However, Caddel's apartment had a modest kitchenette, in contrast. Overwhelmed, she struggled to accept that some people lived in such lavishness on a daily basis.
Guided by the maid, they were directed to their rooms, which were adorned with the same fancy and expensive furnishings as the rest of the building. As the maid shared details about Aki's room, her eyes gleamed with excitement, forging an instant connection between the two. Meanwhile, Caddel and Arleen walked in silence, listening to their conversation, gradually uncovering Aki's background, the tragedy of her parents' deaths, and her mission to save her homeland.
Eventually, the maid arrived at Aki's room, bidding them farewell. Aki couldn't contain her joy, emitting a high-pitched squeal as she stepped into her room and closed the door behind her. Turning her attention to Caddel, the maid informed her that her room was next door. Approaching the door, Caddel reached out to touch the doorknob, only to feel her mana being drained from her chest, causing a burning sensation to radiate through her core. Despite the discomfort, she persevered, and as the door unlocked, Caddel entered her new room.