Third person POV
Time had passed, and Masha grew in knowledge and learning as an apprentice repairman to Russell. In those days, both of them, alongside Azalea, Adrian, and John would go on route trips together, spending time during their stopovers along the way and even at break times during the day. Masha had been repairing Russell's bus engine under his guidance and tutorage. Russell was kind and understanding towards her.
One Japau morning in the winter month of Moparas, Masha and Russell, alongside Azalea, were walking across the Outer District of Fort Right while shopping for food when the three of them met up with Quinn and his family, who were also shopping for this week's food. "Oh, good morning, Russell-san" Quinn greeted Russell nicely.
"Ah, morning, Quinn!" replied Russell back happily. "How's your life now?"
"Oh, it's fine. I am doing great, especially at school."
While his family was buying some fresh eggs and vegetables, Quinn looked at Masha and couldn't help but look at how pretty she was.
Masha was wearing commoner's clothes, but that set of clothes wasn't as elaborate as a noble's clothes.
"Woah, who was she?" Quinn asked.
"Oh, this is Masha Karoon," Russell responded back while Azalea was buying some bread and cheese. "She is my slave and friend."
"Greetings…" Masha added in greeting.
Quinn was taken aback to hear that Masha was Russell's slave. "Woah! A slave? How?"
"Well…it's a long story, but I'll tell you how she became like that."
He then told Quinn how he had met her in the first place, including her sad backstory as someone who was sold off to pay someone's gambling debts.
Moments later, Quinn was shocked. "Woah, what? Her uncle sold her off for money?"
Russell then nodded. "Unfortunately, yes, but I freed her by buying her with money so she could live a normal, free life."
"Wow, for how much to be precise?"
"For 70 gold coins."
"That's quite pricey."
"Yeah, but it's worth it."
After a bit, Quinn's family is done, and Quinn has to go now.
But Quinn was now thinking about her, not because of beauty but because of her character.
Throughout the day, while Masha is with Russell and his party on Russell's bus routes, Quinn begins to think about Masha still, thinking how cool she is despite being an elf slave to Russell. But Masha had a magical ability that she hadn't discovered yet. Quinn's feelings for her were hidden at this point.