Sam and Yuna exited SimQuest, the crisp afternoon air offering a welcome respite from the tension within. Yuna's gaze was pensive, her thoughts drifting to her ailing mother. "I need to visit her," she murmured, a hint of worry lacing her words.
Sensing her unease, Sam offered, "I'll come with you, if you'd like." His voice was gentle, a silent reassurance that she didn't have to face this alone.
Yuna's lips curved into a grateful smile. "Thank you, Sam. But please, don't mention anything about Kendrick. I don't want to burden my mother with that right now."
Sam nodded solemnly, understanding the importance of shielding Yuna's family from the brewing conflict. "Of course. Your mother's wellbeing comes first."
Sam and Yuna entered the hospital, the fluorescent lights casting a sterile glow over the pristine corridors. Yuna's steps were tinged with trepidation as they approached her mother's room, and Sam walked alongside her, a silent pillar of support.
Yuna paused outside the door, taking a steadying breath before pushing it open. "Mom?" she called softly, her voice laced with a mixture of affection and concern.
Hana Minami, Yuna's mother, looked up from the book she had been reading, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Yuna, my dear!" she exclaimed, setting the book aside and extending her arms. "This is a pleasant surprise. I thought you'd be at work."
Yuna crossed the room and embraced her mother gently, mindful of the IV line snaking from her arm. "I took a leave," she explained, pulling back to study Hana's face. The pallor of her skin and the dark circles under her eyes were not lost on Yuna, who felt a pang of worry in her chest.
Hana's gaze shifted to Sam, who stood respectfully by the doorway. "And who is this?" she asked, her tone curious but kind.
"This is Sam, my friend and partner on the project I've been working on," Yuna introduced, gesturing for Sam to come closer.
Sam stepped forward, offering Hana a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Minami," he said, his voice calm and steady. "Yuna has told me a lot about you."
Hana's expression softened, and she extended a slender hand. "Please, call me Hana. It's wonderful to meet you, Sam. Yuna has mentioned your work together, and I'm glad she has a friend like you to support her."
Sam grasped Hana's hand gently, his own expression mirroring her kindness. "The pleasure is all mine, Hana. Yuna is a talented and dedicated developer, and I'm honored to work alongside her."
Yuna watched the exchange, a small smile playing on her lips. She was grateful for Sam's presence, his unwavering support a comfort in the face of her mother's deteriorating health.
"So, what brings you two here?" Hana asked, her gaze shifting between Yuna and Sam. "I thought you'd be busy with your project."
Yuna's smile faltered slightly, and she glanced at Sam before answering. "I wanted to check on you, Mom. I've been so caught up with work, and I've been worried about you."
Hana reached out and squeezed Yuna's hand reassuringly. "My dear, you needn't worry about me. I'm doing just fine, thanks to the wonderful care I'm receiving here."
Hana asks teasingly as Yuna asks if Sam is her boyfriend. Yuna gets embarrassed. "Mom~!" said Yuna, her cheeks flushing a bright pink.
"Fufufu~" said Hana with a teasing smile. She reached out and patted Yuna's hand affectionately. "I'm only joking, dear. But I must say, he does seem like a fine young man." Hana's gaze shifted to Sam, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Yuna shot her mother a pleading look. "Mom, please don't start," she said, her voice tinged with exasperation.
Hana chuckled softly. "Alright, alright. I'll behave." She settled back against her pillows, a mischievous glint still in her eyes. "But I must say, it's been a while since I've seen you bring home a nice boy to meet your old mother."
"Mom!" Yuna exclaimed, her face burning with embarrassment. She glanced at Sam, silently willing him to save her from this torment.
Sam cleared his throat, offering Hana a warm smile. "Mrs. Minami, I can assure you that Yuna and I are simply good friends and colleagues. We're working on a very exciting project together, and I'm honored to have her as a partner."
Hana nodded, her expression softening. "I see. Well, in that case, I'm glad Yuna has found someone she can rely on." Her gaze shifted back to her daughter, and a wistful sigh escaped her lips. "You know, Yuna, when I was your age, I had the most dreadful time trying to find a decent young man to court me."
Yuna groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Mom, please don't start with the embarrassing stories."
Hana chuckled, undeterred. "Oh, but you must hear about the time your father tried to impress me by juggling fruit in the middle of the town square. He ended up slipping on a banana peel and landing flat on his back!"
Sam chuckles, his eyes crinkling with amusement. Yuna shoots him a betrayed look, but the corners of her lips twitch upwards.
"Mom, you're impossible," Yuna says, shaking her head in exasperation.
"I'm only teasing, my dear. Fufufu~" Hana says with a teasing smile.
Hana turns to Sam, her eyes filled with a mother's quiet plea. "Sam, I know Yuna puts on a brave face, but she needs someone she can depend on. Will you look after her?"
Sam meets Hana's gaze with a solemn nod. "You have my word, Hana. I'll be there for Yuna, no matter what."
…
Gail pours a steaming cup of tea and sets it down in front of Aria, the silver-haired woman across the table. "Thank you," Aria says, her voice calm and measured as she wraps her fingers around the warm ceramic.
Gail takes a seat, studying the B-Rank Hunter with a thoughtful gaze. "I'm glad you could make time to meet with me, Aria. I know how busy you must be running the Silverstone Family business."
Aria nods, taking a sip of the tea. "The Silverstones have always been a prominent force in Jade City. Our weapons are sought after by Hunters across the region." She pauses, her golden eyes meeting Gail's. "But you didn't ask me here to discuss our family's legacy, did you?"
Gail offers a small smile. "You're right. There is a reason I wanted to speak with you."
Aria's golden eyes narrow slightly as she sets down her cup. "Then what is it you wish to discuss?"
Gail leans forward, her expression earnest. "I have a request, Aria. One of my developer's mother is suffering from Mana deficiency. Her treatments have become a significant financial burden on her family." She pauses, gauging Aria's reaction. "I was hoping you might be able to transfer her to a hospital better equipped to handle her condition."
Aria's brow furrows slightly. "Why does she need a transfer?"
Gail's expression turns grave. "The treatments are becoming too much of a financial burden for her family. They're at risk of losing access to the care she desperately needs."
Aria's gaze sharpens. "Who is responsible for this?"
"Kendrick Thornfield," Gail replies, her tone laced with frustration. "His family's company has been pushing for cutbacks on Mana deficiency treatments."
Aria's lips thin into a tight line. The Thornfield family was notorious in Jade City, known for their ruthless business practices and lack of regard for the common people. She had never held them in high regard.
Aria's eyes narrowed as she considered Gail's request. "I'll help the developer's mother, but I have a condition of my own."
Gail blinked, slightly taken aback. "Oh? And what would that be?"
"I want to meet this Genesis you mentioned." Aria's tone was unwavering.
Gail's brows rose in surprise. "Genesis? You mean the developer?" She paused, studying the B-Rank Hunter. "May I ask why you're interested in meeting him?"
Aria's expression remained impassive. "I've heard impressive things about his work. I'd like to assess his skills for myself."
Gail nodded slowly. "I see. Well, Genesis is one of our developers here at SimQuest. I can certainly arrange for the two of you to meet, if that's what you'd like."
Aria took another sip of her tea, her gaze never wavering from Gail's. "I would appreciate that."
Gail considered Aria's request, wondering what had piqued the B-Rank Hunter's interest in the young developer. "Very well. I'll make the necessary arrangements. When would you like to meet with Genesis?"
Aria sets her teacup down with a soft clink. "If possible, I would like to meet with Genesis as soon as convenient for him."
Gail nods, making a note on her tablet. "I'll coordinate with him and get back to you on the details." She pauses, a grateful expression crossing her face. "Thank you, Aria. I know this is a troublesome request, but it means a great deal to me and my team."
Aria's gaze remains unwavering. "Solving this matter is merely a single phone call away. You need not feel indebted."
Gail blinks, slightly taken aback by Aria's matter-of-fact tone. "I... I appreciate your understanding." She offers a small smile. "I'll be in touch soon about arranging the meeting with Genesis."
"Very well. I look forward to it."
With that, Aria stands, her movements fluid and graceful. Gail rises as well, escorting the B-Rank Hunter to the door. As Aria departs, Gail can't help but wonder what exactly has piqued the woman's interest in Genesis. She shakes her head, already planning the logistics of the upcoming meeting.
///
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Advance chapters in my P@|r$0n/Najicablitz