A Rainbow to Sunset. (Epilogue)

"Hey, hey, wake up, Sova Ssi. Rise and shine, sleepy head. We're gonna miss breakfast by this point!"

"She's not going to open her eyes by this point, I'm worried."

"You? Worried? Get real-"

*Slap*

"Aaah~"

"Bitch! I am a SAINT in tears!"

"Sure you are..."

Hearing a familiar voice calling for me, I try to wake up but...

*Ring* *ring* *ring*

"Urgh..."

"Oh! Oh! She's waking up!"

"Truly!?"

The loud ringing echo loudly in my head as I now regret my choices after returning late last night. With something soft within my arms, I clutch it tightly like a pillow.

"Looking at her pathetic state, why not let her sleep a bit more? For shame that my partner could be so weak, seeing how she collapse after tasting that light sauce."

"But she's been sleeping for 13 hours by this point."

"Hum! Hum! It's fine! I honestly don't mind staying like this more! Being hug by her is like being hug by a teddy bear! She's got power but she is just soft all over!"

"Now you catch my curiosity, Yoo-Ah Ssi. Maybe I should've sleep beside her last night."

Not able to doze off with the conversation happening, I decided to open my eyes and see what's happening. Knowing this pattern, I look down seeing the happy Yoo-Ah still on her sleeping robe being hold tightly by me. Seeing how many time this happen, I'm starting to not mind.

"Morning, Yoo-Ah."

"Morning, Sova! Are you feeling better!?"

*Ring* *Ring*

Still feeling the after effects, I tighten my hug saying:

"Sorry, Yoo-Ah but can we stay like this just a bit more?"

"Sure thing!"

Hugging her more closer, my chin went over her shoulders as I could easily smell the scent behind her neck.

(She smells sweet, like a thin veil of morning honey buns).

"Alright, that's enough, Sova Ssi. I couldn't stand seeing you being so... Mushy and cuddly on someone else. (And I can't imagine if you do that to a guy)."

"Sorry..."

"It's fine! I mean, I was hugging you a lot last night too when you fell unconscious!"

Hearing Jana's complaint, I let go of Yoo-Ah and try to get up but the best I could do was sit on the bed as I wipe my eyes. Thankfully, since I shower last night, my hands are not sticky.

"Urgh..."

I try to hold my forehead but ended up hiding my face and lean forward regretting what I done.

(I should've never eaten that sauce willingly when I returned! I know I don't want to raise suspicion but I should've just sleep normally).

Feeling someone rub my back I could hear,

"I guess that sauce is still too much huh? I even lessen the alcohol inside too. But don't worry! Since it's my fault, let me bring you your breakfast!"

Yoo-Ah ever so kind tries to help me out and I can only nod and reply with,

"I'm sorry and thank you, Yoo-Ah."

(Alcohol... It's dangerous! I should really stave away from them!)

"It's okay! I'll make sure to bring non-alcoholic sweets next time we eat. Rest up or go wash your face and drink some water on the fridge, okay?"

"Okay... Thank you, Yoo-Ah..."

"No problem! Jana Ssi and Ye-Hua Ssi! I hope you don't mind helping me a bit more. In return I'll help you cook your breakfast as well!"

"Oh my! That is an offer we must take is it not, ass hanger? I mean I express my shock when we work at the bakery, but I'm still surprise to know Yoo-Ah Ssi is a disciple to one of the best baker in the Peninsula, her cooking is close to none."

"Heh, I have to agree you, you rotten cocoon. Lead the way, Yoo-Ah Ssi."

"We'll be back soon! Don't worry since this is a day off we can spend time here all day!"

"Well, thanks for the party last night, Sova Ssi. Until we meet again. Or better yet, if you need help or companion to explore, don't hesitate to rely on us."

"Who are you to say that when yo're a baggage! Still, call us up! We left our contacts with, Yoo-Ah Ssi. So, see ya. Hope you got yourself a communication device soon too."

Hearing their footsteps leaving the room, and with the sound of the door closing I try to follow Yoo-Ah advice. Grabbing the side of the bed I try to stand and feel my legs turning into noodles. Going to the cold box or fridge, I take some cold water and start gulping it down. Feeling the cold sensation wash down my throat and chest as it spread, my mind start to get clearer.

I keep drinking until the bottle is finish and throw it down the trash. Taking in the warm air, I let it out...

"Fuuuh... I feel so much better now."

(I thought Mary's suppose to make my body stronger but now I just feel so much weaker. Sure I can take out someone in one hit but a single drip of mead could easily take me out as well).

Heading to the private restroom, I can't help but feel grateful everytime knowing there's one near me. Removing my headband,

*Splash*

Feeling the ice cold water wash over me, I wash my face over again till my eyes opened wide and close it again while I dry my face. Pulling my bangs up, I take a closer look at the deep scar Sis Yuwei left me. The trail leads from the centre forehead and cuts into close to my hair line.

(I wonder what kind of attacks make scars? Some attack that seem deep doesn't but Sis Yuwei's flick does? Is it that her strike is more powerful? Hmm, I mean the one left are the paladin's strike, the cheek from Rana, and Sis Yuwei's Flick... All of it was just as recent as this month. I can only wonder what I'll get next year if I keep getting into conflict...

No! I'm dedicated to learning that art of war now! To win before even fighting, like Abe last night! She's awesome! I too would want to defeat my enemies without raising my hand).

Finished seeing my reflection in the morning, I pull my hand back and let my hair slip through my fingers wondering,

(Thinking about that, I suppose it's time for my morning reflection. It's been a while since I done any).

"Haaah..."

With a long sigh, my breathe fog up where my face is reflected. Drawing lines upon the mist, I make a table from what Abe taught me.

"Schedules... I suppose I can start with that. With everything going on, I need to make sure I don't screw anything up."

I raise my hands to look at them closely. The roughness and tough texture I got when I was training is replaced by these soft palms which I don't really mind. Since I use gloves to tighten my grip and the handle of my weapon sticking to my hands I need not fear it slipping away.

(I thought it might hinder my strength but the only difference is that my punches don't make cuts on my enemies. Plus, noticing my recent battles, it seems I have some extreme regenerative abilities as well. But I must not let that into my head).

I clap my cheeks and steel myself, rubbing the fog away to see my face. I can't help but feel worried seeing the uncertainty in my eyes. And I fully understand why.

"Be a man, Sova! You may not be able to prove it with your words or looks, then at least prove it with your actions! If they ask, then I need not hide anything. And better yet, let's help them out and repay the kindness as soon as possible!"

(Cause I have stinking suspicion I probably can't do it for long if I just keep waiting).

Affirming what I need to do, I exit the restroom and wear my headband again. Since Juha helped out a bit before she left, I only need to clean up the remaining stuff on the floor and tidy the beds. Cleaning up by sweeping the floor with the broom kept inside the shelves, I realize this place really is packed with utilities and is pretty great if you know how to use it.

"Haaah!"

Finishing it all up, I lay down on the bed again and realize I just wrinkled it again.

"I need to get rid of that bad habit."

Looking around, I realize my adventurer stuff and gifts is still in the recovery room.

"Right... I guess I'll pack it all up after breakfast."

Waiting for Yoo-Ah to come, I start to close my eyes. Usually at this time of waiting, I could cultivate and pass time easily. But now...

"What should I do? Train? But the room is too small. And she said she'll deliver the food here, so if I leave it'll just cause her trouble. And with my body now, those regular muscle training have now become warm ups."

Before long, I start pacing around and look outside the window. With the lights inside the room turned off, lighting up the room is the morning shine. Hails falls slowly, gentle cold breeze is all I hear as I wonder where all the animals went.

"Oh wait, I read about this. They say most animals went on something called hibernation during such cold season. But even so, it's just weird that there are no animals at all. At least I met one when I was with Moriz... Wonder why he named it dinner though? Is he planning on eating that? What a horrid thought."

Over the piles of snow that blanket the grass, a mighty wall blocks the view of the city sprawl.

"It really is different the view from up there and down here gives, but then again I prefer this height than that..."

Pacing around again, I start to fear if my steps would leave trails by how much I walk in circles.

"You know, what, let's just quickly take a shower. That way, I need not fear actually heading to the public bath anymore..."

Looking out the window again, I notice the tall mountain range where I enter the city. Soon, I take the clothes I want to wear and remember tommorow when Juha will bring me to the capital and start preparing for that as well...

"Haah... This is nice, I'll take a normal day like this anytime. Though I can't say this is my normal but a new normal that is not as bad! Oh right, Juha..."

(I'll confront her today if she will visit me like usual. Come what may, I'll face it! Hold on...)

"Aaah! Wait! Forget about Juha, there's still my mission with Jana! Wait, it's not a totally bad situation! I can still contact her! So... Maybe... Urgh! I really am soft, and a failure to boot, why didn't I agree with Abe last night? Jana will probably return with San-Min and make it harder! I need to manage my time and be serious this time!

What I'm doing may not be just, but at least I'll do it honestly! When I got my time right, I hope Jana doesn't leave the kingdom yet."