Seas, Sands, and Seasons. (Part 1)

*click* *click*

With a flicker of flame to my sight, darkness brings forth a beautiful light. A shining hope place between a tome of knowledge and the quill of life. As the curtains to the otherworld remain closed for this special rite, a company shall stay and cite,

"Alright, Sova, ready for another lesson with me?"

May places a stack of books on my table as she asks.

"Yes~ thank you teach!"

I raise my hand to reply when sits on the table, giving me a hug and pats to my head saying:

"Hehe, aren't you just the best~ mafu~ mafu~"

I felt her warmth while her soft hands and her silky green hair brushing my cheeks.

"No, I really am. You spend your free time to teach and teach me the important stuff. I really don't know how to pay you back."

"Geez, Sova, if you really wanna pay me back then let me hug you like this!"

May hugs me tighter and I try to return the favour with a smile before she stops and looks at me in the face saying:

"Besides, other than this I always work myself. So I consider this my reward also."

"Oh, with Sis Yuwei right? I wonder how she's doing? Sis Fei never really said anything in her letters."

May backs away and grabs a worn-out book with lots of her chicken scratchings. She raises it up saying:

"Don't worry, she's doing fine. So forget about her for today, since we will learn about the economy!"

"Yay, economy! Wait... What's the economy? Can I eat it?"

I tilt my head as I ask when May looks at me with a blank face saying:

"No Sova. And what makes you think that?"

"Well, uncle ramen told me that he's using this economical noodles. So I was wondering how it tastes like."

My mind starts to wander off to the special noodles he makes when May pinch my cheeks saying:

"No, and don't they're not healthy. So don't eat it."

"Aww..."

She looks back at the book she lifts and places it down saying:

"Sorry, wrong book. Hold on..."

"Hmm?"

She rummages on the pile as she reads the sides and pulls it pit saying:

"We're learning, History!"

"Aww, but we learn that just yesterday..."

"What's with that reaction? Didn't you say you're thankful for me?"

"I know, since you take your time to prepare it I'll try my best to listen."

May puts the book down saying:

"You know what, let's try something else."

"Hmm?"

Saya points to the middle of my room saying:

"Stand over there."

I followed her orders and walk to where she points asking:

"Over here?"

"Mhm! Mhm!"

May makes a rectangle shape with a finger as if she's framing me. When I look down, I realize I'm not wearing distributed clothes anymore but a female robe.

"M-M-May! What's happening? When did you change my clothes!?"

May looks at me with her adorable smug saying:

"Hmm? I didn't do anything. You're the one who wishes for it."

"Huh!? Stop making nonsense! I thought you'll never tease me..."

"I told you I'm not. I mean, just look at your hair."

"Huh?"

As I hold it, I soon realize it has grown long and smooth as it seems to reflect the light of the lantern beautifully.

"May, I'm scared..."

"What's there to be scared?"

May's clothes start to change as the room distorts, May's hair becomes blonde and long as her face distorts. She walks to me as the table and things behind her floats away. My entire room becomes so distorted it and coloured by shades of purple and patterns of blooming flowers as the eyes can see.

I hold myself as I feel my chest expanding and my crotch becoming empty. Fear clutches my heart, as I begin to change. May? Hold my chin and pulls my face to look at her when I realize I'm looking at my own mirror.

"Do you know how you wish to be a girl and after you did. Do you wonder if you can feel what a girl's body feels like? But when you do become one it's just not the same and turns out you just wanna touch somebody else."

"Huh? M-May?"

I felt powerless before the absurdity before me, the ground beneath me crumbles as and shakes when I fall and I could see a figure inside the darkness. Her irregular tall figure accompanied by her long green hair. As I got closer, she looks at me, staring with her total black eyes with glowing red pupils.

"Sis Rubeca?"

As she reaches out her hand I desperately clutch her hand no matter the circumstance and pull my self close. Hugging her as to not let her go.

(I don't care what happens anymore! Please just get me out of here! Sis!)

*************************************

"Wake up, Sova."

"Huh?"

I look up at the sound of the voice, and slowly open my eyes. It was Kokkan telling me to wake up as rubs my hair.

"Kokkan?"

"Good morning, Sova."

"Oh.. Morning... Fuwaaa!"

I hold him close with one hand and yawn before using the other to rub my eyes.

(Where am I?)

I look back at the smiling Kokkan and hold my head, feeling my headband and more when I realize...

"Is my hair always this long?"

(!?!??!??????!!!!)

I quickly push Kokkan away and hold my chest realizing it's still the same and hold my crotch noticing how there's still something there...

"Whew! What a weird but terrible dream. Oh, right! Kokkan, Sorry!"

I look back at Kokkan whose sprawling over between the seat and the floor. I pull his hands up asking:

"Are you okay?"

Kokkan nods and pats me again saying:

"Don't worry, I'm okay. How about you? You look like you're in pain. Is it a nightmare?"

"Well, I have this weird dream- but anyways, have we arrived?"

Kokkan nods with a smile replying:

"Yes, follow me."

Kokkan grabs me by hand as he escorts me out. I stopped him saying:

"Wait, Kokkan, my hair..."

"Oh, it grew long huh? Well, that's pretty normal for true practitioners like us. Don't worry about it."

(It is!? Hooooowwww!?!?)

Kokkan pulls me out as I question the absurdity of the situation.

"Oh, the sleeping beauty has finally awakened. Perfect timing. Why don't you go wash your face first?"

"Saya? Morning... Yea, I'll go do that."

I could har Saya's voice close by when Kokkan brings me to a room. I could hear the sound of pouring water and I plunge my hand forth feeling how warm it is. I wash my face and see the view before me becoming clearer. I could see myself once again, my new look after that one accident...

I hold my hair and let it slip between my fingers as I think,

(And it seems my hair has grown again? Kokkan said it's normal but is it?)

I take a huge breathe in and let it out. Holding the long hair that regrew after my short rest...

"Ah! Lord Suowa, please, let me help you with the hair."

Tanwa offers her help as she enters the room. I nod replying:

"Oh please..."

She takes out a red ribbon from the pocket of her apron saying:

"Please hold still, Lord Suowa."

Tanwa begins to wrap my hair like last time and I can't help but ask,

"Um, Tanwa, don't you think it's weird?"

"Huh? What is?"

"You know, my hair growing just like that, I mean you saw it getting cut."

"Well, with how we can regrow limbs and Martial Artist regaining their youth, I don't think someone regrowing their hair is that weird."

"Ah, when you say it like that... Then what about that time then? I mean you're all practically horrified."

"That's..."

Tanwa stops her hands as I see her hands quiver from the mirror before she continues saying:

"Well, I'm sure that's some special magic for Silencers like you. Once again, I'm sorry if you felt uncomfortable..."

"Isn't that suppose to be my line?"

"Haha, you're right. There! What do you think?"

Tanwa tightens up the ribbon and presents to me as I see how neat and how surprising I could suddenly change with just a ribbon...

"Thanks, I'll have a more comfortable time walking now."

"Ehehe~, no problem. Since we're separating soon, I hope this will be a good parting gift until we meet again."

"Mhm, sure! Thanks, Tanwa."

I clap my cheeks and look back at the mirror once again before walking out of the room.

"Sorry, for keeping you all waiting again."

Saya waves her hand replying:

"It's fine. Since we're practically late anyway."

"W-We are!?"

"To be honest we're supposed to travel here at 9 pm at least and arriving at the station at 11 pm before finally arriving here which would be exactly at 8 am where we got 2 hours of free time before the festival starts. But then again, we could say we're lucky in another sense since we got to defend out the important place and save these guys, so they better pay back a lot more after they recover of course."

Xin nods saying:

"Yeah, sorry, we would really be screwed without you three. But above all... Once again, thank you!"

He bows down with sincerity in his words Tanwa soon follows him and bow again saying:

"U-Um, yes! Thank you very much!"

I urge them to stand straight saying:

"Please, you already did that back before we depart."

"No, I'll say it as many times as we have to. Thank you!"

Xin refuses and continues to bow down. Saya shakes her head saying:

"Alright alright, we'll take it. Now then, may the spirit bless you!"

Saya clasps her hands as she walks near the stairs at the end of the tunnel. I and Kokkan follow beside her and clasp our hand saying:

" "May the spirit bless you." "

Xin and Tanwa clasp their hands while still bowing down saying:

" "May the spirit bless you too!" "

Saya walks up first when I wave back to give them a last greeting. They wave me back until they're out of site...

"Say, where are we now exactly?"

Kokkan raises a question as we walk past this dim passageway with the faint sound of murmurs far beyond.

"Hmm, we're at the Hefei underground station, once we get up we'll be at the Yuli street where the Turtle Sector's Main Hunter Quarters would be."

"Oh, well if that's the case. I'll be on the shadows once more then."

"Huh? Why!?"

I retorted quickly but Kokkan smiles sadly replying:

"Don't worry, I won't be far. In fact, I'll be very close like just behind you. I'll appear once again once we reach the club you promised me."

Kokkan disappears into the dark corners before I could speak anything.

"And he's gone. Don't worry, we'll see him soon. Come now, let's enjoy ourselves. And before we went to her school, mind accompanying me to the Hunter Guild?"

"Huh? Oh, I guess that's okay. And I could hear people's voices from afar. Are we going to be in a crowded place soon?"

"Wait, you can hear their voice from here? Talk about a ridiculous sense of hearing. Yea, after we leave this private drop section, we'll arrive at the underground market for tourists."

"Hoh~ you sure know these places."

My spirit perks up as Saya explains.

"Well unless you forget, I am guider from this Sector before I got dragged in with you."

Saya rummages her small bag and hands me my phoenix medallion saying:

"And here, it would be best for you to hold this now."

"Oh, thanks."

I take it from her and place it on my apron where my broken weapon is before I remembered something I need to do.

"Say, Saya."

"What is it, Sova?"

"After your visit to the Guild, mind if we stop at Rana's diner? Since Sis Yuwei told me that no one could fix this weapon, I was hoping I could ask her to fix it since she gave it to me and all."

"Oh, well why not? But you better treat me to some of her food okay? Man, I still can't forget the meal we had there. I'm drooling as I speak..."

Saya tries to wipe the wide grin off her face while I replied by hitting my palm saying:

"Oh right. We did eat there for a while. Though I can't say it's a fond memory."

"Ah, don't sweat the small stuff."

"What do you mean small stuff!? I had to tell her my biggest secret!"

Saya folds her arms with an annoyed look saying:

"C'mon Sova. Nobody would really care. Maybe to her, but in the bigger picture, I doubt it changed anything. I mean it's like someone exposes your porn collection and wave it in front of your parents during breakfast or something. It happens, someone spills their food, you get embarrassed and we all laugh and forget."

"Uurrgh!"

(I don't know what porn is since no one wanted to tell me but I'm still pissed!)

I puff my cheeks as I pout. When Saya merely chuckles when I could see some bright light at the end of the tunnel and the rowdy sound of people getting louder. Saya speeds up and I follow suit as we walk faster and the light grows brighter so does the crowd grows louder.

*flash*

Light flashed before my eyes as we ascended the last stairs before us.

*murmur* *chatter* *chatter*

Crowds gather before the stalls and travel past the lines on the floor. With stalls, lights, shops, and all kinds of stores sprawled everywhere.

(Is this really the same city?)

Unlike my own district and the places I travel with Sis Rubeca and May, this place looks so much crowded. The people dress and clothing looks so much diverse and glamorous. From robes, pants, skirts, one-piece dresses, foreign clothes I never saw before, coupled with the hunters being everywhere unlike my district where hunters only gather close to Central. From people wearing beginners gear to experts similar to the ones I see in Central, this place was just amazing!

"Woah... It's like a different world here."

I could only express my surprise when I realize there's music playing in the background, her voice brings tranquil and calm peace of mind even in such crowd it's clear to me. I can't help but sing to the tune that plays in runician.

"Deliver~♫ affection ~♫"

(Maybe I should bring them to visit here too!)

I feel someone tugging my apron when I look down seeing Saya saying:

"I'm glad you're happy but don't stop now. Follow me."

With a smile, she gestures me to follow. I can't help but smile back saying:

"Yea! I feel pumped up!"

I follow behind Saya's back as I hum the tune of this station. But unlike before where people would split the way, the people do no such thing as they don't mind us while we travel pass them...

(This is weird but it is a welcome surprise!)

I look around and unlike in the past, I could actually see the shops passing people's heads and shoulder. Unlike before where people would split in our way blocking the view around. I could see weapons, armours, clothes, weird statues, figurines, books, weird steel boxes with lights, large boxes with semi-black mirrors, foods from meat and veggies to fruits and sweets.

(This place has it all! Or is it because my district is just so lacking?)

"Sova, please, calm it down with your eyes. You make it look like you're a bumpkin foreigner."

"Well, I am no? We do come from a different Sector."

"Sheesh, did something catches your eyes?"

I nod energetically saying:

"Yea! Everything is amazing!"

"Well, you haven't seen anything yet. Alright, time to bust my guider skills to you. Follow me!"

"Ohoho, I can't wait! Lead the way, Saya!"

Saya walks ahead saying:

"Sure, but first we better get out of here first. Cause the best stuff is out there."

"Oh?"

Saya leads the way to a staircase leading above. I could see normal stairs and the one that moves by itself. Where one goes down and one goes up.

(What is that!?)

"Hoh, that's called an escalator. And you must be wondering about why your sector doesn't have it huh?"

"Huh, you can read my mind too, Saya?"

"Of course not! Your face just says it all. Anyways, come let's just take the manual stairs so we can be quicker."

"Oh okay..."

I follow her up the crowded stairs up when the light of the sun pours down. I look beside me and see people talking to each other and having fun with themselves. Boys and girls my age wearing some same clothing with items on their necks and head, people from priest wearing some of their spirit church uniforms while some wear those weird masks. Hunters gather close to each other with weapons by their side while I could see Gate Guards stationed in key points and chokepoints around the station.

(This place is just crowded yet it's not as noisy as my district where steel keeps ringing and bells keep tolling. All I hear is murmurs and people having fun with food, toys, and smiles on their faces. Along with the sound of passing vehicles outside).

"So where are you going to show me? Or do we go to the guild first?"

Saya brushes her nose as her whiskers tingle saying:

"We're going to explore and have fun first since this your first time here no?"

"Really!? Yay!"

I cheer my hands high as we travel forth while the tune of the station becomes softer and faint. The streets full of people and towering building with multiple floors while I could see vehicles moving along the large road beside us. And stalls sprawl all over us.

(Even the vehicle looks different. I mean the ones here look smaller where only 2 people or 4 can fit, while the ones in my place have big boxes behind them and huge but kinda small space in front).

I could hear people from the stalls and stores calling people to come and check their stores while some would walk around handing out pieces of paper. One eventually walk here as she hands out a paper to Saya with a smile saying:

"Here you go, please visit dear Noble."

Saya raises her hand saying:

"No thank you."

"Huh? Can I at least take it, Saya?"

Saya looks back at me before waving her hand saying:

"Sure, take it."

"Thanks!"

I take the paper when the girl thanks us with a lot of energy and leave to distribute it to someone else. I follow close to Saya as I look at the paper having weird symbols I don't understand and some kind of item which says it's for sale with a whapping 80% discount...

(What the hell is this thing?)

"You probably don't even know what that is don't you?"

"Yea... I'm just curious to see what it is. I mean this is the first time I saw people so active on the streets like this."

"Really? You never see one from where you live!?"

I shake my head saying:

"Nope, the closest thing probably is boards place in front of stores."

"Sheesh, no wonder nobody cared if the phoenix shut itself or not. They hide their strength pretty well. Anyway, we're getting there. I'm going to show you my personal favourite stall where my accomplice operates."

I tilt my head replying:

"Accomplice? Do you mean your friend?"

"No not really, she's a jerk and a complete cheapskate but she does her job well."

"Woah, I wonder what your friends are like Saya."

"Haaah, I told you- You know what, call her whatever you want. As for herself... She was once a high-rank hunter but after getting married, she only uses the guider job as her part-time job, while her stall is her real occupation. I usually eat there since it's the cheapest and where people don't scam me for my looks and race."

"Heh~ she must be nice."

"Sarah?"

I could hear someone calling Saya's other name. When I look where it comes from, a girl who looks a bit older than me was already in the air jumping towards Saya.

"Sarah!"

With tears pouring from her eyes, Saya tries to dodge away but her quick hand movements pull her back in and squeeze her tight shouting:

"Oh my gosh! It really is you! Thank the spirits! I thought you died! SARAAHHHH!!!"

She bawls her tears out as she squeezes Saya tighter but Saya tries her best to push her away saying:

"Dammit, Elizabeth!? Dammit, let me go, you jerk!"

"No!"

Saya tries to push her away again but her meagre strength could only do so much before Elizabeth stands with Saya in her arms and hugs her closer saying:

"Where have you been? I was worried sick don't you know!?"

"I don't know! When did you start caring? And don't you have a stall to attend!"

Saya tries to pry her hand's open while pushing her crying face away...

(For some reason seeing Saya struggles brings a feeling of satisfaction in me).

"I admit, I was being a jerk okay! So please don't disappear like that anymore! Do you want free meals? I'll give you one a day okay! But just once a day!"

"Just let me goooo!"

Saya pushes her away before I took pity and help. I shake her shoulder when she finally looks at me asking:

"What?"

With the same height as me, she glares back at me with a fire burning in her eyes.

"Please let her go."

She hugs Saya tighter which cause Saya's face to grow paler replying:

"And who might you be dolly?"

(Dolly? No, I better be quick).

I ignore her weird reply saying:

"Her superior."

(Um... I did that right, right?)

I try to act tough by looking at her with sharp eyes and she stares at me back. Unlike all the foes I fought, she seems so weak and docile.

(Or maybe because my foes have been pretty scary lately?)

She finally let's go and place her down.

"Pff, hahaha! This is the first time I saw a servant with steel bollocks like you. Why don't you two follow me and you two can explain what happen, especially, you Sarah."

Saya whose trying to take in the breath squeezed out of her lungs leans her hand on me saying:

"Fuu, fuu... You'll pay..."

"Yea, yea, sure pipsqueak. Follow me."

I support Saya with my hands when she walks while holding her stomach saying:

"Haah, I felt like my insides are being squeezed out... Well, I guess this is better, unlike a certain someone who hugs so hard that someone falls unconscious."

"Wait are you talking about me?"

"Who else, you idiot!"

*ptonk*

Saya punch me with her weakened state where I decided to carry her on my back saying:

"Just rest on my back then."

"Ah... Fine, it's not like this is the first time you carry me."

"True!"

I followed the lady to her stall where it's filled with Hunters and people enjoying their steaming meal and a mug of drinks. The scent of the meal went to my nose as I can smell all kinds of food, from similar ones to unknown ones while The sound of grilling meat and vegetables enters my ear.

"Well take a seat there. I'll cook you something up."

Elizabeth points at the long table infront of the stall where the chair is lined up nice and tidy. I place Saya down at the empty chair where she takes the time to relax.

"Mooom! Where did you go just now? Orders are piling up!"

"Ah, coming! Just hang on!"

Elizabeth enters the stall and starts to help the girl who looks the same age as her... More like similar to her, with only a different hairstyle, and eye colour.

(Are they sisters? But why call her mom?)

"I finally found Sis Sarah."

Elizabeth nudges the girl whose cooking with the wok. When she turns around saying:

"Sis Sarah's back? Where? Where!?"

She turns her head around when she looks at us saying:

"It is! See I told you she's fine!"

Elizabeth who just saw the pile of small notes hanging on the kitchen table as she prepares the ingredients reply:

"I'm still worried nonetheless!"

"Ah, whatever the case, can't you hire some part-timer or something, mom! Thanks to the festival customers are getting too much!"

"No way! Where's dad?"

"Huh? I heard he's working in the guild."

Elizabeth looks back at her with an evil smile saying:

"Is he now? With the festival, I heard even Special Ranks are being called in from Central."

Seeing how Saya's still resting and how busy they are to attend us for now. I raise my hand saying:

"If you want someone to serve, I could help you out."

Elizabeth looks back at me shocked, saying:

"Really!? Thank you so much! It seems you're more than meets the eye. Then can you please take these to the respected numbers."

She places the food on the stall table in front of us when I realize there's a number written with either the sauce or the food lining up with their distinct colours.

(Oh I can do this, just like uncle ramen).

I pick the tray near us before the food and look back at the customers who I just realized has been staring at me this entire time. I look around remembering uncle and aunt ramen tips on the table placement and which number it is best. When I look at the place I'm sitting which is 1, then the further I go the higher the numbers are. And I'll learn the pattern as I walk.

(38, 21)

I walk ahead looking at the numbers at the table, memorizing their positions and calculated their places...

(38 would be there).

I dash ahead with both my experience and skill I was able to not spill any of the food and look at the table as I'm right with my deduction.

(Man, it feels great to know your deduction are correct).

I place the food with a smile saying:

"Here's your food, please enjoy."

The customer whose face is red nods saying:

"T-Thank you..."

I nod and smile replying:

"You're welcome!"

Before dashing away to the table with number 21 and place multiple foods and drinks down saying:

"Here are your orders, please enjoy."

"Oh, aren't you a pretty lady? Say, why don't this dashing man treat you with some drinks back at the guild?"

The boy who seems to be a few years older than me who looks like an expert hunter invites me when I smile back saying:

"Sorry, but I already have to go with someone else."

(Well that's what Shio teach me to say. And I'm not lying since Saya's gonna being me somewhere else. And I'm glad the people here are not like them).

The hunter and his group clicks his tongues and looks away enjoying their food. I dash back to my table taking in more of the food she place.

"Hey, you're pretty good, don't worry, just hang on a little while longer."

I look at her saying:

"Thanks, I'm just going to do it until Sarah get better."

I look at the food and dash away as I deliver it to their numbers while taking in the dirty plates and money at the table back to her stall. It's the point where Elizabeth and her daughter is lagging behind in their orders.

(Hmm, I just realize no customers is coming anymore).

As I take in the last plate and deliver to the group of girls near my age with the same clothes. I place the food down saying:

"Here's your food, please enjoy."

One of the girls looks at me saying:

"Say, do you mind sharing your secret?"

(Secret?)

Since it's the last customer, I indulge in their question asking back:

"Secret?"

"Yeah, you know, what make-up do you use? What shampoo do you use to make your hair glossy like that? Won't you share it? Pretty please?"

I was taken aback by her question since this is the first time someone actually asks that. I shake my head saying:

"Um... I don't actually know. Since I don't wear make-up and my friend is the one who brings me the shampoo."

"Really!? Ah, so jealous!"

"Hey, she might just be keeping it a secret. I mean what do you think asking her in the open like that?"

"Ah, shut up! I like to ask it directly than subtly."

"Well let's just hurry up and post the request."

They continue their conversation as I sneak away back to my table saying:

"I'm done. Is that all the customers?"

"Yup! Thanks, Dolly! Say what's your name by the way? Mine's Elizabeth in case that pipsqueak didn't scream loud enough."

I put the tray down and clasp my hand saying:

"My name's Sova Anmao. A pleasure to meet you."

Elizabeth opens her apron and seat before us replying:

"Sheesh, don't be so polite! And anmao? You're a noble?"

I shake my head saying:

"Not really, I got the family name from my sister."

"Ah! Well, here you go."

Elizabeth takes a small sack and hands it to me. I tilt my head asking:

"Um, what's that?"

"Your pay duh! I'm not that much of a jerk to not pay someone who works here."

"Then where's my allowance mom!"

"Shut up you! Work in your weekends then we'll talk."

I nod saying:

"Oh, well I guess I'll take it then. Thank you."

"No problem little lady."

She looks back at her daughter shouting:

"Hey, Lin! Come and introduce yourself to this kind lady!"

"Hold on! Just one more plate!"

She finishes cleaning the plate by moving the water before she runs here in a hurry saying:

"Sorry, Um... I'm Lin nice to meet you, thanks a lot for helping there. You're actually pretty good."

I scratch my head saying:

"Really? Thanks."

"No, you really are!"

Lin replies back as she takes a seat beside Elizabeth. I look around seeing how the last customers are leaving and none taking a seat I wonder asking:

"Say, is there no customers coming anymore?"

"Oh? Ah! Well, I already put up the sign we're close since we're outta stock. But don't worry, we still have enough personal stash to treat you guys."

"Really? Thanks!"

"Alright then, Lin, why don't you accompany them while I cook."

"Sure thing mom."

Lin replies back when I shake Saya saying:

"Saya, you okay now?"

She stops my hand replying:

"Don't shake me. And just give me a little while longer."

Lin shakes her head saying:

"Still as weak as ever."

"Oh just you wait, Lin..."

"Sure thing when you can actually beat me in an arm wrestle. Anyway, I'm surprised you got yourself a pretty dress and a servant. Did you finally win big after disappearing?"

Saya whose looking down at the table as she rests looks at Lin saying:

"Don't get it wrong."

Saya points at me saying:

"This person here is my superior. And a very dangerous person you don't want to get on the bad side."

"Really?"

Lin looks at Saya with a confused face before looking at me and looking back at here again.

"Hey, Sova, show her that thing."

Saya looks back down at the table again as she says that.

(Hmm that shield medallion?)

I take out the phoenix medallion from my apron softly saying:

"Um, let me introduce my self again. I'm Sova Anmao, a Supreme Officer under the direct command of the Phoenix Empress."

(Yup, if I'm not on a mission. Nanny told me to say that instead. I admit that sound so cool!)

Lin looks at the medallion for a while before she hangs her mouth wide, her face darkens and pales as she gets a cold sweat. She jumps back and bows down till her head hits the floor of the kitchen floor behind the stall saying:

"Forgive my insolence for calling you a servant! I'm Lin, my parents may be High-Rank Hunters but I'm a normal citizen of the Confederation! I'm very sorry, you have to lower your self to serve the commoners in this shabby stall!"

(Holy, schnitzel! What just happen!? I think I better not show this badge as much as possible).

I keep the badge back when Elizabeth whose putting the cooked food at the plater looks back at Lin surprised saying:

"Huh? What's going on, Lin?"

She brings the food to us saying:

"Sheesh, I know I told you to entertain them but this is just excessive, Lin."

She places the food down as the smell enters my nose. My stomach begins to growl before she says:

"Enjoy, it's my speciality."

She winks at us before approaching Lin to raise her up saying:

"Sheesh, c'mon get up, you'll get your clothes dirty. Though for once I'm amazed at your efforts."

Elizabeth wipes her tear away and continues saying:

"It seems you won't end up like your dad. Okay, I'll cook your favourite today. So continue to accompany them."

Elizabeth walks away while Lin is still quiet as she sits close to us with her shoulders shaking. I try to calm her down saying:

"Don't worry. I'm not gonna do anything to you. I mean you're Sarah's friends, right? So just act normal."

Lin takes a glass and kettle as she tries to pour a drink with her hands shaking. Even from here, I could smell the strong aroma of the drink she's gonna serve.

She places one cup for me and one for Saya with her shaking hands. I try to calm her down again saying:

"Please just calm down. I'm just here to accompany a friend. So please, relax."

She looks at me with terror and confusion in her eyes as she tears up saying:

"Really? Do you promise?"

(Promise huh? Well... Since I'm not going to do anything to hurt people).

"Sure, I promise."

She finally stops shaking little by little before she stares at me and relaxes.

"Phew..."

"I'm sorry if that medallion scared you. I didn't think it would be that severe."

Lin shakes her hands in desperation saying:

"No, please don't say that."

I nod saying:

"Sure."

I look back at Saya whose actually eating up her food with vigour asking:

"Say, I always wonder but what is this medallion even?"

Whispering to Saya as I ready my self to eat my food. I take a chopstick and split it as I eat the noodle Elizabeth gave me. Saya swallows her food saying:

"That? It's like proof of your authority. Only the highest of highest position holder in a Sector or in the phoenix case, Segmentum could even wear. So basically, wearing that means you are a very close aid to the Sec Lord who is considered Gods. So in your case, people who know you have one view you as Demi-God or an immortal or someone with education will see you as the pillars of this country. Last I heard the holder of such medallion do is genocide the entire district for treating him wrongly. And no one can do anything about it."

(How spiteful can that person be!?)

I swallow my food before replying:

"Is that true!? Why didn't you say so! I scared the living schnitzel our of her!"

Saya gives Lin a malicious smile saying:

"Payback. And you can actually use that thing for free transportation and access to info and places not accessible to commoners."

(Really!? It has such functions! This is amazing! Yet so dangerous! And how spiteful can you be!?)

I sigh and look back at Lin whose drinking her tea with unstable hands saying:

"I'm sorry once again. I'm still new to this occupation so forgive me for my lack of knowledge."

"No! Please! Don't say that anymore! You're killing me from the inside!"

"Sorry, well anyway, Miss Elizabeth, Lin and Saya, let's eat!"

Elizabeth who's still cooking look at us shouting:

"Oh, aren't you polite?"

Saya peeks at me from the gaps of her arm while saying:

"Just eat, Sova."

"P-P-Please, enjoy."

Lin drops her body at the table as to hide her face. I can only shake my head as I continue eating my wet orange noodles which are rich in taste of sour and sweet while being garnished with mincemeat and meatballs.

(I love this! It's so much different from the Ramen noodles back at home... Maybe I should bring one for Sis Fei. But then again, her school has a festival so I wonder if they sell food there too? Then I better keep my eating to a minimum so I can enjoy the meals with Sis).

I finish my meal as quickly as possible when I realize Saya's already finished with hers. Elizabeth returns with a fresh meal saying:

"Oh! Finished already? You sure eat fast. Here Lin, eat it while it's still hot."

Lin whose still shaking grabs the food slowly and nibble at it which is quite cute.

"Sheesh, what's wrong with you?"

I bow my head saying:

"That would be me, sorry."

"Did you tell her a ghost story? Hahaha! Well, I guess that's fine. You might have the talent, if you can scare her in daylight."

She sits beside Lin and pours herself a cup of tea. I can't help but ask my curiosity saying:

"Say is she really your daughter? I mean you look more like sisters to me."

(I dare say, Sis Yuwei looks like Sis Fei's mother, to be honest).

A shiver went down my spine when I thought of that. When Elizabeth pats my shoulder saying:

"Hahaha! Really!? Aw shucks! Praising me won't get you any seconds though."

"No, I'm being honest."

Elizabeth holds her redden cheek as she smiles replying:

"Sheesh! I may look young but this aunty already has a husband and a kid you know..."

Lin who saw what's happening can only cower a she looks at me while Saya is enjoying her tea. Elizabeth finally takes a seat close to Saya asking:

"So mind telling me what happened to you now?"

Saya takes another sup of her drink saying:

"Well simply put, it was thanks to this person here."

"Details Sarah, details."

They continue their conversation while I try to calm down the shivering Lin and try to have a conversation with her too, asking about this place.