A Piece of Mind. (Part 2)

"Tada-dah! I manage to make the eastern cereal something dish! Learned and got the ingredient for it recently from Uncle Yi-Il! I called it the Uisa's foe!"

Presented with a soup filled with meat and vegetables that turns it into a bubbling yellow mesh makes me feel uncomfortable but knowing Yoo-Ah it'll be delicious.

"Thank you, Yoo-Ah. I think I'm gonna feel like the happiest person to eat your food everyday."

"Hum! Hum! That's why you should marry me already!"

(I think I might understand what Juha is feeling when I try to say I'm a man).

"Hoh? Didn't think you could find anyone cooking that here. But I ain't gonna allow her to take you away, marry me and you'll be able to eat from the royal chefs! Joke or not, you should know same sex marriege is forbidden especially from the Spirit Church."

Zenon who is eating together with us follows along for lunch.

"Wait, isn't the reason back then because I can cook? Shouldn't you be asking Yoo-Ah then for marriage since she can cook all that delicious meal?"

" "What!? No!" "

Both of them shout in sync before they glare at each other. Yoo-Ah grabs on to me shouting:

"Sova! How could you say that!?"

Zenon leans closer as well shouting:

"Yeah! It's not about food no more! And there's no way I want to be related to Gisa, especially calling him Sunbae when I'm clearly older than him."

(Hmm? Is there some weird rule for what you call your family here?)

"Yoo-Gisa sure is hated."

"Hum! Hum! Of course! But I suppose he's been hanging around lately. Though his companions are the ones annoying now!"

"I-I see..."

"But enough about my stupid, Oppa! You better eat before the food gets cold!"

"R-Right."

As I take the first bite, an unknown taste burst out filling my mouth with a combination of nothing I never taste beforem...

(I'm still not that far from the city and I'm tasting so many different ingredients. I can only imagine what the Owlian Frontiers have to offer).

I start chowing down the meal when Yoo-Ah nods satisfied shouting:

"Hum! Hum! The meal is a success!"

"You know, Yoo-Ah, can I follow you to cook along?"

"Hum?"

"Just sitting down waiting for you to cook is making me nervous. So I wish to cook alongside you-"

"Hum! Hum! Of course you can! Oh it's actually been a month since we last cook together!"

Zenon who's been seeing me eat looks at his own fancy meal that hasn't been touched yet rest his head saying:

"I suppose it's true what they say that seeing someone satisfied with the food is better than the food looking better."

"Hum? Are you not eating Yeon-Seyong Ssi? Just saying, I didn't cook for you."

"Oh, don't worry. I'm not as shameless as Cheo Hyung... Hard to believe he of all people are now one of the most influential people here. But most importantly is you, Sova. What do you say we form a party for the yearly invasion?"

"Party!? I-I'm sorry but I don't think I'm suitable to arrange something like that-"

"I'm not talking about that kind of event, Sova. I'm talking about adventuring group, like before when we dungeon dived. You should've realize that when I said Invasion."

"Oh! Then sure-"

"Wait a second, Sova! As much as we should gather allies, we can't just form it willy nilly!"

"Hmm? What's wrong, Yoo-Ah?"

"Maybe because the dungeon dive is a grouped and sponsored event we can just team up with everyone. But now, since this is all an independent quest we must first know who the person we form a party with, plus can we even trust them on the mission forward?"

"Um, Yoo-Ah I don't think Zenon is that horrible. I mean We know him and I've worked with him in almost all my adventuring work."

"That's right, but I suppose what she says is true. Maybe not for me, but for the future party members. With your reputation and... Well, lack of traits, lets just say people are not going to be looking at you in a good light."

"Huh? Wait, why? I'm sure I didn't do anything to offend anyone."

*Hug*

"Hum! You're so precious, Sova! That's why I'm here to help you! I'll do my best so that you don't ever have to chose my stupid Oppa for a last resort!"

Zenon sighs and looks out the window saying:

"That nay be true, but let's just say people are not so kind for talented people like us... On another note, I'm just happy we're finally getting to live at the same residence!"

"That's... A sudden change in tone, but didn't we live in the same place as well when I'm still at the capital?"

"Pssh! That place is too big and you're living in another wing and I can't really visit you much when I'm incapacitated while being watched by Kim-Yi too. So, it sure as hell don't count."

"Oh yeah, where is she? I thought with how she acted she would stick to you like a gum."

Zenon's purple eyes seem to gleam as he responds:

"The hell's a gum- B-But no, she's taking good care of my mother at Home. I'm planning on visiting them before leaving, so... Do you wanna come visit the Chamchi Territory before going to the checkpoint? Maybe sight see our famous places? Luckily, unlike the northern territory, our land is in the south and is spared from all the war. Thanks to that, all the tourist spots are open."

"Huh? Really? What do you think Yoo-Ah?"

"Hum! Hum! If it's a free pass from the prince of the country, why not!? I'm also curious about the lands of the 5 Dukes!"

"Yesh! Point up!"

Seeing Zenon happy and saying the same thing as last time makes me guess he's pumping jis arm under the table. That's when Yoo-Ah follows up with:

"But don't think you'll get a time for some private date, Yeon-Seyong Nim! I will stick with Sova all the way!"

"We'll see about that."

I feel sparks being thrown around as they glare at each other but I suppose they're getting along.

"Um, Zenon but are you not going to eat? It's gonna get cold."

"Oh, right. I guess I better start preparing now as well."

Yoo-Ah tighten her embrace as she glares at him and I pat her back saying:

"Don't worry, Yoo-Ah I too wish to spend time with you more."

"Hum! Hum! Ha...!"

Yoo-Ah proudly looks at Zenon in which he nods as if agreeing on something while chowing down his meal.

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

*Swoop*

"Good thing Juha tells me to bring more Cloaks. And I have to thank her as well, for giving me this new clothes."

As I geared myself for the incoming mission, I ready myself and check for everything just in case one last time.

"Weapon..."

Grabbing the War God's Spear which has been under maintenance in my sleep. I test it by extending it and attaching it to the back with the holder saying:

"Check. Now tools..."

Grabbing my shovel and strap it to my new bag, checking the insides for salves which I realize I haven't use it at all since I first got it, then for my new Notebook which has become my spellbook...

"Check, now I'm ready!"

"Hum! Hum! Good, I'm ready too!"

Wearing her usual Staff uniform with a matching cloak, her beret, and one of the bomig bags she carries, Yoo-Ah is prepared as well.

"You sure, Yoo-Ah? If only I have better equipments to give! You should've wear the full armour set rather than just a cloak."

"Hum! It's fine! Besides, I move easier with this!"

Elder Dal-Yong who's helping us prepare is worried for Yoo-Ah as she is... I suppose, not a combatant. I also probablg realize why he is lacking good equipment so far.

"I'm sorry for breaking all the stuff you keep giving me."

Dal-Yong nods replying:

"Meeting you, I just realize how much lacking I became and how durable I have to forge your cloak. So it's fine, but make sure you keep Yoo-Ah safe, you hear me?"

"Of course!"

"Hum... Alrighty then, as for your report on the ultimate cloak, I'm finally done with the schematics, now I only need to build it and see which need change."

"Oh? That's quick."

"Not really, for a craftsman my caliber, a month to produce a blueprint is considered lacking."

"Hum! Don't push yourself too hard, Uncle! You're already too old anyways!"

"Hum, unlike you Lil Yoo-Ah, elder here is immortal like Yi-Il, so age matters not."

"Hum! Hum!"

(Wish I can say he's wrong. Since Yoo-Ah are related to the 13 great family she should at least outlive many people... Including me. Since I'm an Owlian my lifespan is half of Zerians).

Feeling a bit sadden that I may be the one to leave, I get my mind out of the negativity and shout:

"Well, then the day is getting late so let's meet with Zenon."

Interrupting the two arguing about Dal-Yong sudden change in mind as she sees her a out to leave, Yoo-Ah happily runs behind me and point out shouting:

"Yeah! Adventure time!"

Dal-Yong ever so worries tries to intervene but stops halfway before his arms cluld reach out. He sighs and gets behind the counter asking:

"Just making sure, you have the sword with you, yes? Usually, civillians can't carry weapons but since you're part of the guild and heading for a Quest they have given you rights to bear arms, so don't be afraid to use it. Just like, Sova, it's better for the sword to break than the wielder."

"Hum! Hum! I get it already, Uncle! You're sounding a lot like Unnie! Now, lets go, Sova before he keeps jabbering on!"

Drag away by Yoo-Ah as she pulls me out of the armoury, I wave goodbye saying:

"Thank you again!"

"Be sure you protect her!"

*Cling*

Hearing the bell chime as the door closes, some customer peeks in only to the closed sign and pass on grumbling. Sprinting pass the familiar hallway, we rush pass the closed atelier and I can't help but ask,

"Say, shouldn't we be visiting Clara Unnie? I know I still have the salves, but I'm gonna need that lotion-"

"Hum! Guess you don't know, Sova! But Clara Sunbae and Ji-Hyun Unnie has gone missing!"

"Wait, what!?"

Yoo-Ah appears dejected hearing me and stops. Pouting as she holds her arms saying:

"Clara Sunbae are up north when the Civil war happened so she might be part of Iseon's purge but her body's still haven't been found. In fact, the identification of nobles that died is still going on since the one who kills and hide them are the common folk..."

Hearing her soft tone and regret building in her voice I pat her head saying:

"Clara Unnie is definitely alive, she's not weak so maybe she escaped and is probably hiding."

(And that's is definitely more thsn true, she's part of the Triad after all. She's definitely using the chaos to hide).

Yoo-Ah looks at me with teary eyes replying:

"I really hate her as much as Oppa, but... I hate how my heart always seem to think otherwise! Thanks for cheering me up! But I bave to face the truth! Just like Oppa! Unless she appear before me and say she's alive, I won't believe either conclusion!"

Seeing her resolve, I pat her shpulders to compliment and assure her saying:

"Then I'll help you... But no promises."

"Hum! How can you half ass your answer, Sova! Answer with confidence!"

I bit my lips remembering that night and my previous egregious acts replying:

"That's because I know I can't really back my words- wah!"

"Huuuum! Them start making sure you can! I learned how to accept my Oppa with your words, so you should learn to better yourself too!"

Yoo-Ah embrace me tightly amidst the seldom passerby but I hug her back saying:

"I'm suppose to be cheering you up... Wait, what about Ji-Hyun Unnie then? Isn't she suppose to be heal me?"

"Ah!"

Yoo-Ah back away clenching her fist shouting:

"That's right! After treating you when you defeated the Colonel, she dissapears as well amidst the heavy security! There's definitely something very fishy going in the Kingdom but it seems Yoo-Sui Unnie can't grasp the situation, which is painful to watch!"

(I think that's because your Unnie is the root of all that fishiness. Then again, Ji-Hyun is suppose to be part of the Triad as well... I wonder what are they up to?)

"Hum! Enough about them! We have a more direct threat looming over the kingdom! From the scouting reports and the first battle lines, Monster King Vassals have broken through! Luckily they are simply splinter and lower class vassals, and since we have fought one before we're more than ready with Oppa around!"

"Oh yea, will Yoo-Gisa participate as well?"

"Hum! Hum! Of course! He'll be at the heat of the battle taking on the fight to their home at the Monster King Island itself! And I think he will be returning soon."

Hearing their efforts, I steel myself. Curling my hands to fists, I nod saying:

"Alright, lets get going."