Hope Resting Behind Us. (Epilogue)

Silence, it is simply quiet over the entire way we walk it was nothing but silence. The entire road leading to the princess's hall was so empty I could see the off-limit sign and rope fences. The noises I got are the echoes of our footsteps and if I focus further I can hear worried voices from deeper within. Taking sips of the green drink Seyong gave me, I savour the bland yet cold taste before trying to break the silence I ask:

"So, Yoo-Ah."

"Huh? What is it, Sova!?"

"I was just wondering but how do you get to know, Miso. I mean you seem to know a lot about idols too."

"Oh! Well..."

Yoo-Ah probably realize what I'm trying to do and continue on replying:

"Believe it or not, Miso is actually not from a rich family like they advertise but a poor family from the boonies! She even has this thick northern accent like you if she's comfortable enough."

(Oh? Are idol information that public and is being part of a rich family... Foolish thought, of course it is important here. Especially after I learned about bloodline inheritance thingy. Now I'm more curious to know what did Sis Yuwei and Fei gain from being Rucina's descendants... Wait, does Moriz have one too? Maybe I should ask him about it as well).

Yoo-Ah's voice rings loudly as she continue saying:

"We met in one of the war shelters! Turns out her parents died in the early days of the invasion. We somehow met a lot and she hangs around with our family too. So she soon became friends with me, my sister and I guess my brother! Tch!

It was only after the war we decided to become idols... Well, I fell halfway through but she did reach the top and soared high! And I guess my brother did succeed as well but that's IRRELEVANT! What is relevant is that I'm going to support her everyday! And last night, she sent me a message to come, I can't wait to see her again tonight!"

(Oh? So secret message is private message? That kinda make sense?)

"Heh, I suppose some encounters are pretty... Random."

Juha chimes in with uncertainty before she then continues asking:

"And what do you mean meet her tonight?"

"Ah right! I haven't tell you yet! But we are planning on going to a secret concert hosted by Miso herself!"

"Hmph! What a waste of time."

"How could you say that! I mean have you ever see her perform!?"

"Well... No, but-"

"No buts! Besides you probably have nothing to do! And you still gonna go since Sova is going! Plus, if what your brother says is true at lunch, I have a pretty good feeling he'll be there as well!"

"..."

Juha's face soured as she seem to understand or realize what is ahead. Juha sighs pinch between her eyes saying:

"Haah, what a mess."

"Well it's a mess when we think it is! Since we are here to have fun! Let's Have fun! Up we go!"

Yoo-Ah rushes ahead before stopping suddenly and looks back saying:

"So... Where's the princess's hall anyway?"

"Sigh... Just keep going, this is a one way travel with restrictions already in place. And it's not even that far anyways, you can see the hall gates from here.

Just like Juha said there's an open double gates, and unlike the halls of prince Seyong this place barely had anybody in it. I saw one person who just seem to be a servant cleaning in the restricted ways. And before we even arrive at the gates, someone rushes out shouting:

"Juha Unnie! Y-You're finally here!"

Ye-Ri the princess happily welcomes us with a tone that everyone can easily say is joyful.

"Welcome! Please! Come on in!"

Ye-Ri lead us inside as I see the hall she's in...

"Woah, so... Pretty."

"Really!? Thank you!"

Unlike the exotic theme the prince had this hall is... Flowers?

The flow of waves warp the walls to make some sort of five petal flowers. And everything seems to be decorated too, from the windows, floors and the ceiling. Maybe thanks to the emptiness, but I could actually see everything in detail. And every step I take feels like picking a path to come down as some floors are made of glass. The man-made beauty she presents are like snow up at the mountains while the rivers flow below. But the most eye catching is the huge veiled object present at the centre of it all. The shape seems to show something symmetrical but I can only guess.

"I have your favourite beverage on the ready! And your favourite snacks too! Of course, the palace recreational is open as well!"

(I wonder what Juha's favourite food and drinks I wonder?)

Thinking about food, the I look at the snacks Seyong asked me to give to her and quickly hand it to her saying:

"Princess Ye-Ri nim? Your brother ask me to give you this."

"Huh?"

As I hand her the snack bowl, Ye-Ri seems to hesitate but takes it anyways before I continue saying:

"And of course! Greetings princess Ye-Ri nim! Congratulations on the occasion... I said that right, right?"

I look at Juha who nods approvingly replying:

"Yes, congratulations from me as well, Ye-Ri."

"Congratulations princess Ye-Ri nim!"

Ye-Ri seems surprises a bit before she seems to calm down and smile wider and nods replying:

"Thanks accepted! You know what, let's just make this a private session anyways! Since it's just my close friends here, follow me, I have many food and drinks I wanna share."

Ye-Ri turns to the servants waiting at the sides shouting:

"Servants, close the doors please! This is a private girls party now!"

(Um...)

Burying my thoughts deep, the servants follow her commands, bit before closing the door Ye-Ri looks at the veiled object shouting:

"And Uncle! You heard me, you can wait outside!"

"B-But Lil Ye-Ri-"

"No buts! This is now a girl's only place!"

"Sigh... Okay..."

Her guardian walks out dejectedly alongside the male servants before the female servants close the door. With a huge smile Ye-Ri guide us to the long table with food still steaming and other snacks that are warm or cold...

"Is that ice cream?"

I point at the tall colourful stacks of scoops and Ye-Ri nods replying:

"Well not quite! Those are Sorbets! Unlike ice cream they are made without milk!"

"Ooh! I wanna try!"

Ye-Ri takes and hand me a weird spoon with two handles saying:

"Go ahead pick whichever you want."

"Thanks! So, how do I use this?"

"Really!? You don't know? Didn't you come from heaven? I thought they serve this type of food everyday when I went there."

"There's ice creams?"

(Whoa, maybe I should visit the fish sector or wherever they went to).

Ye-Ri looks at Juha as she is looking at the veiled object. As Juha turns she simply shake her head replying:

"Don't ask me, it seems she is a bit secluded even if she is from Heaven."

"Hum! Hum! It's fine! Let me show you how!"

Yoo-Ah comes in snatching the spoon away and continue saying:

"Witness Sova! The technique to scoop a head size sorbet with this tiny spoon!"

"Sorry what?"

Without answering, Yoo-Ah with a huge glass bowl in one hand and the spoon on the other scoops up the sorbet from the tray with such precision and speed as I wonder if she actually train with swords...

(Wait, isn't knives considered weapons? But the way she moves are not for attacking but just simplicity).

Seeing the multi coloured sorbet piling together into such an unbelievable size she then place it down at the glass bowl shouting:

"Hwa lah! Now what toppings do you want, Sova?"

Yoo-Ah looks at the variety of topping present at the long table but it seems I'm not the only one still surprised as the princess is surprised as well. Yoo-Ah presses the cold bowl saying:

"Hey, come on, before the sorbets melt."

"Ah! Well, let's see..."

Seeing the array I notice the same marble stone I ate when I first arrive here and ask:

"What about those round things?"

"Eeeh!? You want to put Yuligwaja with sorbets!? It'll ruin the sorbet's taste- Oh, right! You probably don't know what those are! Anyways! You're suppose to use syrups and fruits as decorations, Sova! Better yet, some crackers and cakes will do mighty fine!"

"Eh? Well..."

As I look at the arrangements, a group of girls wearing expensive dresses come towards us. One of them steps forward and lower her head saying:

"I'm sorry, Ye-Ri. It seems this party is a failure."

Ye-Ri nods but smile saying:

"Yeah... But I can't say it is a full failure. After all, we have not only Jin-Juha Unnie but a Guardian in training and the daughter of Lord Yoo-Saki."

" "Eeehh!?" "

The small crowd panics as they look at us before some of them shouts:

"Lord Yoo-Saki!? As in one of the Heroes of the Coalition and Slayer of Kings!?", "Wait, Guardian in training? Does that mean she's close to Lord Song-Iseon nim!?", "An Owlian as Guardian!? Is that even possible!?", "Either way, with those two we are definitely surpassing princess-"

"At ease!"

The princess yells as the group slowly quiets down and Ye-Ri with a regretful look continues saying:

"Don't misunderstand, I didn't sway them to my side but merely honoured guests. This party is not a means to gain followers but to have fun! I realize that maybe following and copying my seniors won't do me any good. So, let's just do it my way!

Now, forget about the court, forget about courtesy and let's just enjoy the party we have organized ourselves!"

" "Yes, my princess!" "

The group disperse to their own doings when Juha approach Ye-Ri saying:

"Hmph! It seems you've grown a bit."

"Yeah, seeing the time flow as no one comes has been quite a heart wrenching experience. But now, maybe I just need to do it naturally."

As the two talk and walk away, some girls gather near them. I felt another cold sensation on my neck and remember that I need to pick my toppings. I turn around saying:

"Ah, since I don't know any of the fruits here, I'll just let you choose, Yoo-Ah!"

"Alright then!"

While Yoo-Ah picks me some of the toppings and sauce, I heard a someone walk to us. Seeing her, I can't help but remind me of Ri-Mi when she bows down gracefully sayinh:

"Greetings, my name is Jun-Hwali."

"Oh, I'm Sova Anmao nice to meet you."

(Wait, no family name?)

Before I could ask her what she wants Hwali continue saying:

"Is it true, you are a guardian in training?"

"Huh?"

(Right, that's just a lie Juha use to convince that elder and the princess but...)

Before I could answer she continues asking:

"Does that mean, you've seen Ri-Mi yes?"

"Oh? You mean the girl always around the Colonel?"

"So you do!? Please, tell me how is she doing!?"

"Huh?"

Hwali rush ahead when Yoo-Ah intervenes saying:

"Stop where you are! What are you planning!?"

Yoo-Ah hands me the bowl and Hwali stops before she backs away solemnly replying:

"Right, I should explain. I'm Ri-Mi's little sister."

(Little sister!?)

Seeing her, Hwali's is a girl in her early twenties and much taller compared to the shorter and younger-looking Ri-Mi...

(More like why do they have different names?)

"You see, I'm actually trying to communicate with her or at least find her but..."

"Wait, what does the colonel have to do with that? Didn't the Colonel let you see her? Or didn't you call for her with your magic items?"

"Well, that's the point. She's been with the Colonel ever since the Coalition war and she never return ever since."

"She never did? Wait, is there something I don't understand here?"

"I guess let me explain."

As I ask that, Juha appear with the princess. With a orange drink in her hand she continue saying:

"Compared to the other royal army, the 2nd royal army under the Colonel and Lord Hak-Kin nim holds very crucial information and state secrets just like the IDB. So their members are not only very limited but prohibited from contact with anybody else without Superior supervision and approval."

"Really!? That sounds pretty depressing!"

"Yea!"

Yoo-Ah and I agree as I use this time to take a bite of the sorbet...

(Sweet and cold! It seems like the perfect combination!)

Juha then looks at Hwali and continue saying:

"Though you need not worry, I saw Ri-Mi a few days ago and she's is the Colonel's partner. I'm sure she is doing fine."

Hwali sheds a tear hearing the news and cover her face saying:

"Thank you, I'm so happy to know she's fine. I thought she became fodder when the Colonel took her away."

(He did what? It's kinda hard to imagine the Colonel do that... Then again, he did carry her like a luggage back when we met him at the train... Then again, he did say he is letting her sleep during my late visit, so he must care her a lot).

Hwali wipes the tear off her face with a napkin and try to hold her tears back saying:

"I'm sorry, please let me help you if you want something. Oh, I implore you to try a certain combination."

"That's right! Please have these drinks as well."

"W-Wait, I haven't even finish my-"

The girls soon starts bombarding me with dishes and drinks that I can't carry them all. Yoo-Ah seem to let it pass as she is having her own fun picking the royal dish.

(Fuuuh, a girl's party... I wonder how do the girls here do that?)

Wondering so, I start asking:

"So... What do girls do at parties here?"

" "Huh?" "

Ye-Ri and the group turns to me and starts answering:

"Many things! We can try some manicures, or share our products."

"Share stories of recent events, especially about the recent dramas like about the Colonel's house got raided. I say it's definitely the butt hurt nobles losing their childrens from the Colonel's purge! I guess that's their punishment for crossing the line!"

"Or I suppose, about you, Sova Anmao Ssi! You're a very hot topic especially now!"

"I guess alongside Sova Ssi would be the Prince and that other adventurer... Ye-Ha? Either way, the whole mystery around the whole promotion quest is entirely debatable too! Like why did one of the Guardian appear at the end and killed those hunters and attacked you, Sova Ssi?"

"Quite the general topic, but we of course also have to talk about Lady Eun-Ha. She's such a bitch at the gathering, I mean who does she think she is making advances to the top guys at the hall! Did she miss one of them is already engaged!?"

" "Yeah!" "

Ye-Ri listening to the group turns to me asking:

"What about you, Sova Ssi? Do you have a topic you like?"

"Huh? Me? Well..."

I start to ponder for a while as eyes gather around me. Even Juha and Yoo-Ah who's stuffing her mouth is curious before I answer,

"Say, do any of you like heroic tales?"

(I kinda sound... Boring now that I heard everyone's hobby. At least fishing sound fun, here I am a pretty plain and boring person).

"Woah, you're actually quite a dreamer huh?"

"Excuse me?"

"My, Sova Ssi! I got you! Those heroes from tales always have such beautiful pictures and guys! Sadly they're probably kinda fake but all profile pictures fake anyways!"

"Huh?"

(Profile pictures? Is it the one people use to travel?)

One of the girls comment before Ye-Ri says:

"Amusing, you sure have quite a peculiar hobby. But when it comes to reading, it has to be romance! Especially love triangles! Or at least make the girl choose between two equally attractive partners!"

" "Yeah!" "

"Love triangle? What's that?"

(That sounds like complete chaos).

" "GASP!!!" "

Confused by the concept the group fell in shock by my question before they starts bombarding me with critics and question like,

"You don't know love triangles!? What kind of literacy have you been reading!?", "Sova Ssi! You are missing out on so much!", "Don't tell me you never read romance before!?", "where did you grow up where Love Triangle doesn't exist!?"

Seeing them heating up, I try to direct the conversation away by asking:

"U-Um... Ignoring that, what about idols then?"

"Huh? Those fake bitches? Ptui!", "Hmph! Those seducing harlots can easily go fish it!", "Yeah! Thanks to them, my fiance pays more attention to his screen than me! They are a scourge!", "And not only that, they make people spend fortunes on low effort merchandise it's becoming a real pain!", "Especially princess Mi-Ok can suck it for supporting them! I mean do you hear their forced cutesy voice? It bleeds my ears! Can't they just talk normally!?", "I suppose the boy idols is nice but all of them starts to look the same as more comes out! Everyone's just imitating Yoo-Gisa nim!", "Oh, wait! Isn't Yoo-Gisa the son of Yoo-Saki nim!?"

Seeing my attempt backfire and cause the flames to grow even more I realize,

(Wow, they sure do hate them... Wait!)

I look back seeing Yoo-Ah who doesn't seem bothered much by their comments until Yoo-Gisa's name show up but which surprised me as Juha seems to react more.

(Though I guess this just show some girls here don't really like idols?)

Ye-Ri sighs at them and says,

"Well, I mean I'm pretty neutral about it but, I doubt many likes them especially when the famous case is made clear with how..."

She looks at Juha who's just watching everything unfolds before continuing with,

"Her brother ended up in "that" state. It has somehow become a noble's taboo or guilty pleasure."

(Right, they don't know her brother is actually not a shut in).

*Chatter* *Chatter*

As they continue to lambast the idols. Even from me, I can easily tell Yoo-Ah doesn't seem to be having fun hearing them as the conversation goes on. I try to redirect the question away again asking:

"Um, princess Ye-Ri nim."

"Just call me, Ye-Ri, Sova Ssi. I'll allow you to do so. But please let me call you Sova as well!"

"O-Oh, sure but then... Ye-Ri, what is with that veiled object? Is it something you're gonna show?"

*Clap*

"Ah right!"

Ye-Ri's clap silence the group before runs towards the huge thing and starts saying:

"Ahem! Since this is all the attendees, let me just quickly unveil my newest art work! It took me 4 months to make this! Witness, my newest magnum opus!"

The princess pulls the giant veil away as it flutters and the lights gathers in one spot. As I am not a man of art and all those fancy museum things, I can't really tell much of things other than it's pretty or not personally. The best I could do was simply differentiate colours in paintings thanks to her but...

Motifs and pattern, ornate and well-made arts made to a statute. I may not tell much but I can see the effort someone makes, the way it is somehow a hollow piece with things inside means she must've crawled and spent hours inside to make it, I can only imagine how that feels... Probably like how I crawled in that tunnel during that promotion exam.

"So, what do you think? As for me, I personally give myself a 1000 out of 100!"

"Of course, Princess! It's amazing!"

"Yeah! We see you personally made this from the start!"

"What do you think, Sova Ssi?"

Hwali turnt to ask me and I can simply answer,

"I'm not really an art person but I can tell the effort. It's nice to look..."

(Not repeatedly I guess?)

"Thanks!"

*Knock* *knock*

"Someone's entering!"

A large knock resound heavily upon the entrance gate and the princess frown replying:

"Who is it!? I thought nobody's coming anymore!"

*Clang*

"Wait, Lord Hua Zhixi nim!"

The gates opens up either way for a a group to enter but standing out is a certain lady. Her familiar red velvet hair passing through her waist contrast with her snow white skin. Wearing a beautiful long red dress with beautiful motives and many layers of exaggerated cloth that drags to the floor along with embroidery.

"Lord Hua Zhixi nim!?"

The princess loudly exclaim and I can't help but be surprised by her sudden appearance or maybe not.

(The princess is showcasing art, I suppose she would be here being an art lover since she was little).

Hua Zhixi walks to the princess accompanied by female guards wearing unique-looking white robes with long tail coats and detailed motives similar to her as they seem to help keep her distanced from everyone. Even if they wear the same clothes, they all look distinct as each guard seem to decorate them to their taste it seem as one can be seen to wear her coat like a cape and have no sleeves while another made her clothes hide her entire head like some kind of mummy while she carry a wrapped up huge weapon. Simply put, they all have many unique details to observe.

(Weird for some reason I can tell how strong they are even if they hide their qi... Though this is becoming dangerous since each and everyone of them is as at least as strong as that Wolf-kin at the promotion quest and there's like more than 10 of them here and all of them are almost as tall as Sis Rubeca! Does that mean each guard are part of the 13 families?)

The guards made way and opens a path for Hua Zhixi to bow gracefully saying:

"Greetings, Princess Belluga Ye-Ri. I, Hua Zhixi am here to follow your invitation. Forgive me, for being late."

(Woah... I got a real sense of nostalgia. I wonder how many years has it been since I last heard her voice?)

"Oh! No! Not at all! Um...

The princess panicking a bit looks left and right before she get herself together and bows along replying:

"Please, enjoy everything we can provide! Thank you so much for coming so far!"

Hua Zhixi then nods and walks towards the grand piece.

"Move aside."

She gives me a glance while the guards push me away. Smiling as she looks the princess approach her and before she could ask Hua Zhixi says:

"This is truly a wonderful piece."

"You really think so!? That's high praise coming from you. I'm eternally grateful! Though, I'm surprised you would actually show up- Uh-no! Wait! I mean-"

"I understand your sentiment, Princess Ye-Ri nim. But in the end of the day, I'm but an art lover. And I am most curious about foreign art or how people outside Heaven perceive art. This is a good experience."

"O-Oh, is that so?"

Juha and Yoo-Ah walks close to us, Yoo-Ah understandably seems a bit agitated with food in her hands as her arrival seem to fill the hall with pressure. Wondering if she truly doesn't remember or maybe that she really doesn't recognize me in my new look...

I decided to simply turn away and enjoy the sorbets in my hands.

"Wha- hey!"

"Sova!"

"Hmm?"

Wondering what happened, I turn around and see Hua Zhixi standing close. With her guards forming a circle around us, Sis Hua simply says,

"You..."

"Huh?"

*Gulp*

With my mouth full and cheeks stuffed with sweets, I decided to gulp it all down so I can speak and I see the guards not hiding their deathly glare.

"Hello there."

Wondering if she is still the same, she continue saying:

"There's only one person I know who would wear such ugly headband."

"Sigh..."

(Is it really ugly? I heard many said that but I'm sure my mom take many care to make it).

I put the bowl down and confront her closely as I feel the murderous intent the guards rises with each step. While some put their hands close to their weapons, I reply with,

"Yea, Sis Hua it's me, Sova."

"Huh?"

Hua twitch as the tail end of her dress seem to react before she steps back a little and I continue saying:

"It's been almost a decade since you suddenly left us back at our district."

"..."

"It's a sudden meeting but it's nice to see you again."

"How funny."

"Yea, just like you I changed... A lot."

"A lot is quite an understatement. So you really are secretly a girl? Maybe I should've joined them to see. Here I thought you are afraid of them."

"Well, most of my friends are girls but I don't mind them much now. And no, I am still a man!"

Sis Hua looks away replying:

"This is quite a hard pill to swallow."

Seeing the awkwardness, I took in a deep breathe and open my arms wide as I remember old time.

"Following the flowers for Hope rest behind us. You promised me and May you wouldn't leave without saying goodbye... I hope you remember what happens when you break a promise?"

Speaking back in Runician, I recited back what she said the last time we saw her. Sis Hua eyes widened as she then seems to soften her posture, gesturing her guards to stand down and back away.

"For old time sake?"

I ask and ready myself while Sis Hua nods with her arms open as well replying:

"Please be gentle."

"Course no!"

*Hug*

I close my arms and embrace her tightly shouting my feelings:

"I miss you so much! Where have you been all this time!?"

"That's... A bit complicated."

"And how could you just break your promise so easily!? Aren't you the one who taught us the value of a promise in the Confederation!?"

"That's..."

"Can't you at least contact us easily like all of her friends!? Just a simple mail is not that hard is it with May's little friends!?"

"Well..."

"And what was that stunt in that store!? I understand if you don't recognized me but I thought you didn't Discriminate against Owlians!? What happened to you!?"

"Haaah..."

Sis Hua simply hug me back as I realize Sis Hua is now the same height as me. She tighten her embrace replying:

"I suppose we have many things to catch up with. Ahh... You really have become so strong, and back then the weak old me was able to overpower you. I should've expected much from someone who became an adventurer immediately."

"Heh, that just show how manly I have grown."

Sis pats me on my back and loosen her hold while I do the same before she backs away shaking. I reach my hand out to help and she takes it replying:

"Pfff, alright, I suppose it's nice to hear your charade. Consider yourself lucky, after all any man who is not family would've been taken in, tortured, and castrated right away if they ever hold me like you did. I am a women of High Society after all."

"I wonder if Sis Fei is considered high society with her behavior? Still, about that word... Sis, what does castrate even mean? I heard it a lot here."

Sis Hua lets go of my hand and stood straight as she looks away laughing,

"Pfff, hahaha! Oh, Sova, some parts of you never change it seems. And following what everyone does when you ask something like that, I guess the appropriate answer is... You don't need to know."

"Oh come on!"

"Why must you be so angry? Just look up the dictionary if you are that curious. It's a very popular word for women of nobility."

"Urgh... Still, talking about catching up, I actually made a friend without you and May. His name is Nicole and he is quite fun to be with."

"He, you said? Really? Knowing my information, The chances of you encountering a guy is very slim... Real slim without direct intervention."

"What does that even mean!? And there's now way that's true!"

Sis pats me on the head and ruffle my hair a bit before saying:

"Say what you wish, the spirits never lie. Especially when they really hate you."

"Well, I'm not surprised they hate me... But after that, believe it or not. I actually founded out that May had an older sister. I was more than shocked when I first saw her during my work with how tall she is. The family was reunited but tensions seems to be quite high as they say Sis Rubeca is dangerous."

"Rubeca is May's sister? Huh... Interesting, that certainly pieces some puzzles. And that green hair does match and their threat is unimaginable... Still, you work when I went away? Not that we advocate child labour but my brother could learn some diligence or two from you."

"You have a brother!?"

"Yes, a few years after I left. He's a much younger than you now and is pretty adorable. Since he's pretty healthy, he's going to enlist to the Turtle School next year."

"Oh! The Turquoise turtle school huh? That's nice-"

"Time's up, that's all we'll be hearing, Sova."

"Huh? Why? Didn't you say we have many to catch up?"

"Yes, but not now. Not especially when I'm your enemy. Consider this our last time for ever getting so close."

"I'm sorry what?"

"Kyaa!", "W-What's going on!?", "There's no way we can stop that!", "Stay close to me, Lil Ye-Ri!", "Sova!"

Wondering what's with this sudden development. Sis Hua backs away while her guards swarms infront of me and blocks our path. The wrath, the angry and livid expression they show while some try to suppress it by grinding their teeth. The expression her guards shows me is beyond comfortable as some is already pulling their weapons half out and unleashing their powerful qi and magic that levitates the whole array of food and utensils at the table.

Sis Hua looks away at the grand piece the princess made and says:

"I am but a many part of the people and they are a many part of me. As long as you stand alongside the phoenix sector, we shall never share a glass. But as this will be us parting ways, I'll say this..."

She stares back at me as her red eyes glows and she continue saying:

"That push to the north will be your last attempt. Even when those 2 failed with their intervention, we the people will stop you if it's the last thing we'll do. We'll crush Yuwei's ambition here at the northern peninsula!"

Hearing all of that, I just want to ask one simple question...

"What happened to you, Sis Hua?"

Sis Hua's eyes dampens replying:

"I guess I'm doing tough decisions lately."

She looks at the panicking princess who is surrounded by her group hiding behind her uncle. She bows saying:

"I'm sorry but I'll be taking my leave first. I have engraved your art upon my memories."

Speaking back into the native tongue here, Ye-Ri shakes her head while clutching her Uncle replying:

"N-N-N-No problem! Please come again! Since I... I'm going to keep making these wonderful art!"

Sis Hua nods with a smile and give me one last glance before walking out of the room. The guards quickly follow afterwards and the whole levitating objects fall yet luckily nothing was a mess. When the guards shut the gates, the princess and her group drop to their knees saying:

"What the hell was that!?", "I think I just lost half of my life...", "What are those guards!? Even I can tell they are leagues beyond the royal crimson guards!", "Is everybody okay!?", "I think Lord Hua Zhixi might be more than we thought."

"Sova..!!!"

Yoo-Ah rush and jump over to hug me and continue shouting:

"Are you okay!? Who the hell was that!? Did you actually know her!? And what's with that sudden hug!? And I thought your Sis was a... Anyways! Do you actually have more than one sister!?"

Juha approaches soon after feeling hopelessness and say,

"Let's just hope nothing like that happen again. Sigh... I suppose your brother is right about Heaven."

"Ah~! Lalala! I don't wanna hear mentions of him!"

"I'm more impressed you didn't feel flinched by them."

"I got used to it! Those are usually what happens when my dad and other heroes gather, they unleash these powerful waves similar to that!"

"Sigh... Sometimes you say the craziest things as well."

"U-Um..."

The princess approaches and even bows down as the other girl does the same shouting:

"Forgive our insolence! We didn't know you are part of Central Heaven!"

Hwali seems terrified as well as she says:

"Please, forgive me for asking such trivial requests before!"

The terror they feel and show seems to change their perspective of me and I just want to say,

"Please, don't act like that. And besides, I'm not from Central. You don't need to say sorry or anything either."

"But you... You called her Sis, and then speak in High Heaven..."

"Sigh... Please, treat me like before or just casually. I'm more sorry since that probably happen because of me."

"Um, no! Not at all! It's... Aargh! Anyways! I-It's fine right? You won't execute me or anything right?"

"Course no! I wouldn't do such a thing! And what gave you that idea?"

"That's... Well since it's fine, do you want me to get you something?"

Realizing that the princess is the one offering, I simply just nod saying:

"Sure?"

"I suppose some sweet cakes will be fine..."

(Cakes... Well I guess since it's free and it's not made the same way from where I'm from I guess it's fine).

The princess walks away and her Uncle approaches her trying to support her. Seeing Yoo-Ah already continue eating, I try to clear my mind and do what I can here for.

To eat good food.

I turn toward Yoo-Ah and,

"Say, mind showing me more combination?"

"Sure thing! I just wish there's something more fulfilling! It's all sweets and cakes here!"

"Sigh... I commend your bravery."