Leaving the Magnificent City. (Part 2)

My mind has been above the clouds as of late. Thinking, pondering, wondering why am I like this?

(Why am I so down? I'm supposed to be happy that I'm going to a party and visiting the school again but...)

I just can't bring myself to smile. Luckily with my helmet on, I was able to hide it but I wonder if they already notice it?

"..."

*clap!*

I open my helmet and smack my cheeks as hard as I can. Feeling the burn I thought to myself,

(Enough of the heavy and big thinking! Since Sis is giving me this chance, why not take it!)

"Sova?"

Sis Fei look at me worried and I look at her with a smile replying:

"Don't worry, Sis! Let's make sure we enjoy the party when we arrive."

With the armour fixed, my alternate voice returns as I answer her back. Sitting across me, Sis rests her elbow on the table and lean her head to her hands. Maybe it was the clothing or maybe it's because I rarely see Sis in her casuals which is a coat over a shirt and shorts that don't even reach her knees but her smile carries more shock when she replies:

"Heh, sure."

I then look at Saya to distract the thoughts saying:

"I hope you enjoyed it too, Saya!"

"Urgh...! Don't you know what it means by taking a break?"

"C'mon, don't be so discouraged! We're going to a party!"

"You're the one who wants to go, not me! And besides, I don't like parties."

"Awh..."

"Well, it's your choice if you want to come or not. I'll leave the train open for you."

"Yeah, yeah..."

After I was carried away, it seems Sis has ordered Yuria to leave.

(I just hope she gives the drink to Sus Yuwei if possible).

After that, Saya who saw me being whisked away followed along since she seems to be bound to me or something. Still, now that I got my energy back, I look at Sis asking:

"Say, Sis."

"What?"

"Do you have something I can train here or something?"

"Oh, well there's a cultivating room 2 doors after the right one."

"Ah, sorry sis. I guess I haven't told you this before, but... I can't cultivate any more."

"Huh? What the hell are you talking about?"

"Well, I don't know exactly when but it seems in exchange for using magic. I lost my ability to cultivate. I can't even draw the natural powers from outside anymore either. But I can still use techniques like how I normally use qi."

"Hey, you gotta be kidding right? But then again, that would explain your empty body. I thought you got good with hiding your powers..."

Sis leans back folding her arms with worry. I stand up replying:

"Don't worry Sis, I lose some and I gained something else. I may not be able to train my qi but I think I wanna try training my body and perhaps figure out a proper way to use my magic."

"Hmm, I see. I'm not a dualist or am I efficient with magic like my Sis, so I can't help you there. Sorry."

"Don't worry, Sis!"

(Wait, Sis rarely show her self so weak... Could it be she's sad that I lose my qi? Right, Sis Rubeca told me that for martial artists to lose their qi is equivalent to losing their life).

I slam my hand to the table we're in and continue saying:

"It's okay, Sis, I may lose my qi but unlike all of you who's been cultivating for so long, mine is just a year's worth. And besides, I got my magic which seems to be stronger so all is well and good!"

"If that's how you see it then, I suppose there's nothing more to pursue. Just take better care of yourself next time okay?"

"Okay! So, which way was it again? For the training room?"

Sis points at the door to the right replying:

"Just head over there, if magic seems to work on you-"

"Um, Sis this may sound weird but even though I can use magic, magic still can't affect me. Except for the one that hurts you with summoning elements or something..."

"That is one weird power you have. Then I doubt this place has anywhere big..."

Sis ponders for a while before continue saying:

"Hmm, you know what, just go there to use your magic then. And I'll follow along, I'm also curious about this."

"Oh? Sure! Lead the way then, Sis!"

Sis stands and leaves first before I follow suit. When I look back at Saya she fans her hand as to say go on without me. Following Sis to the next room, we entered a dark place. But everything shines bright and lightens up as the sound of light turns on around us. Maybe because this place has nothing much in it like the previous one but this place is huge! Like 3 time the size of the previous room.

(I'm pretty sure each cart is like the same size outside! And she's telling me this is small?)

Sis points at a punching bag saying:

"Alright, unleash your magic then Sova."

"Alright! Watch this..."

I close my eyes and tried to think one to pop in my head... And just like that, something comes up and I raise my hand at the punching bag thinking,

[Oltro]

A magic circle appear on my palm and shoots off a small purple light. The light travels quick and zaps the punching bag, causing it to explode and its inside flying everywhere.

"Woah, where did the source come from? And a magic circle? Isn't that too ancient?"

"I don't understand what's ancient or not but if I can use it, why not?"

Sis pulls another bag out from the walls and hangs it replying:

"Well it's your powers so use it as you see fit. C'mon try it again."

"Sure! But this time, I want to use magic myself. I've been doing it using instincts all this time after all."

"I don't really understand but good luck I guess."

Sis waves at me and takes a seat at the rear. Wondering what to do next, I peer deep into my memories as I search for a way and a why... Darkness is all I see in the darkness... That when a certain tune plays, a single droplet fell among the countless rain and the possibility appear before me. Words formed from the white mist beneath the black waves...

Power surges from within as purple vortex swallow me within its massive spiral, that's when a spell pops up. Realizing that this another instinct in motion, I stop.

"What's wrong? You seem pretty close there."

"Sorry, Sis, but..."

And idea appears as I continue saying:

"Can you please let me borrow a notebook and a pen or pencil?"

"Eh? S-Sure I guess. Hold on."

Sis stands up and pulls out her magic bag. She hands me the note and pen while shaking her head in defeat saying:

"I still can't believe I carry papers with me like a nerd, her influence sure runs deep."

"Who are you talking about sis?"

"My partner in crime- I mean, what are YOU going to use this note for?"

"Well, since those spells pop in my head I thought why not write them downs so I don't forget them. I mean, I can't even remember the spells in my previous mission."

"Ah! Back to the old way huh? Well take it then, it's already used but it's only the first page."

"Oh? Okay! Thanks, Sis! Time to start my training."

"Sure, I'll be in the other room. Just go there if you need anything else, okay?"

"Sure, Sis!"

(Sis' actually very caring and attentive. I'm glad to have her close... Still, a partner in crime? Does that mean Sis have more friends? I'm happy to know that! Wait a second! Is Sis doing illegal activities!? Then again, gambling is illegal in most place isn't it!?).

"Snap out of it, don't fill your head with that. I have those spells to remember. Now, what is it that I cast just now?"

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

In times where the sun wouldn't shine, the stars take its place while the moon orbits beside them.

*clang* *clang* *clang*

Light fades as shadows creep in and the yellow glow takes over.

*screech* *psssh*

The sound of dragging steel echoes when the entire view stops moving. Gates open and I set out with my face behind a mask. With few lights paving the way, I look around the place.

(This is the same place Sis brought us when we enter her train. I wonder if this is her private station?)

"Alright, follow close, Sova."

"Yes, Sis."

(Oh... I'm actually going to a big party for the first time. I wonder how they do it? I mean I heard from May that the parties we had in her friend's and our room is nothing to the ones adults do... Then again the one May and I always do is called pyjama party, maybe there's a difference?)

Looking around more I start to realize some things that I don't see when I fist come here. I could see abandoned shops, unused utilities and outdated posters, or should I say looking similar to the abandoned underground station back at home? Curious I start asking:

"Say, Sis, I never really ask back then but what's with this station? Is it okay to use?"

Sis summons forth multiple purple embers like candles to light up the path replying:

"Don't worry, it's fine I even got permission from that tiny principal."

"Oh? Okay, I guess..."

We soon ascent above, Exiting the dark tunnel to the untended garden. Unlike the first time I went there this place is quite serene. No music or the cheers and laughter nor the explosions that give colour to the dark blue sky and stars. Just the jeers of insects, waves, and wind by the falling petals. The spirit of the festival gone but this moment is just as good.

"So where's the party, Sis? If I remember correctly, Sis Qiyue said at some harbour right?"

"Yup!"

Sis replied before she points in a certain direction and continues saying:

"The old harbour's that way."

Her fingers land at where there's a shining light beyond the turquoise trees.

"Oh...!"

My voice leaked out as I see my destination. From afar, my ears quickly pick up the sound of flutes, violins, and other instruments playing from the thin veil beyond the gaps of leaves and falling petals, I could see light and people coming together at a banquet for hundreds or maybe even more. Seeing Saya finally coming out of the train, I walk closer to her saying:

"We're pretty close."

"I see..."

Saya answers back with a frown, seeing her so unwilling I can't help but ask,

"What's wrong? Are you really that reluctant?"

"Yes, but more importantly... How the hell have we been entering the capital district of a major sector without any passport or visa!? I mean last time I tried to leave without one I got my ass in jail!"

"Oh? That's pretty bad... But I need to ask, what's a visa? And passport?"

"Seriously?"

Saya glares at me with disbelief before Sis Fei wraps her hand around my neck and look at her replying:

"Don't worry about that, just think of the tunnels as a special place where only certain vehicles and people can come through. Now let's go."

Sis pulls me along before letting me go and walk ahead as to lead me.

Saya instead goes back inside saying:

"You guys go ahead, I'm gonna stay inside the train."

"Huh?"

She leaves us here when Sis pulls me before I could give a proper reply. Passing through the empty paved road, seeing plants growing from the cracks and the overgrown bushes that seeps in we soon reach the main school. Even during the night windows shines brightly from all the floors while the gates remain open. I could see students and their peers who are not wearing a uniform, with red cups and food on their hand it seems the party even reach here. And I could even see some shadowy figures behind the bushes and trees and I could even hear more from the rusling behind the school's gate walls and forests.

They soon notice Sis Fei and the place grows quiet as the guys look in amazements while the females grow sour. Before long their gaze falls onto me, all of them grows pale and disperse like rabbits as if fear has overtaken them. The front gates have become quiet as we appear and enter the building, wherever we go they would look at Sis Fei in amazements before running away after seeing me.

(Hmm? Did I do something? Wait, I'm not exuding an aura right? I'm pretty sure I have none of that).

Seeing Sis look back at me amused I can't help but continue wonder. Trudging over the maze-like school grounds the music grows louder as we soon exit the building and end up in a large open ground. Standing on some higher ground with large artistically paved stairs leading down and the place filled to the brim with people mostly our age. For once I can't help but be amazed at how there are this many people who are as young as me. Some of them wear exquisite robes, dresses, or their uniforms, some of them even have people escorting them or guard them as I could see warriors dress in suits, light armour and uniform. And even more amazing is that I can see the deep blue sea sparkling the ocean of stars above from where we exit as the port's tower shines and the great Rucina walls are visible from here. Not to say the falling turquoise petals and the lighting on the roads. One thing to say this looks like one of those parties in those fairy tales I read but instead in some castle, it's on an open field or port or a mix of both.

Feeling someone nudge at my arm I look beside me and see Sis Fei saying:

"Hey, Sova, look you can see the ocean from here, nice huh?"

I nod excitingly replying:

"Mhm! This place looks so pretty, Sis! Hard to believe we're still in a school. Or I can't wonder what this place looked like without any people."

Sis folds her arms and nods replying:

"Oh, even better and I suppose this place is pretty. Oh, look, you can see Qiyue and her group there at the port. And here I thought they can't make themselves more obvious.'

"Huh?"

Surprised by her words, I tried to focus. Like what Sis said, it seems there's a higher platform where more than 20 people gather around three large tables. I could see Qiyue wearing an exquisite white and turquoise robe with pentagon patterns while talking with someone and there's even Cole there beside her too talking with the same person Qiyue is talking to.

"Oh, you're right. I can see Sis Cole and there are a lot of weird and important-looking people too."

From someone wearing their uniforms weird like using their green coats as some hood as they hunch forward, or like Qiyue wearing a beautiful-looking robe or extravagant dress and suit or a set of armour like mine or even some foreign clothing, the group up at the platform are sure a unique bunch.

(I didn't even realize they were there when I look around. Sis is pretty amazing... And wait, when can I look that far clearly? And wait again, Sis can look that far too?)

"Let's greet them, shall we? We're going up there."

"Huh? I suppose but Sis can we go there without being seen?"

"Hmm? Why? I'm pretty sure you're not afraid of crowds."

"It's the opposite Sis..."

I look to my left and right and realizing that the people who are resting near the door we exit had disappeared, I look at Sis and continue saying:

"It seems they're afraid of me."

"Pfff, hahaha! I guess you're right. Then don't wear such insidious gear. I mean who wears that kind of armour when they're going to a party? (I guess imperial parties have those)."

"W-What do you mean insidious!? This armour looks cool! And they don't? I mean I could see some of them wearing one."

"Well, like I said, not as bad as you. They are escorts so of course, they'll wear one but lightly or hidden. You're kinda sticking out like a sore thumb, to be honest."

"I-I see..."

(Ah, how distracted am I that I don't even think enough of myself... Now that I think about it, I don't know much about clothing ethics and occasions do I?)

"I guess I could remove this armour but I can't just leave it here and going back will be a hassle. Then again, aren't you the one who carried me to the train while I was still half-awake-"

"Hush you! Fine, I'll help you go there unseen."

"Thanks, Sis."

Sis nods and slaps my back replying:

"It's fine."

Rather than going down the stairs, she leads me to the side of the building before going to the forest by going down a steep ground and jumping over the stone walls.

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

As we walk through unseen, hearing the echo of the calming music as if this is a leisure day. We soon reach the end of the road as my ears pick up the sound of crashing waves. I gather my thoughts for a while as we travel and I soon remember.

"Say Sis I kinda forgot to ask but what is my mission? I mean before I leave this city."

"Oh? Well, I negotiated with the crown chancellor and Sis to switch jobs you see. But just know that right now, your mission is to escort me."

(Negotiate? Why do they need to negotiate? And wait...)

"Escort? Like, protect you, Sis? I don't know if I can or you need-"

"Atatap!"

Sis covers the vision on my visor prompting me to stop before she continues saying:

"If you can't guess that's a fluke."

"Fluke? You mean the mission is fake? What?"

"Don't think too much, just enjoy the party okay? This is for you after all."

"Oh? I guess so... Thanks."

My feet sink in the moist sands and the walls end there. Sis turns around and we reach where the higher pedestal are. The place where Qiyue sits looks even bigger from up close as we need to go through the stairs. Maybe I was frozen in place but Sis pulls me along, without any place to grab I hold her hands more tightly as the people blocking our way.

The night seems still like the music change as well. Maybe because I rarely ever go alone at night or that I ever see so many people gathering at such a late time but everything seems fun and still when we finally reach the higher pedestal. Sis lets me go and the gathering of people grew silent as they saw Sis and soon their face become grim and serious when they saw me.

Sis walks ahead and waves her hand saying:

"Sorry for being late~ Been quite busy in my sector you know. And..."

With a wide smile Sis went behind me and hold my shoulders saying:

"Don't worry about this one. Gotta bring an escort for safety reasons ya know."

"Heh, if it isn't the Bird of Fortune. Didn't think you would show up. Welcome, I suppose."

The one to respond first was a guy probably a year older than us, wearing his uniform with his top two buttons open to show his built chest and unique-looking necklace.

"Well take a seat, I'm sure we have a lot to catch-up, Fei."

The other to answer is a girl with mint coloured hair that seems to sparkle with the moonlight. Wearing her uniform neatly she seems to be the strict type as her sharp crimson eyes seem to glow in the dark. Sis lets me go and push me ahead saying:

"Heh, why don't you go wait with Qiyue, I need to greet the others for a while."

"E-Eh? S-Sure I guess?"

Sis push me more and force me to walk past several people before I finally reach Qiyue with Cole sitting beside her. Maybe it's because of my armour making me taller but this is the first time I look down on someone who's not a kid or Saya. I nod my head saying:

"Been a while Sis Qiyue, I guess around a week or so?"

"Sis!?"

"Huh?"

"Mm?"

"Qiyue, you know this boor?"

"My lady..."

The girls surrounding her begin to grow wary and even Qiyue seems to raise her guard and a girl with coral blue hair and eyes moves close as to intercept. Realizing what's wrong I slap my forehead saying:

"Ah, sorry. I haven't even shown my face either. Let me try again."

I open my visor and try to give the biggest smile saying:

"Good evening Sis Qiyue, it's me Suowa. You helped me find Sis Fei back then remember?"

"Huh?"

"S-Suowa?"

"K-Kin?"

"Eh?"

"So he's a she? And an Owlian huh?"

Their face seems to drop as I show her my face and my voice changed. Qiyue looks at me surprise as well and the girl beside her lower her guard when,

"Kin!"

"Muh!"

Cole jumps and hugs me, making the other girls even more shocked.

"Nice to meet you again, Sis Cole."

"Ehehe, Yes! Come sit beside me! And open your armour as well!"

Sis Cole hugs me tighter before letting go to sit. I look back at Sis Fei before returning to ask,

"I can? I mean this armour is pretty important."

"It's fine! Hurry!"

"O-Okay?"

(I guess since this is close, it's fine).

I release the armour and come out when I hear some of the girls squeal Cole pulls me over with insane strength and force me to share the chair with her.

"My gosh, when did you meet her, Qiyue?"

"She's freaking adorable! Wait, isn't she that girl in the picture? I heard her picture boosted sales for the cosmetic club."

"I gotta admit, I'm almost tricked to buying those for my lady..."

"Didn't they say she's a servant?"

Confused by what to do next, while Cole pats my head, one of the girls with black twin-tail hair leans forward saying:

"Hey, hey, Introduce us to her already, Qiyue~!"

Qiyue smiles and looks at me saying:

"Well, I'm sure she can do it herself. It's been a while but go on, introduce yourself to the others first, Suowa."

Seeing them all speaking in runician, I follow her suggestion and clasp my hand saying:

"Ah, I guess I didn't introduce myself properly back then either. My name Suowa Anmao, I'm a Supreme Officer under the direct command of the Empress herself, nice to meet all of you!"

I try to bow but it seems Cole kinda stops me from doing so as she pats and rubs my head. Seeing the face of the other girls being a bit confused while some looks at me like I'm joking. One of them looks at me seriously when she looks at the medal at my armour. Cole continues to pat my head as she asks:

"Hmm? Supreme Officer? What position is that, Qiyue? I thought my big bro being part of the Grand Chair is already the highest?"

"Well, different sectors have different types of positions. Like Central Dragon's highest position being the Celestial Members and our home's Grand Chair. But maybe that's the highest position of office and rank or file in the military or the bureaucracy of the Phoenix Sector. I guess it's not that weird if you haven't heard it. Hmm..."

Qiyue then rests her hand on the table as she looks at me and my armour before and saying:

"Though I guess since you've introduced yourself please do enjoy yourself, Suowa."

"Oh, t-thanks Sis Qiyue!"

Qiyue nods and looks at the others saying:

"Well as the representative of the Super Stars of the all-girls section why don't we greet our "important" guest?"

Some of the girls who are drinking as they listen stops and some even giggle. The twin haired girl leans forward to rest her arms and large chest on top before saying:

"Fufu, she's a funny one, isn't she? Well Let me introduce myself, I'm Kali Tiandao, the 4th rank in the all girl's school nice to meet you cute one! Oh, please do call me Sis as well!"

I clasp my hand replying:

"O-Oh! Okay, Um... Sis Kali."

"Gosh, how can anyone be so cute!"

Kali seemingly vanishes from her seat when Cole stops patting my head and move her arms. Following where she moves, I could see Cole pushing Kali away from her cheek as Kali's long golden nails almost reaching me.

"She's reserve for me for the time being, and don't you have multiple little siblings to cuddle already?"

Cole warns Kali with an annoyed face when she just backs away with a gleeful smile replying:

"Fufu, what can I say, more is never enough."

Kali walks to the empty seat beside cole when the coral haired girl who seems to wear thin chainmail under her uniform and a unique weapon attached close to her wrist backs away to sit beside Qiyue saying:

"Ehem, then it's my turn!"

She then stood up clasping her hand and bow her head shouting:

"I'm Laola, the 10th rank. Please to meet you, Lady Suowa."

The last girl wears her uniform without the black coat and a weird looking hat I've never seen before. She is the one who've a serious face all this time, she nods slightly before saying:

"Nuvali Orsarenka, 5th rank, greetings from me, little one."

The girls sitting on this table introduce themselves and I clasp my hand and bow my head when Cole loosen up saying:

"Nice to meet you."

(Oh, ranks? When I first met Qiyue and Cole they didn't even introduce their ranks... I wonder if this is because we're at a party?)

"Hehe, I guess you don't need a greeting from me~ Say what position actually do you get to wear that sinister regalia?"

I look at her asking back,

"Sinister? You think it's evil-looking as well, Sis Cole?"

"Come on now! Looking at me from below with that eyes is cheating!"

"???"

I tilt my head confused by her reaction, Cole scratches her head before answering:

"If those weird glowing chicken scratches, big red eye and many more features isn't speaking for itself. I mean that looked like it came straight out of some grim fairy tale. Good thing it's not made of flesh or something."

"Chicken scratches? Oh you mean the runes. To be honest I don't understand what's written either. But... I thought it was cool when they showed me... Not only that, unlike my previous battle gears, this one seems it can be reuse so I like it a lot!"

Cole ruffles my hair before replying:

"Heh, I don't what you're doing to make you say that but just don't push yourself."

"Okay? And to answer your first question, I'm supposedly working as a Silencer. If you know what that is."

"Nope! Say Qiyue, what's a Silencer?"

"Haha, that's a bit hard to simplify just take it that it is someone who's pretty high up as Grand Chairs and someone you don't wanna offend. And sometime it could hold the power to outstrip a Segementum Lord or in our case, Prime Governor if needed... Hmm..."

Qiyue got herself thinking for herself again when Cole takes an empty unturn plate from one of the places with empty chairs to give me saying:

"Well, that sounds nuts! Anyway, you have dinner yet?"

"Huh? Now that you said it, no, I'm actually quite parch and hungry."

"Great, then eat some of this first for appetizers Sova, the food here are crazy good, especially the sweets."

"Really!?"

"Mhm, take as much as you want."

"Thanks, Sis Cole!"

"Hehe~ here, eat this, these things are called gruaks. A food from Nuvali's cold homeland, supposedly you dip the food in this soup and eat it for maximum taste."

Cole puts a green bread at the plate and brings forth a small bowl of black liquid.

"Oh? Let me try! Let's eat everyone!"

"Hoh? Ain't she polite? When was the last time I call like that at the dinner table?"

"O-Oh, please enjoy."

"Sure, eat up!"

"Enjoy it."

"Yes, eat up, Suowa!"

I take the green bread which is not only soft but flexible as I can fold it twice, and when my finger barely touches the black liquid on the bowl I could feel a chill as the bread absorb the water and turns blue...

Curious, I quickly took a bite,

*chomp*

"Sweet!"

"See? By the way, talking about dinner, I heard from Qiyue last time you were the one who gave us that expensive dinner. May be late to say it but thanks!"

Remembering that time I gave Qiyue the 2 boxes, I shake my head replying:

"No problem!"

"Hey, Qiyue, I guess this night's not so bad huh?"

(Bad?)

Hearing Cole's word, Qiyue lets out a sigh as her lips curls to a satisfied smile replying:

"Don't jinx it, Cole. With the current acting Student Council President suspended, we're left pretty open for attack. Well with the new principal we can rule out major devastating crisis but if we don't get anyone elected soon this could pose a big problem. Especially with the mixed school now having ambitious monsters comparable to Xiwang and Ren, there could be some major uprising in the near future. And and I hate to admit it, with Moriz and his replacement being suspended as well, the old enemies along with the new opposition are already taking chances."

(I don't understand but that sounds pretty bad... But more like how did school become so dangerous? What do schools do to garner so many enemies?)

"Oh, shut that yapping negativity."

Kali chimes in as she then looks at the mixed table where Sis Fei is at and continue saying:

"It's because we got these ambitious monsters that they're content with supporting them. Last I see it, they're probably won't cause as much ripple as Moriz would anyway. So damages are just too easy to fix. And when it comes to mere strength, I doubt any of them could challenge us or me, lest they suffer the same fate as Ren."

(W-What happened there? I-I'm more surprised I'm not that scared... Is it because I have my fair share of troubles as of late?)

Kali looks back at Qiyue with a wide grin and Qiyue sighs replying:

"Hmm, I suppose you're right. But don't get that over your head. I could say the same thing to you about Moriz as well."

"Prfff! That guy is just beyond reason! Monsters like us are nothing more than gnats compared to his generation. Best we could do is annoy him and he probably just enjoy it by saying,

"Oh my! To think two cute juniors would give me so much attention brings me no end to my joy!"

Ain't that right, Nuvali?"

Nuvali hearing her plight closes her eyes and slightly nods with a defeated expression replying with a simple,

"Yes..."

(I'm starting to hear his name a lot... Last I met him I don't think he is anything that scary or special).

"Then again, even though Xiwang and her group didn't show up which is bad but I suppose it's better now that she showed up. I didn't think Fei would actually appear, I guess you must have something to do with that right, Suowa?"

"Huh? Well I suppose, she did say this party is to cheer me up. And I think it did."

"Really? Well, I'm glad to hear that..."

*inhale*

Qiyue takes a deep breathe as she straightens her posture and,

"Phew! I guess I should just drop the lady act now."

"M-My lady?"

Seeing the concerned Laola, Qiyue smiles widely as if she's free from something and pats her shoulder saying:

"It's fine~! Since Fei decided to show up, I suppose I can help take good care of her precious little Sis to blow some steam off. This is a party after all, so I better relax and have fun!"

Qiyue moves her arms and stretch a little when Kali asks,

"Little Sis? Say, what's your relation really? Even I can tell she have some special relations with you from how she speaks, I mean she sure as hell seem to like you, Suowa. Still, I'm more curious of your occupation, I never really seen a Silencer before but is that what they wear?"

Followed by Laola looking at me asking:

"Yeah and to show up infront of my lady as man, as well... I suppose if you don't know her circumstance I could forgive you. But would you let me know why you do such a thing? Or are you really a Silencer? I can't sense a whick of magic or qi within you that dictates you're a combatant."

The two girls seem to show interest at my circumstance and I find a hard way to answer when Qiyue raise her arms high to stretch, revealing she's still wearing her black gauntlets before leaning back at her chair replying:

"Don't pressure her too much. She must have her reasons and secrets to keep."

Qiyue leans the side and rests her hand at Cole's shoulder to gaze at me close asking:

"Want any drinks? We got a variety here."

"Eh? Then... What about milk?"

"Milk? Weird choice. But sure, we don't get regular milk but will milkshakes do?"

"M-Milkshakes? W-What's that? Do we drink by shaking the milk or cup or something?"

"Pfff, Hahaha!"

"Pffrrgh!"

Qiyue and Cole giggles at my suggestion and the other girls seem to laugh softly as well.

"Fufufu! Hey, Qiyue, your friend here sure got a sense of humour! Hey, you, go grab a milkshake for her."

Without waiting for my answer, Kali orders one of the servants below the platform, the servant bows her head silently and leaves. Wondering what to do next I continue to eat the sweets on the table, cole seems to stop patting me when I eat which I'm grateful but I can't help notice the glare Nuvali been giving me. Wondering if I did something wrong I look at her asking:

"Um... Did I do something wrong, Sis Nuvali?"

"!!!"

Hearing me ask she looks shocked for a moment before calming down and asking:

"You're not human are you?"

"Huh!? Of course, I am! What's with that question!?"

(Is it because she realizes I'm an Owlian?)

Confused and angered by her, I shout back quickly. When Cole pats my head and ruffles my hair saying:

"Come on now Nuvali, just because she's cute doesn't mean you get to say that."

"Eh?"

(Then again, Cole's probably friends with her so maybe she's not discriminate? Then why is she asking?)

Nuvali sighs and closes her eyes saying:

"Forgive me, you just give off the same vibes as those certain creatures."

"C-Creatures? Well sorry for shouting as well..."

I try to not fan the flames and wonder what creature she meant when,

*pinch*

"Hey, don't be so down. Here's your milkshake. Just don't actually shake the drink alright? Or you'll end up exciting the boys over yonder."

She winks at her last sentence and maybe it's just me but the drinks she ordered just moments ago arrived already. Kali places the drink infront of me and pinches my cheek before resting in her place. Taking a sip, the sensation of cold exploded in my mouth as I also taste the sweetness overflowing,

"Sweet!"

I shout wondering what drink is this? Why don't my district have this? Qiyue nods satisfied saying:

"Haha, it seems you like it."

As I continue to indulge in this new drink, that's when Cole looks at the beverage in my hand saying:

"You know Qiyue, I always find the concept of we drinking the milk of another species weird. I mean don't you all think it's kinda crazy we drink nutrient supplement made for the babies of another race?"

"!?!!?"

"Well, when you say it like that..."

"W-Well... Well...!"

Surprised by her sudden question I unintentionally stop drinking and the others hearing Cole's question kinda ponders when Qiyue just brush it off by saying:

"Why do we eat other foods when we could stick to one? Or why do some people prefer beast kin or subhumans? It's just the question with multiple answers we can all agree to."

"Well, is that so? Always so open-minded aren't you? Except for when it comes to guys that is. What was it last time? Castration as the penalty was it?"

"My lady, behind you!"

Shivers went down my spine as I wonder,

(Castration? What in the world is that? More like my body is having a very bad vibes from that word... Wait).

Hearing a familiar voice, I turn around to see Sis Fei resting her arms on Qiyue's chair and Qiyue looks back with a smile replying:

"Well if it isn't Fei? We've met briefly but why not have a proper reunion now after so long?"

"Oh? So you wanna continue where we last left off that evening huh? Fine by me. This time, no one will disrupt me."

The night Sea breeze seems to blow as the party went on. I can't help but wonder what awaits next for both my mission and this party...