"Oooh. A tour. A tour!"

Emmy squealed in restrained delight. She went to nudge Violet but missed for obvious reasons.

"You don't know how lucky you guys are. I was on the waitlist for four months, trying to see the inside of this place. I know guys at the guild who've been on it for years! Trying to get a glimpse inside this place as a guest is more difficult than getting hired. This is a VIP tour, Violet. We're VIPs, Violet, Vips!"

She emphasized 'Vips' as a word and not an abbreviation, trying to pass along the severity of the event.

The beginning of the tour started in the lobby, where Wisp explained each item's nuances on display and its characteristics. Daire's enthusiastic questions caused the talk to go on for upwards of twenty minutes, impressing Wisp with his curiosity supplemented with mostly accurate background knowledge. She found herself correcting him only twice during the discussion. When Daire sincerely expressed his desire to learn the in's and out's of baking, Wisp took it upon herself to help in what manner she could.

One thing led to another, and now the entire group was guided past the front counter, which was barely the tip of the iceberg. They were led through unadorned corridors, passing by sectioned-off rooms where wheat was ground, and dough was processed. There were copies, or replicas, of the same work areas being repeated, so large was the structure. Humongous panes of glass cordoned off two large rooms. Peering inside was difficult due to the amount of dust coating the glass and swirling about in the air. The workers inside wore strange full-body clothing and black masks that reminded Daire of old plague doctors. They wielded rolling pins like clubs as they struck the malleable dough like hoodlums beating a beggar for his pocket change.

The process he was seeing was strangely different from what he'd heard, and he wasn't referring to the baking monks.

It was the workplace conditions.

They seemed haphazard and almost dangerous. Dust confined in such a room would be prone to combustion, would it not? Like the occasional yet very real risks that come with mining in enclosed spaces. Daire didn't see a caged canary that might warn of such a thing.

When he asked his questions, Wisp reassured them that every precaution was being taken. Accidents had happened in the past, but they learned to be extremely careful. She explained the process behind the glass was correlated with causing the dough to smell more alluring after its second rise in the ovens. Daire clearly wasn't an expert, so he took her words at face value for now. Maybe the laws of this world affected baking in some strange way...

In the next rooms, normal workers kneaded fresh dough into long strips. This scene was significantly more relaxing to watch.

Daire shared a childhood story of watching a local pretzel stand knead dough in public as part of its attraction. They even tossed it in the air like jugglers. His parents took him there once when he was maybe 4 or 5, and it remained a vivid memory for him ever since. Wisp expressed her delight in his story smoothly; her attention was clearly glued to his words by how she nodded her head and responded verbally in key places.

While Violet and Emmy listened to the story, Emmy was mostly distracted by getting an actual glimpse behind the inner workings of the bakery. She would gloat to her friends about it for months! Violet, too, was interested in what she was seeing. But something felt off. When Daire told his personal story, he never even glanced in their direction. His focus was mostly on the dough, but he consistently glanced to his right at Wisp each time she nodded or hummed in fascination, ignoring Violet and Emmy entirely...

She felt herself grow hotter as small sparks of electricity zipped around her small form.

Luckily the rooms were sealed tight, and there wasn't enough dust in the corridors to ignite. Otherwise, they'd be cleaning everyone off the walls.

Emmy continued to ooh and ahh. Daire and Wisp resumed their animated discussions, completely enthralled by each other's company. Violet became more and more distracted, unable to focus on the amazing real-world things that would usually fascinate her.

Then the tour escalated. Literally.

They arrived at a landing before a green staircase. No. The steps didn't move upward. They were, however, made of a type of solidified green goo that caused each step taken to launch the ascender into the air. Wisp produced gleeful squeaks as she bounced upward, her clothes billowing outward with each jump. The others watched from below, each entirely captured by the idea.

Luckily Wisp wore layers, so her underside wasn't exposed, leaving only her raw enthusiasm as she bounced joyfully. Daire followed, enjoying himself on the trampoline-like staircase. Even Emmy managed to find a way to hold onto her tail in such a way that she bounced up one step at a time.

Violet was left out. It wasn't like she didn't try to bounce, but her weight wasn't enough. When she jumped, her landing was so soft that it didn't provoke any reaction. So she hung her shoulders and flew up the staircase listening to the enjoyment of the others. Halfway up, Emmy ran out of breath and let go of her tail. She joined Violet in ascending in a more normal fashion.

"Why aren't you jumping, Violet?"

"I'm too light. Why made you stop?"

"Eh..."

She looked around to see if anyone was listening.

"Don't tell anyone, but Lamia are actually really heavy. Everything I eat goes to my tail. So, I barely bounce at all."

The staircase was specifically made for humans. More specifically, Wisp. It was a gift from a long-time patron that she absolutely adored having. Thus, the rare material was sculpted to make humans bounce. Other species would have a harder time.

"They look like they're having fun."

Emmy gestured with her chin. Daire posed in different positions during each airtime. Fake running. Rowing the boat. Criss-cross-apple-sauce. Swimming motions. Wisp tried a few but was clumsy in her movements and mostly kept twirling energetically.

"Yeah... It does look like fun."

Violet agreed quietly, holding onto her arm as she watched. Sparks coiled up her shoulder.

=

Emmy smoothed her tail over the grates as if she was afraid to damage the simple industrial catwalk. Heights were normally something she avoided, but she was hypersensitive to the feeling of her scales clinking against the clunky metal. She wasn't afraid of losing scales; she wasn't a lizard person. She did wonder if the metal was designed to hold up heavier species...

The catwalk didn't swing per se. Though, the fact that it sported long, jingling connectors that attached to the rafters didn't help her queazy stomach.

"Eeh!"

Overcompensating for almost falling, she wrapped herself tightly around the guard rails.

"Emmy?"

"Present! Er. I mean, Yes. Yes. I'm a healthy lamia- Yes. I am okay. No need to worry bout little me..."

Violet raised an eyebrow at her friend's antics. She was behaving like a schoolkid who wasn't paying attention during class.

Wisp, in an entirely sincere voice, reassured Emmy naturally.

"My apologies. I didn't think about how the grates would feel for a Lamia. They were designed to hold the weight of a minotaur, so you don't have to worry about falling at least."

"Thank you. I-I'm fine. I'm okay. A little hot, but okay."

"Yes, it does get humid up here.."

She said this even though not a drop of sweat dripped from her creamy skin.

"We regulate the heat in other places, as I'm sure you've noticed. Installing enchantments on the factory floor or anywhere near the furnaces, for that matter, is entirely impossible. The amount it would cost for an enchantment that wouldn't affect the quality of our product would cost more than we own and require the skills of someone who doesn't yet exist. That is why we only hire those comfortable in high temperatures like the lizardfolk to work near the furnaces.

"Lizards."

Emmy hissed.

Lamia's were not lizards! She despised anyone who made the mistake. Lamia's are warm-blooded and much closer to humans in nature, not that any of them will admit it.

Lizards and Lamia fought wars over tribal land for generations. Those sun-seekers died like flies to Lamia arrows and traps, yet they still overwhelmed the Lamia and stole the Homeland. The Lizards usually acted like it was no big deal and that it was all in the past, saying Lamia should just get over it already. But they would never forget. It was in their blood. Lamia blood still ran through the tributaries of the Homeland. Lamia blood had watered the mangled trees that gave life to the Giving Fruit.

Emmy's parents were adventurers. Her family has been for three generations. They've learned to be lenient and open-minded with ignorant folk. Never judge a person by hair, hide, or scales. But Lizards...

Looking down, she seethed. Roaming on the factor floor were packs of lizardfolk attached to each furnace and workstation. The towering furnaces and burning coals illuminated their green scales in red glows—their pronged tongues hissing like the burning coals.

The bread they baked in droves was perfect. The aroma wafted all the way up to where the tourists leaned over the railing.

It likely tasted divine.

And that, more than anything, infuriated her.

"Ei, 32 minutesss, on the dot!"

"Loaf coming out."

"Behind!"

The railing creaked with effort.

Lizardfolk can't even digest bread!

"Is there a crowding issue? There is a lot of them down there."

"Oh no, not at all. Lizardfolk are one of the cleanest races. They are employed in pods, which they never separate from. Father likes them because they are cheaper to hire. Besides, they are perfect for the job, don't you think?"

"Yeah. They are."

Violet didn't like how Daire drew out the small words, his eyes not on lizards at all. Looking between the two humans, she felt sickened.

"Lizards..."

On the other hand, Emmy appeared to be white-knuckling the railing. Hearing creaking sounds, Violet hurried to grab Emmy's soft shoulder.

"Whoah there. You'll crush the metal."

"I'm imagining it's a lizard's tail."

"Did one of them wrong you?"

"Not exactly."

"Then what? Is there bad blood or something?"

"You could say that."

Her seething couldn't be soothed. Emmy was forced to retrain herself. There was nothing she could do to change the past, her ancestors' past, nor the unquenchable feeling in her belly. Sometimes she hated hating. It was exhausting. Like it was in her blood...

"What happened?"

"It's nothing."

Emmy uncoiled her tail, much calmer atop the thick grates. This part of the tour ruined her appetite, but there was still much to see. She'd been dying to see the inside of this place, and she wouldn't let this ruin it. The samples at the end are supposed to be to-die-for.

"Ah, they're leaving without us!"

Violet watched Wisp and Daire walk ahead. Daire seemed to be explaining something funny as Wisp giggled. Her hair bounced lightly on her chest, directing his attention downward before he quickly averted his gaze.

"Hey, what are you mad about?"

It was difficult to tell Violet's complexion apart from the glow of the furnaces, but judging how her fists curled and her arms straightened, her mood was clear.

"It's nothing."

Violet spat back the response she'd received earlier.

Emmy noticed the tension, so she used a hand to cover her mouth as she whispered.

"Is this about the fight you guys had? Daire said that-"

"It's nothing. Okay?"

Emmy backed off.

It must be serious.

She directed her attention to the leading pair. Emmy wasn't experienced in romance, but she could spot certain signs the same way most people could. There seemed to be something going on... Her instincts were tingling. Something wrong. Something about Wisp's chest...

*Crackle*

"Ouch."

Emmy cooed, rubbing her shoulders from getting zapped. She glared at the guilty party.

"Sorry. That was my fault."

"It was. Can you turn that off?"

A hand gestured to the 'everything' that was emanating off Violet. Literal lightning was zapping around her small form like crackling fireworks. The hues changed tints every now and then, but it was mostly a bright blue.

"Is all that normal?"

"No. It's been happening recently. I can't control it. I don't know why."

"Hmm..."

"What."

"Nothing."

Violet was getting snippy.

"It's only..."

Instead of a shrug, Emmy's whole body jumped a few inches upward by using her tail to increase her height.

"I think you have a crush."

The lightning was snuffed out.

"What?"

"You. Have. A. Cr-uu-sh."

"I do not! He is the one who has a crush on miss big tits over there!"

"Ooooh, Violet. How vulgar. Hua~hua~hua. I didn't know you could."

Emmy's voice turned coy and nasally as she rolled her tongue.

"Stop talking like that. I do not have a crush. And so what? She is obviously flaunting them, and she should! I mean... If I had..."

She felt at her chest sadly. Her top swayed magically, but it didn't hide any curvaceous shapes.

"Boobs... Hah!"

Emmy laughed dryly. The word was funny. Seeing Violet's glare at the unintentional meaning of her words, Emmy tried to do it again with a straight face.

"Boobs don't matter in 90% of species."

"He can't take his eyes off them."

"Have you ever heard a sailor curse?"

"What does that have to do with anything?"

Emmy grinned toothily. She stubbed her non-existent toes on the grates and shouted.

"Siren's Tits!"

Wisp flinched.

=

Back in time a few minutes...

Daire watched Emmy leaning over the rails and looked to Violet. His friend was glaring at him. His heart ached as she turned away from him and moved towards Emmy instead.

A shock went through his system as someone touched his hand.

"Sorry, it seems like they need a moment. Would you kindly follow me?"

*...*

"Of course. Where were we?"

Daire turned away, feeling at his hand. They barely made contact, but the feeling of an index finger drifting along the back of his hand sent shivers down his spine. He followed in step with her.

"Let's see. I had mentioned that we even export bread as far as Rist. Someone there seems to like it. Every month someone sends an enchanted carriage to keep it fresh until it reaches the capital. It is guarded by former B-rank adventurers, or so I overheard from Father.

"That is impressive."

"Isn't it? There are only two B-rank adventurers that operate out of Milton! Ah... I'm so proud of Father. He started with a single plot of land barely large enough to hold a shack, but now, after all this time..."

She inhaled deeply, leaving her statement open.

"The process here is intriguing. I wasn't expecting a project so massive to work and function like this. I was expecting a small mom-and-pop shop that makes small pastries and maybe a dozen fresh rolls of bread a day."

"Bread sells so well that we haven't thought much of branching out."

"Well, I'd like to thank you for showing me your process. I don't think it will help me with my own, but it has been interesting."

Daire moved to turn back to his group, but a smooth hand caught him, grabbing his full attention.

*...*

"But you haven't even seen the export floor yet. Or come back to the lounge for some samples! I'd love to spend some more time with you. You could tell me about your adventurers. You must have seen an awful lot on your travels as a merchant."

Daire felt neck prickling, and the sensation made him laugh awkwardly. He tried to think of an excuse to pull away.

"Ah. Haha. Not at all. We've just started. No tales to tell, unfortunately. Weren't there others? You know, the others looking for service back in the lobby? Surely they would be more inclined to–"

His head turned from side to side, he tried to pull away, but his hand was caught—his attempt at moving back brought Wisp closer. The small of his back hit the railing; unable to go any further, Wisp fell into him, pressing against him. He could feel twin bulges pushing against him. Rubbing. The number of layers she wore didn't stop him from feeling their warmth. The smooth feeling of her thigh sliding against his... The draft of erotic breath brushing past his reddening neck...

*..yil.. os*

His eyes glazed over at the buzz.

The moment lasted a heartbeat before Wisp separated with a nervous yelp.

"I'm so sorry! You startled me. I didn't mean to; oh my. I think it's best we end things here after all."

"No!"

His voice surprised him. So was the hand that involuntary stretched forward. It didn't serve a purpose before it was retracted in hesitance.

"No. We can continue. I'm... I am sure there's more for me to learn here."

"Are you sure? If I have offended you, we should stop."

"Not at all. On the contrary."

Daire turned his body in the direction they were heading previously.

"This place is amazing. And I wasn't offended. It was... nice."

Wisp blinked. Daire tried to fill the silence awkwardly.

"You know... The mistake. Er. A happy mistake. Yes."

He nodded as if the explanation made perfect sense.

His words were rewarded by musical laughter. He stopped and stared. Her rosy cheeks blushing as she laughed—those thin smiling lips. The blond curls bouncing. Her full chest vibrating with mirth. His attention drawn to her cleavage.

He felt his breath quicken as he returned his gaze to its proper place. Wisp's smile managed to be seductive with feigned innocence. He imagined what it would be like to kiss those pink lips. To steal her breath...

The words coming out didn't register as his mind took him on wild fantasies brought about by heightened testosterone. It raged inside him, wrecking his psyche and making him a completely different person. The pictures in his mind wouldn't go away. It had been too long. He hasn't had any relief. It didn't matter that she wasn't his type or that this wasn't the place or that it was inappropriate. He desperately wanted to dive deeply into those-

"SIREN'S TITS!"

Startled. He almost jumped off the platform.

I wasn't staring! I wasn't. Who!? What?

"Siren's tits! That hurts. Damn grate tricked me! I thought there was a large bump in the floor, but it turns out it was flat as a board after all."

Emmy blew out long and hard. Placing her hands on her waist, she shook her head from side to side.

Daire stared blankly. Emmy brightened up and laughed. It sounded haughty and completely unlike her.

"Ho~ho~ho~ho. My. What a blunder. Sorry for the interruption, everyone. I can be oh-so clumsy sometimes."

Violet chimed in beside her. The faux words having an odd cadence to them.

"That's not good, Emmy. You need to watch your footing."

"Is that a jab at my tail?"

"No, just bad phrasing. I'm playing along."

"I'm trying to help you."

"I know that. I said I'm sorry."

"You didn't. But apology accepted. Fist bump?"

*Bump*

The angry whispering between them was clearly audible, but they acted like it was just between them. Wisp had managed to maintain a neutral face throughout the exchange, but it was noticeably less amicable. Then, as she spoke her next words, she returned to normal.

"I am so sorry. The grating is an issue, isn't it? Let's move on quickly to the Export yard. Father should be there."

Emmy became immediately respectful, straightening her back as if she was afraid to offend after the brief hiccup. This was, after all, a man she respected, the founder and manager of Milton's largest company. They only met once briefly by coincidence. That didn't change the awe she felt for the man.

"Are you alright, Emmy? You aren't putting on a face because you're actually hurt? I'm carrying some Pain Leaves if want one?"

The girls each looked at Daire with different expressions that somehow conveyed parallel feelings.

He's not that dumb... right?

"No. I just tripped. I... erm. One moment."

Emmy coughed softly into her hand twice and wrinkled her nose.

"Actually. Do you have any of those mint leaves you've been chewing on?"

Daire raised both eyebrows and nodded, producing two such leaves. He kept them neatly separated from the Pain Leaves as not to mistake the two. Handing one to Emmy, who received it with a meek 'thank you', he offered the second to Violet.

"Violet?"

"No, thank you. It'd be a hassle to chew."

Daire crushed it in his hand. The sudden action caused confusion. His fingers ground against his palm, eliciting a distinct crunching sound. Opening his hand revealed the crumpled leaf, torn to pieces. He stared at it for a second, and the others wondered exactly what was going through his mind.

Using his wrapped index finger and thumb on his left hand like a claw of an old arcade machine, he picked out a small crumped shard of mint leaf. Picking up the tiny piece seemed impossible, but he managed to grab his prize and present it to Violet.

"Does this work better?"

Emmy made an O with her mouth, impressed.

The infrequent electricity bouncing around Violet faded entirely. She accepted the gift, if only to move things along and get him to stop staring at her like that. He acted like it was no big deal and was the natural course of action.

"If everyone is having one..."

An intruder dipped her hand into Daire's still open palm, stealing a scattering of crumpled mint. The shock Daire received from the action was similar to that of before but more subdued. What nailed it in deeper was how Wisp placed the leaves in her mouth. She couldn't toss them in or delicately place them on her tongue. Instead, she seductively smeared them to her lips, most disappearing inside her mouth—all except a speck on her bottom lip.

The way she smirked...

Daire was about to tell her that there was a piece left, but Wisp bit her bottom lip, and it vanished. Daire could feel her moan. Her voice was lower and huskier.

"I think you should meet Father now..."

Daire and Emmy both shut their mouths.

Violet flew down and kicked Emmy's shin. Or where it would be. She hurt her foot and hopped around while clutching her toes in silent agony.

Traitor.