As the light of day passed, noon comes before the dawn of another. The sound of clashing steel shudders the earth while the summer winds turn to spring.

"If I remember correctly, the entirety of the Phoenix Sector only has two seasons right? Summer and spring."

I ask Saya as I try to remember my home sector's own climate.

"Hoh~ So you actually took time to learn a bit about geography huh? Good for you. But yes, the entirety of the Phoenix Sector only has two seasons. That's one of the main reasons why the phoenix sector is so rich in food and spices. In fact, someone even made a rough calculation that just by exporting a tenth of their resources alone could sustain the entire population of this city and the outskirt cities! Can you imagine if they exported like 3/4 of their food? World hunger wouldn't be an issue any more. And after looking at the archives and the places myself, it's not so far sketched!"

(Wait, when did you get the time for that? Or did you see picture books?)

Saya begins to theorize and speak more about my home Sector and how much potential it has to do something.

(I don't know if it's me. But Saya has been more talkative lately with me. It's quite nice seeing her smile as she talks like that).

"Hey, we can't get the door open for too long!"

One of the guards interrupts Saya's explanation and she looks away before returning to being serious again.

"Alright, just to make sure, you ready?"

I nodded in response saying:

"Yea, I got the message and all my stuff."

Saya walks ahead with haste saying:

"Good, for once you're actually pretty quick to respond. Follow-"

"Oh, wait."

Stopping in her tracks, she looms at me with irritation saying:

"What is it now? Just when I thought better of you."

"Oh, nothing much just..."

I look behind and wave my hand to General Irina and the two guards saying:

"It was nice meeting you all! Let's hope we meet again."

(It seems I left an unfavourable impression on her. I hope I can amend that. If I want to help my sister, I have to at least get a good reputation with those who serve her. Else, something like that would happen again).

Turning my back against them, my cape flutters with the wind before continuing forward to the gates with Saya.

(I always kinda want to do the hero-cape fluttering thingy. It feels very nice!)

As we enter, the door behind us shuts while the giant tunnel beyond brightens up with the lights from the wall. Our footsteps echo through beyond when Saya shakes her head in disbelief and sigh heavily.

"I feel like you're going to say something that will make me feel bad aren't you?"

I speak with irritation for what words she will pour from her mouth.

"Well, it's your fault, isn't it? Didn't I tell you that you should ask me before saying anything?"

"Okay, what is it now? I'm sure what I said can't be interpreted into anything bad right?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk."

Saya clicks her tongue in motion with her finger replying:

"Let your Senior translate what you said to her... Mhm!"

She clears her throat and walks ahead of me by a few steps before turning to face me. She waves her hand shouting:

"I've got my eyes on you! I can't wait to see what I can do with you the next time I saw you, hehehehehe~ end of translation."

She walks backwards as she twists her face to look like some villain.

"Politics are stupid! Stop skewering innocent words like that! And what's with that laugh at the end!?"

I retorted in anger with what's in tow for me as I have to think what I say.

"Oh, don't be like that. Without politics, the Confederation wouldn't even be called a Confederation anymore."

(I don't know how important politic is. But why does everything have to be so complicated!)

Saya turns her back to me saying:

"In all seriousness though, honest people like you are perfect for a debut. It's pretty fun watching people get roasted because they can't trust you and you use that against them. But at the end of the road, I can't wait to take a vacation, and by I, I mean you. As long as you work, I can never rest. It's fine to take rest once in a while you know. You're pushing this frail body to her breaking point."

"Well..."

(I'm still worried about my family who's still missing. But what Saya says is true, she still has a body of a child. And Both Sis Yuwei and Sis Fei have been stopping me from training overtime too... Maybe, just maybe for a while. After I finish this. I can take some rest. After all, I have to believe in them too, especially when All three of them surpass me in brains, skill and power. Especially, Sis Rubeca or Aunt Palka).

I nod to agree, replying:

"Sure, why not."

My lips smile inside my helmet, even when no one can see it, I guess I really do want one resting time.

"Eh, really? Colour me surprise. You actually made a good decision."

(Is she trying to imply I've been making bad decisions all the time?)

"Anyway, all I have to do is just give the letter to a certain someone and then we're going on a tour right?"

I try to break from that conversation and start a new one.

"Yes, keep your head high, posture steady and look very intimidating okay?"

"Okay! I'll make sure nothing goes wrong."

I replied back to assure her. But Saya hangs her head low replying:

"This is a second time today Sova, don't jinx it."

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

The similar sound of clashing steel echoes rings through the tunnels as the giant gate opens with a blinding light from both sides.

*clang* *clang* *clang*

*dom*

(Thanks to this helmet, it's not so bright but now that I think about it, this is actually the first time I travel so far without Sis Rubeca or May by my side. It kinda seems lonely and weird).

And as I place my feet forward, there I stood, fueled by the experience I have forge till this day, gazing with eyes of courage. My adversity, my ordeal, the stepping stone to my ambition now stood before me.

(Alright, let's do this. Act rough, act intimidating).

Two notable figure stands at the end of the road, a young noble in red and a guard in better armour than the one lining beside the way. The only problem is the noble's been looking at me with that angry face.

(Did I do something wrong?)

I take a quick glance at my armour and seeing nothing wrong.

(The armour is still fine. I wonder what's he mad about? Could he found out I'm an Owlian!?)

What presumably the Captain and the noble both clasp their hands and bow saying:

"Welcome and salutations Honoured Visitors! We welcome thee to the Jaguar Sector."

The Captain greets us using the common tongue and with sounds of joy.

(Ah, thank goodness. I guess things will be fine if they're all like this).

"Welcome to the Jaguar Sector... Honoured Visitors..."

The angry noble also greets with the common tongue while grinding his teeth as he says that.

(I speak too soon and is he okay?)

I glance at Saya when she gives me a little nod. Using what confidence I have, I clasp my hands replying:

"Greetings and thank you for the kind recipient. I hope you received the news?"

(That's right, I have to deliver the news quickly and lift this burden off my chest).

As we finish our greetings, as I thought what a keeper of the house would treat its guest to enter. The noble spare no effort and continue the conversation here saying:

"Yes, yes we did..."

He speaks in a bitter tone while glaring at me with daggers.

(This is seriously making me uncomfortable like I'm so lucky I'm wearing helmet right now and are we supposed to continue the conversation here? Nanny told me I shouldn't ask for entrance and they're the one who should invite us in... Um- no, focus!)

"Wonderful, I believe you are the one named Tanan?"

I reply back with vigour but the noble glares at me with more piercing dagger before finally saying:

"You are... Right."

I look at Saya for the final confirmation but she just shakes her head and raises her shoulders saying:

"Either way, it's fine."

Seeing Saya not giving a bit of care, I felt worried but still decided to just let it all go.

"Alright. Then, here you go."

I try to reply back with a smile and pull out a black scroll tied with a golden knot and a purple seal with the same insignia on my cape. Tannan snatches the scroll before backing away.

"Now that you've received the letter, I hope you can keep the end of your bargain, Tanan is it?"

He turns his back on us as he breaks the seal and continues to read it. His face grows grumpier as if his rage has possessed him, he grit and grind his teeth, making me wonder if he will lose his teeth soon. He looked back at us with resentment in his eyes asking:

"Is this what the Lord of Segmentums' wish?"

(Lord of Segmentums? Oh, Sis Yuwei! Well if the letter said so then...)

"Of course, as her Majesty and the Jaguar Sector Lords wills it. You will comply. And since you're her friend she sends her regards to you."

(That's right! Use Sis Yuwei's name or title and their lord's title in case you forgot their name to boost your assertion. Don't ask but order. And Saya told me that this Tannan person is her friend. So it's good to have a cordial relation. See? I'm doing my best Nanny!)

Tannan who's been looking angry all the time becomes calm. Like a tidal wave that hits, it soon turns to a calm lake. He tucks the scroll in his large sleeves and gestures us to follow.

"Then please, follow me."

The anger in his words disappears like it was never there.

"Really!?"

(I did it! I finally manage to help Sis Yuwei! Can't wait for the time I tell this to May when we reunited or tell this to Sis Fei when I finally arrive at her school).

"See? nothing happened. Yay!"

I look at Saya to tell her the news. But Saya merely smiles and looks around with doubt saying:

"Hmm, who knows. We're not out of the borders yet."

Saya steals a glance at me as she says that...

(Why do I feel like something's gonna go wrong...)

"Now then, we're going to hand over the Jade and Golden Phoenix Princesses back to your Sector..."

"After I behead you two and send it back to that Tyrant!"

(Tyrant? Who?)

Tannan shines like the sun and soon he is now clad in expensive-looking red equipment and gear with the phoenix design. He swings a red blade from nowhere as he tries to surprise me, but...

*clang* *crack*

Before he could even do what he intended, I captured his blade in my hands and start to crush it with my might.

(Weird, are weapons always this brittle? It feels like twigs at this point. But this just proves it. If this is how everyone's going to fight me. Then... No, don't resort to violence just yet. Act more intimidating, that's right. Bluff Sova, bluff!)

I shake my head in disappointment saying:

"I won't fall for that kind of attack anymore. Other than that, please sir, put your weapons down. I do not wish to fell you by my blade."

I try to reason with him but he ignores me and let his weapon go. As it turns into a brush, I begin to wonder...

(Wait, is that a soul weapon just now?)

He bows his head down before making a wheel kick aiming at my chin. Seeing how slow his attack is, I dodge easily by stepping back saying:

"Cease this useless violence at once good sir."

I warn him one more time but like a compressed bottle, his anger erupted with the fury of a thousand screaming souls shouting:

"To hell with that! You think I don't know what she will do to her true Majesty! Until the true heir sits on the throne, these lands shall be cleansed with blood!"

(What? True Majesty? Who? And what does that even mean!? What will Yuwei do to her- oh... Is he talking about what happened to Xuejie? If what Riyue said is true, doesn't that mean Yuwei will execute her too? And then again, Riyue did say she did some horrible things. He's fighting me so that he could protect someone, if so, I'll give it my all too).

As I was still in thought, he continues to attack me with a very similar technique...

(Isn't he using the phoenix technique? Unlike the ones Sis Rubeca uses on me which is more focus on precision strikes or Sis Yuwei which is more on area attacks and magic. His attack is more oriented towards pure power, which makes him take all those huge swings and strikes... I'll end this quick).

As I thought those things, his strikes suddenly get faster but lost its power. Seeing the unbalance in his stance, I take this chance to grab my weapon. I release my breath and my body becomes less tense.

"I see, you leave me no choice."

(My qi is still unstable but I can still unleash it without control. Just like how most opponents use their qi to pressure me down. Maybe I should try it once. Last time I see them, all they did is unleash their qi and intent... I will take you down!)

He backs away with haste and condenses qi on his new blade before taking a big swing. But I easily dodge his attack by stepping back when,

[Red scorching awakened phoenix technique: velvet sky falling rain!]

"Oh no!!!"

Someone shouts from the sides and before I knew it, I see the noble's feet above coming right at me. His leg coated with scorching red flames and soon more balls of fire gather around and...

*BOOM*

Blinded by the dazzling red flash. I brace myself for a burning sensation akin to the time I fought Aoi but... Contrary to my beliefs, all I felt was a calming breeze, like the calm soothing winds blown near the eastern shores.

Curious by the weird sensation, I blink several times till the light disappear only to find myself in an unknown realm. Small clouds flew across the small peaks as the water falls down as it came from the heavens above. The green in the scenery is only matched by the majestic power I felt coursing through with the golden mist.

"This place looks like one of those places where Master Martial Artist trained. How did I even get here?"

"Haaaaah!!!"

Sensing an attack coming from my back. I spin around and use my left hand to grab the hand that was supposed to hit me, but not stopping there I kick the back of his knees to lower his posture and use my free hand to grab his neck with all my might, choking him as I pin him kneeling down on the ground...

(I really don't like to hold someone's neck like this).

It was none other than the noble in red, Tannan. He tries to free himself by using his free left hand and strike the arm choking him but his desperate attack changes nothing. His face grows more pale and blue, his attack becomes slower as his body starts to move less.

Not wanting to see this. I let go if his right hand, and soon he points both of his palms at me saying:

"[Fire blast]"

My whole vision is caught in nought but a red pyre. My body felt hot but not burning and soon.

*smash* *crack*

A simple smite of my fist cast down upon his unsuspected face. My left hand sunk into his face like punching a pillow as I hope it to be over, but the flames haven't died down in the slightest. I drag him closer and smash his face with another strike but this time with more power delivered with the help of my hips and another and another and another,

*smash* *thwack* *brock* *crack* *dwak* *smush* *snoosh* *shossh* *blurt* *ptsss* *blushrt* *glurg*

The burning pain I felt as I fought Aoi rekindled the memories of the scorching hellscape when I fought her in Central. Making me ignore the sound of my fist every time I smite him.

(Have I always been so afraid of fire?)

Before I knew it, my strikes begin to become more vicious, my attack sharpened with its burst. My mind disappears into my memory as I try to figure out what to do.

(If it's fire shouldn't I just give it water? There's a waterfall near here right? If it wasn't for Rana I wouldn't be here anymore. But then again, isn't that her fault for starting the fight?)

My hand halts its strike. Wondering what happened, I look ahead. Tannan who once has a face now doesn't seem to have one. I quickly let him go thinking,

(I think I went too far this time... Maybe Nanny was right).

"I'm sorry."

As his body fell, I felt someone grabbing my leg, Tannan with what it seems to be his last strength hold my leg saying:

"I'm sherry, jur Maweshy..."

With his voice akin to a murmur, he opens a scroll and runes appear on his body and slowly creeps closer to me.

"Yea, I have seen enough where this is going."

When the runes reach my body, it shatters and turns to dust like all the attempts in the past. Tannan without any strength to retort finally drops his head low. I grip his neck when everything around us changed once again. Thrown mid-air, my body subconsciously panics and landed hand first into the ground, quaking the earth as I fall to my knees...

(Ah, Schnitzel, I didn't mean to do that! Is he still alive?)

Realizing I just slam Tannan into the ground, I let go of him to find Tannan still breathing...

"Phew, that took care of everything."

*smack*

Saya appears out of nowhere and smacks Tannan's face? Making it even worse before shouting:

"That's for endangering our lives you reprobate!"

(What's reprobate?)

"Haah, don't you think that's enough? He's unconscious so just leave him be."

Letting a sigh out, I worry for the unconscious Tannan's life. Saya massages her temple saying:

"Sova, you have to understand. This guy here is trying to murder you, a quote on quote "Silencer" of a Major Super Sector that's on a mission to improve relations. And if I didn't use the scroll of realms in that split second all these soldiers will be dead in the aftermath too and it will cause more than an international incident either! It will be a war... Oh Yuwei, did you plan for this?"

I look around seeing the charred ground and wounded soldiers.

(This happened in our battle? Scroll of realms? No, more importantly, war!? What are you planning Sis!? No that doesn't make sense, Saya did say we're trying to make an alliance right?)

"W-what! It was that bad? What have I gotten my self into? I thought I was just here to stroll and learn spirit stuff."

I try to confirm my mission with her but Saya looks at Tannan with disappointment saying:

"That's right, but if words of this get out well... The Mantis Sector is not the only one they need to worry about- Sova, stop him!

Disrupted mid-sentence Saya order me to stop someone.

"Wejin, don't do it!"

Another person screams loudly when I saw a shadow beside me dashing slowly to pierce a dagger on Tannan,

*smash*

I knee the slow assailant in the chin sending him flying a few meters up in the air before he lands face first...

"Ouch..."

I imagine what happens if that happens to me and soon remember that time Yosova smash my chin with his pummel and getting kneed in the face afterwards... Well, I manage to stop the assailant, one of the guards who actually doesn't have a helm check up on him and nod as to confirm he's still alive. Several soldiers come beside him and take the assailant away and with my acute hearing I hear him he says:

"Continue with the orders. I'll deal with our guests and bring that noble to the healing chambers."

The other soldier with arms to spare clasp their hands shouting:

"I obey!"

Before scattering away. Unlike other strong practitioners, I've seen. He's young, probably older than me by a year or two but... With the spear in his hand, I could see his black hair floating with the pressure of his qi alone while he walks up to me bringing great pressure with each step.

(Wait, the supreme marshal doesn't even give off vibes like him. Could it be he's suppressing it when he met me? If so, I wonder what would happen to me if he does release his pressure).

Even though he stands infront of me, even when our height is the same, I felt like I was being stared down. Like a lion ontop a hill. That's right. His bearing and atmosphere...

(It felt just like when I face off against Sis Rubeca or aunt Palka back at home. Someone I don't want to mess with).

"So, Silver knight. With the captain dead, I'm the one in charge."

He breaks the silence with a smile plastered on his face as if the situation was nothing.

(Silver? Could he be colour blind?)

"I am but a grunt among peers, and since I have no orders or clues I shall follow protocols on how to receive guests. Follow me, I shall lead you to the visitor room."

(Wait, if someone like him who's this strong is a normal soldier, what about the captain? How strong must he be to be a captain and worst of all, he's dead!? No, let's just focus here. I'm finally entering the Jaguar Sector... Legally this time).

"I see, then please lead the way, captain."

"Heh, sorry for being informal but please just call me Dongxi."

"Very well, Dongxi, please lead the way."

I nod and follow his request when he smiles more naturally saying:

"Yes, I obey, come we have some tasty treats," and gesture us to follow him.

"That would be very wonderful!"

(Sweets? Yes that will calm me down).

I reply back wondering what kind of foreign sweets will I receive.

As we follow him, I look at Saya to see how she respond but she just folds her hand and closes her eyes, falling deep in thought.

(Maybe I shouldn't disturb her. Wonder where this will lead me? With our guide gone, who will help us travel in the Jaguar Territory!?)

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

I try to intimidate them by releasing my qi so that they won't do anything funny but...

(The silver knight's not intimidated at all! In fact, she seems to be exhilarated by the thought she will get some treats instead. Is she a glutton? But then again, what are Silencers? If they can make my homeland go to war because something happened to them... No, calm down, let's just proceed this like usual. Remember, your time as an elder in the past is over. You're nought but a boy from a small village now).

But with this demon behind me... Will tomorrow ever come? Will I even make it through the night? I've done everything I can, I have done all that I can... So tell me, why can't I have a normal life?

As I'm circling through the ring of agony, with the demons behind me, whispering sweet lies of uncertainty. My sanity soon returns when I hold the knob to the light...

"Well dear guest, we have arrived."

I open the visitor room which to be honest is my hiding spot and let them in. The room is simple and clean, with the minimal furniture to keep guests company.

(Alright, don't panic. Been a while since you entertain nobility but...)

"Please, take a sit and since we lost a lot of personnel with that bout, I hope you don't mind if I make the tea instead. I may not be the best but I hope it can satisfy your pallet."

"Oh, it's okay. We understand."

The knight in silver tries to calm me down with her adorable voice that's inconsistent with her looks, while the beast-kin beside her seems to only ponder by herself as they take a sit. Taking out my secret stash of treats I save for myself and pouring the tea since there's no wine in this place. The smell of soothing leaves permeates through the room.

(It's been a while since I brew some tea but I think I did okay).

I place the treats and delights on the table for the guests to enjoy saying:

"I hope this can keep you company for a while. Since there are many unexpected events I hope you can excuse me for a while as I contact the higher-up and deliver them the news. And you can find the restroom on the corner over there."

I point at the end of the room as I say that and the silver knight removes her bloodied gloves to reveal a slender and beautiful pearl white hand. As she stood up saying:

"Thank you for the treat- wait, can you stay there for a second?"

"O-of course!"

With a sudden command, I can only obey as she shakes and whispers something at the beast-kin but all she got back was a shove to the face by her tiny hands saying:

"Let him go. I think... I think I'm grasping where this is going. Just let him leave."

"But you said-"

"Just let him, Sova."

The knight nods saying:

"Very well. I'm sorry for holding you up Dongxi."

"Oh, please don't. If you'll excuse me then."

I leave them both here and quickly head to the communication room... Since it's near the visitor room just across the narrow away. Entering the room without any knocks, I went to the giant magic thing and use the tricks I learn from a certain friend and try to operate the thing.

(Most of the staff now are people recruited from the villages and outskirts of this sector. The manual on how to operate this artefact is said to be kept a secret to the nobility and the high ranking officers. If it wasn't for the retired old veteran in our village, I wouldn't even dream of touching this artefact... Then again, I might get punished but if I can explain it to them I hope they can understand it).

"Press this and inject some magic here and... Botch you got it."

*bzzt* *pttch* *click*

"This is fort Jun speaking to Phoenix Border outpost what seems to be the problem."

The large mirror infront of me display something akin to a certain legendary magic artefact back at my days.

(Amazing, so this is the future huh Wait, that old man told me that you need to introduce yourself first).

"This is Seargent Dongxi speaking on behalf of all the 36th company-"

"Hold it, officer. How did you even activate this machine? Reports indicate that no one in the 36th Company border guards is supposed to even know how to operate a simple freezer. Mind explaining this?"

"I can tell you about that later, but please listen, sir, there is an emergency happening right now-"

*slam* *clang*

The officer inside the screen slams the artefact so hard the mug in the edge falls down.

"Shut your yap soldier, how dare a lowly peasant like you disregard and order from the Gods like that! Bring me your captain-"

"Dammit, that's the problem! The captain's dead! And a quarter of our soldier is injured-"

"If that's all you wanted to say then farewell. May the spirit protect you."

*bzzzt*

My words were cut short by the end of the transmission...

"Touch some wood! Now that I think about it, what are they thinking!? Why didn't they send more personnel here knowing someone very important is going to show up! Are they planning something? And even if they are, this is ridiculous!"

*slam* *snap*

In the feet of my rage, I slam my spear against the wall so hard it snaps in half. Leaving a giant cut in the steel wall.

"Now I have no idea what to do... Is this how it goes in Heaven? These so-called Gods operate?"

When I leave the room, I soon found myself slamming the door open to the medical bay. All the injured soldiers look at me with confused eyes when one soldier in white comes to me asking:

"Dongxi what's wrong? Did something happened to the guests?"

The soldier in white, Jin, is the senior officer who accompanies the captain when they transfer here. Even though he's aged. Just like me, he is still not regarded much among the higher-ups and is treated the same as we man at arms.

"I'll tell you that later, how's everyone? And the noble?"

I ask for the situation hoping for some good news.

"They're doing better thanks to your quick treatment but... I can't say much of the noble. I did all I can but his situation isn't getting any better. Unless better healing magic is used, I don't think I can heal his heavy wounds."

"Dammit! Let me see him, maybe my qi can help him recover faster."

"Very well, follow me."

Jin led me past the injured soldiers until the door at the end. As we enter, I could see the noble with his entire head bandaged like a corpse. Not sparing any effort, I use my qi and spread it across his body trying to cure him. I could feel the qi inside the body becoming more stable and his breathing becoming normal.

"Dongxi, that's amazing. I'm not going to ask what happened up there but I hope things are going well?"

I shake my head at his question saying:

"I can't say it is. I manage to hold them in the guest room. But I can't tell how much longer are they going to wait. Tell me, what should I do? I tried contacting the higher-ups with the artefact upstairs but I was quickly turned down without even being able to say a thing."

Jin looks at the noble and shakes his head saying:

"If they are the one who does this? I don't have much hope. As for what you can do... Well, if you already contacted the higher-ups and that's the result. Then there's nothing much really we can do. Since you're already full of surprises, I'm not gonna ask where you learned how to operate the artefact but I suggest you return to entertain the guest. We will deal with the problem down here. You deal with the guest as best as you can."

"You're right. Thanks, Jin."

"Save that for later. Now go. We can only hope for the best."

I nod and run out of the room. Using dash, I was able to hasten my time but... As I was getting near, I see the noble who was suppose to be injured standing infront of the opened guest room.

"This is just getting worse."

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

As Dongxi leaves the room. I looked at Saya with worry in my heart. Entering the restroom, I deactivate and opened my helm to look at the mirror. Even though I just went through something similar to being baked alive, my skin doesn't seem to be injured or burned. In fact, the burn marks left during my battle with Aoi is actually gone now that I look closer. But...

(Didn't she tell me things will go bad if this gets reported then why did she let him leave?)

I try to calm myself by washing my hands and my face so I can eat the treats Dongxi gave us. Droplets silently fell from my chin, drying my face with the towel, my own footsteps ring through my ear, with the sound of currents blowing from the vents, I quietly take a seat infront of Saya and take a bite of the delicacies Dongxi gave us to calm my self down on what's to come.

*nom*

"Dis ish sho sof and sho goof!"

My hands move back and forth to grab the sweets thanks to the sudden sweetness melting and filling my mouth. And seeing the tea infront, I quickly take a sip and soon an explosion of sweetness piled in my mouth like never before.

"Wut ish dis!?"

I never knew something sweet could be so good! Maybe I can ask Dongxi where he bought this and I can share it with Sis Fei and Yuwei.

(Ah~, I feel so much better now. I have to thank him for giving me such nice treats. Things may not end up like the way it seems but this sure makes all the problems go away!)

"Nom, nom, nom. Mmm~"

I continue to stuff my mouth full with the confectionaries and look around wondering what to do. As I grab a plate and wander around the room, I saw the place where he was preparing the light neal and saw the bags probably used to carry those sweets. Looking at the pondering Saya, I decided to wrap up some for her since she's probably going to be like that for a while. Placing the treats in my bag and making sure it won't get crushed, I return to the sit waiting...

Sipping some tea...

Eating more sweets...

Trying to fill my cup again and drink...

(I wonder how long has it been? Without anyone to talk too, this really feels like torture. How much longer does he need to report I wonder?)

*slam*

(Oh he's back?)

I turn toward the door with a treat in my hand only to find somebody else entirely.

"Gulp, T-Tannan? Wait, I thought you're like critically injured by me? Oh, I guess magic does work like wonders."

I forcefully swallow the sweets in my mouth as I wonder what's happening. Unlike before, he now adorns a beautifully decorated jade dress with the jaguar patterns. With restless breath, he opens his mouth saying:

"Forgive me, I'm not too late am I!?"

(Eh?)

More surprises come into play when I realize he speaks in runician and his voice sounds different, no, more like he sound like a girl now. Well, that would explain the tiny bulge in his chest and the dress he's wearing...

(Did he transformed like me!?)

I look at Saya who finally seem to stop pondering and unfold her hands saying:

"Ah, that solves the missing puzzle. So, are you ready to take the consequence Tannan?"

Speaking in Runician, Saya smiles maliciously.

(Eh? Her? She's Tannan? But then who's the guy I just defeated?)

I look at Tannan who shakes her head while she's out of breath replying:

"Wait, please! You misunderstand, the one you met is my twin brother! Please, give me a chance to explain what-"

"Tch, tch, tch."

Saya clicks her tongue while shaking her head. Standing up, she walks closer to Tannan saying:

"No matter the explanation, the deed is done. Do you know what this means princess? We give you one chance to use our Silencer and this is how you do it. No wonder the Mantis wants to invade. I can bet the rumour and news of how your first prince raped the Mantis Sector's princess are true if this is how you treat your guests."

Tannan's eyes begin to lose it's light as she heard that.

(Princess? Rape? W-wait, wait, wait!)

"Saya, are you not going to fill me on what's going on here!?"

I whisper to her as to try to beg her to explain but she doesn't even give me any attention and walks away to the side saying:

"Not only did we receive a poor reception, a lousy excuse from a superior, assassination by an impostor, a late appointment, the loss of an important message and wost of all, the sight of treating your own people like dog shit no less. Even if you can explain, words don't mean shit if the action says otherwise."

"Urgh!"

Tannan grips her skirt as she fell on her knees biting her lips. Saya walks closer to her, lifting her chin and stare down at her saying:

"Tell me, how do you plan to redeem this shit hole of a Sector?"

"I... I... So, are you the Silencer?"

She stares back at Saya as she asks back. But Saya shakes her head and looks at me saying:

"Oh, I'm not. But she is."

(She? Wait, is Saya talking about me?)

Saya backs away and sits back on the sofa again saying:

"And you're lucky that a certain soldier manages to calm her down in time by sacrificing his possessions. Who knows what divine punishments will befall this Sector if it continues like that."

Tannan hangs her head low before she gets a grip on herself and stands in her feet. She dusts off her dress and looks at me with her brown eyes shining with determination. She walks closer to me and kneels down shouting:

"Please forgive me Miss Silencer! Let me get things straight, I am Tannan Yumeizhou. Second Princess of the Jaguar Sector! Please, give me permission to repent for my Sector's actions!!!"

(Eh? I look at Saya and she nods at me as to say yes).

I stand up looking down at her wondering what to say before I got the idea.

(Aha! Since this is gonna be hard impersonating someone else, let's try doing this my way).

I look at her and speak in runician saying:

"Very well, I'll give you one chance. Speak."

"Oh! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you..."

as I see tears flowing out her eyes as she bows so low till her head reach the floor, thanking me continuously.

(This really doesn't feel right to look at).

"Please, raise your head and take a seat, how am I going to speak with you if I can't see your face?"

I hold her shoulder and raise her body so I can see her face.

"Eh? Oh, yes. I'm sorry..."

She wipes her tears saying:

"Forgive me Miss Silencer, but can you please let me go?"

"Ah, forgive me."

I let her go and continue saying:

"Since you have introduced yourself it would be appropriate if I do the same."

I stand straight and clasp my hand saying:

"I'm Suowa Anmao, A Silencer under the direct command of Empress Yuwei herself. Pleased to meet you."

(Now that I think about it, sometimes names can sound different if you speak in a different language huh?)