Open Complete Lake Horatio Tides and Tales

[Magnolia]

"Is that so? Magnolia is my best servant. Truly an elite type, and it feels me with joy she help others out as well." The man said.

"That... I'm flattered, madam Yume, Master..." Magnolia's cheeks grew with a faint rosiness, but aside of that, her expressions remained the same, calm and collected.

"As for dinner... Very well, I'd agree with that. Sharing a dinner with gracious ladies is something I can't reject." He smirked, gesturing at Lala and Mary. "You two, are also very welcomed to it. And you may have Magnolia's help to cook the dinner-"

"Oh yeah, please, that would be grea-- ACK?!"

A stomp on her feet interrupted Mary immediately.

"Please, do not worry about that. We are the hosts... And if you insist, of course we can dinner with you~!" She glared Mary. "Let's go, Mary? We need to hurry up to prepare a dinner for five-"

Before she could end her sentence, the thunderous exclaims of another man filled the room, making the two girls jump.

"- for SIX people!" She finished, pushing Mary ahead toward the kitchen, hurrying to cook up the meal.

Magnolia, already recognizing the voice, turned slowly at the direction of the large 'wild' man, blinking slowly as she scanned his face and body. "Ah... Greetings, sir Zera." Magnolia said, bowing deeply to the man. "It is a pleasure to see you again." Only to see, to hear, unfortunately, it was still a disgrace for her eardrums.

"Mr. Zera. It has been a while. You've came just in time to share a dinner with us, if you wish to." Trevor invited.

@MayoYume @Zera Leigh

 

[MayoYume]

100 / 100

Astramancy

The redhaired master had accepted the invitation graciously, something that Yume knew should have been worth noting. Yet somehow she felt like she was simply filling a role, doing what had been instilled and inspired into her - forcing her to follow through with intricate words and actions, all because of an upbringing.

I look forward to the meal that you have planned, I'm certain it will be Oishī. The heated chocolate drink earlier was rather enjoyable, if it's anything to base the quality upon.

The entry of the final individual - or at least, the final individual for the current moment, Yume reminded herself - was boisterous and Yume found herself speechless for a few seconds as the others greeted the man - someone they had all clearly met before. As her senses slowly returned, she found herself already rising and giving a simple bow - still to the depth that she had presented Trevor, but with a slight hint of hesitation in the action.

Aisatsu...I'm MayoYume, but you may call me Yume. It's a pleasure to meet another acquaintance of Trevor-san, and Magnolia-san.

She waited, patiently and politely for the other to introduce themselves, before waving a hand towards the now-filling chairs that surrounded the table itself.

If you'd be so inclined, to join us for our evening meal? The owners of the lodge had just begun the process of preparing the meal, but we'd enjoy your company...should you be so inclined.

@Zera Leigh | @Magnolia​

 

[Zera Leigh]

The man-mountain chortled boisterously at Lala's reaction to his presence. When he spotted her pushing Mary towards the kitchen he quickly turned and raised his hand.

"Ah! Miss Mary! Did you want some hel- ...I suppose not."

He blinked a few times and rubbed the back of his head before turning towards a demure voice that addressed him by name-with an honorific. A chill went up his spine at the word 'sir' and he visibily flushed, clearing his throat a few times and looking away with a pained expression. He forced himself to shake off the discomfort, he knew she was just being respectful. It made him feel like he was supposed to be more important than he actually was, though, and that weighed on him a little.

"Ah ha! There's no need for 'sir'... It's good to see the two of you again! Wa ha ha! Small world! I'd love to join you! Thank you for the invitation!"

His laughter trailed off when someone new approached him, she barely came up to his abdomen in height, it felt like, and there was a clear look in her eyes that was very strange to him. He couldn't put his finger on it. It wasn't a bad thing, just new. He waved his hands frantically as she continued to talk, her formal tone giving him goosebumps.

"Ahaha! No need to be so formal! I'm just a simple woodsman!"

He instead extended a massive hand in her direction to shake;

"Zera Leigh, it's nice to meet you, MayoYume."

With introductions out of the way he did his best to disengage, the formal nature of the gathering was already a bit much for him but he wasn't going to say no to having dinner with good company. He hurried over to an empty seat, making sure it was one of the sturdier ones before sitting down, his massive frame looking a bit silly leaning over the humble inn table.

@Midnight Dreams @Magnolia

 

[Magnolia]

Magnolia looked at Zera intently, tilting her head. "I... Can't be so rude to call you so casually, sir Zera. Does it really bother you that much?" She questioned, feigning an innocence and trying to be loud enough for Trevor to hear.

"Mr. Zera is a honorous man. He can't be referred to with so much casualty, Magnolia. You know well." Trevor argued. "You shouldn't be humble, even if you are a Starcalled, as I know how free-spirited you all are."

There was a brief nod of the maid, granted, she wished she had a bit more of freedom to not bother the man any further with the politeness... Even if it was amusing to look at him internally struggling at the fact she referred to him with fancy honorifics.

"Very well, we shall take a seat then." She said, approaching the table that Zera had chosen, and gently tugging a seat for her master. Trevor sat down, adjusting his cloak as he maintained an imposing posture, while Magnolia moved to the next chair, pulling it for Yume to seat.

"Madam Yume." She gestured for her to sit, and whenever she did, Magnolia would finally take a seat to herself.

@MayoYume @Zera Leigh

 

[MayoYume]

100 / 100

Astramancy‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ TBD

She was startled, to say the least, when the hand was shoved towards her in the middle of her introduction. Not because of the action itself - but because of the fact that, for the briefest of seconds she'd forgotten that some individuals preferred such methods in comparison to her more formal upbringing. Delayed, and obviously displaying a side of uncertainty, she had taken the proffered hand given it a light shake, before smiling at the man.

My apologies, Zera Leigh-san...it would seem that I was taken off guard by your customs. I shall try not to allow it to happen again.

Yume followed with her eyes as the enormous man made his way to the table, seating himself comfortably before the conversation turned once more. Yume followed along absentmindedly as Trevor and Magnolia spoke about the status of Zera Leigh, before words were uttered that caught her off guard once more.

My apologies, Trevor-san...did you say that someone was Starcalled?

She was sure that she had misheard the commentary, but somehow the words seemed to ring true in her mind. She barely even noticed as Magnolia guided her towards a seat - never quite touching her, but making motions that her body naturally followed. Her eyes passed between the three others at the table as she waited for an answer, curious to learn whether Zera Leigh was a player, or one of the locals themselves.

It would be an...honour to meet a Starcalled individual in these parts, if that were true, Zera Leigh-san.

@Zera Leigh | @Magnolia​

 

[Zera Leigh]

Zera was about to gently correct Magnolia when he caught on too her little tactic too late. He let out a small groan of exasperation when the maid's master supported her desire to maintain proper decorum and hung his head as he settled into his seat. He recovered quickly enough and after a bit of shifting managed to make himself look a little less oversized at the table. It wasn't hard, he was used to doing it so he didn't have a negative effect on others.

He let out a breath and rubbed the back of his neck when Yume reacted to him being a starcalled. He wasn't sure if it was a reasonble thing to do to call him that, seeing as his ui was frankly useless and he had no special 'powers' to speak of. For all he knew he was an ordinary guy who'd ended up stuck here in this world.

Even so...

"I suppose you could say that, there was an event involving me falling from the sky, I think..."

He coughed a little at the unpleasant memory. From what he'd heard later, most people simply landed in the world standing up with a small crater the only evidence of their arrival. He had fallen from several meters in the air, stark naked, and powerless. His face turned a bit red at the thought and he did his best to divert attention.

"So anyway! Lord Trevor! What brings you all the way out here?"

@Magnolia @Midnight Dreams

 

[Magnolia]

"Yes. Mr. Zera is a Starcalled, or at least talk funny like one." He chuckled as he responded Yume, then looking at Zera. "I was meaning to go to Finweald for business... But our caravan got stuck on snow, and so here we are..." He sighed. "Truly unlucky, if you ask me."

As Zera mentioned the event of falling from the skies, Magnolia clasped her hands. "I see. So you are truly a Starcalled, sir Zera." She said with a nod, then glancing to Yume.

"See, madam Yume? Sir Zera is just like you." Magnolia said, a bit more eager despite the lack of expressions. The man may have been loud, be strange, and a lot of negative things... But so far, he showed to be kindhearted and protective of others, similarly to Yume. If those two met and decided to play together, the chances of either of them becoming UI Locked for getting into trouble alone would drastically decrease.

"Surely a coincidence. A work of fate, probably, from the stars, even." She said, a bit dramatic, perhaps exaggerated.

@MayoYume @Zera Leigh

 

[MayoYume]

100 / 100

Astramancy‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ TBD

Yume glanced back at Zera as both Trevor and Magnolia seemed to confirm that the man had indeed fallen from the skies above. Their statements were only further incorporated by Zera Leigh's own admittance to his status, before changing the topic entirely.

Yume flashed a smile towards Magnolia, as the girl became more and more eccentric regarding the bigger man's Starcalled nature, before outing her own situation. She pondered for a moment how the maid had known, before shrugging it off - either her own admittance earlier, or perhaps simply her mannerisms had given it away.

I had meant to ask, Trevor-san, was the caravan itself actually broken? Or simply stuck? If it were the latter, I may be of some assistance with that, come the morning.

She hadn't considered the possibility of the caravan simply being stuck within the snowfall - something that she may actually be able to help fix, assuming nothing was broken. She thought back to her time in the wintery country to the north, and how often she had assisted neighbours and family with their own vehicles that had become entrenched in the heavier snowfalls.

Especially with Zera Leigh-san here to assist...assuming that he would be so kind as to help. You seem like the shinsetsu of people, who would be willing to help those in need.

Her smile was genuine as she looked towards Zera, hoping to win him over with a few well placed compliments. She wasn't entirely sure of who the man was, but he seemed polite and welcoming enough - and somehow, that gave Yume the feeling that he would be more than willing to help those in need, given the opportunity.

@Zera Leigh | @Magnolia​

 

[Zera Leigh]

Zera raised his eyebrows at Lord Trevor's comment about his caravan and frowned, rubbing his chin in thought. The snow around here was heavy and thick so it was no surprise that a wheeled caravan would be having trouble. More to the point, there was the risk of leaving a caravan like that behind. Did he have any crew left behind as well? Were they okay? While uncommon, highwaymen would often wait for situations like this near the lake, though their activity had dropped off recently.

His attention diverted when he glanced over at MayoYume, who Magnolia introduced as a fellow starcalled. That wasn't surprising given that her name sounded more like a username than a real name, but he hadn't jumped to that conclusion immediately since this world had cultures he didn't understand yet. He let out a breath and nodded at Yume's question, it was the right one to ask. More importantly...

He got to his feet without a word and walked to the doors leading out of the lodge, he opened them and brought his fingers to his lips, letting out a sharp whistle. In moments an enormous Eastern Brisshal direwolf loped into view, coming to a stop just outside the range of the light cast by the interior of the lodge.

"Brisko, there's a caravan stuck in the snow not far from here, keep an eye on them for me, howl if they are in any trouble. We'll go dig them out in the morning."

The wolf let out a huff and turned away, dashing into the darkness of the snowy night. Zera shut the door and rubbed the back of his neck before walking over to sit down with the others.

"I wouldn't say I'm a good person."

Zera shook his head, he'd killed a man before, that was enough to disqualify him as far as he was concerned. His expression became a little sober and he cleared his throat, trying to force himself out of the small dourness that washed over him.

"But I'm always happy to help! We'll get you dug out in no time Lord Trevor! Bahaha!"

@Magnolia @Midnight Dreams

 

[Magnolia]

"It is stuck and broken, Ms. Yume." He sighed. "Truly, that was on me for hiring such a green driver." He then smiled faintly. "But extra muscles will sure help. The caravan is heavy, and being broken will be even tougher to get it out of the snow."

Magnolia half opened her mouth to add more into it, but as Zera left the room abruptly and without any warning, the maid paused and peered at Yume, giving her an apologetic glance.

"Please don't overthink about sir Zera's rowdiness and unpredictability. He is an exotic man, but certainly means well."

As the man returned, she continued:

"With this many hands, we will truly succeed on taking the caravan out of the snow... The concern is fixing it, however... but Ms. Lala said she had a contact to help us out."

@MayoYume @Zera Leigh

(Next cycle I am bringing back the rest of NPC)

 

[MayoYume]

100 / 100

Astramancy

Yume cocked her head slightly to the side as Zera had stood and made his way to the door. A sharp whistled followed, then a short conversation with a lupine face that Yume recognised from previous encounters. This one, appeared to respond to the words of Zera - as if some sort of bond between the two existed. She waited patiently, nodding as Magnolia attempted to apologise for Zera's behaviour, as if it were somehow her fault to begin with.

Shinpaishinaide, Magnolia-san...I'm far more used to some of these actions than many may think. I assure you, you are correct - Zera-san just wants to help, wherever he can. I can see that in him, and in the sign of the stars.

Her attention returned to Trevor as the man explained their predicament, noting that there was damage to the caravan itself. It was unfortunate, but Yume wasn't all that surprised by the events and their outcome. Still, it was saddening to learn that they would indeed have to wait for more expertise help.

Sometimes, Trevor-san, even the most experienced of drivers are taken by surprise. Especially in conditions such as this. While the driver cannot be entirely excused, perhaps it is worth remembering that every experience only solidifies skill, and that this event - although infuriating, and frustrating - may provide you with a more capable, better suited driver than some of those who've gained years of experience, but without fault and failure...my father used to say that our failings were what defined us. That all of us had them, but that it was how we handled them, and overcame them, that determined who we would become.

Her eyes had closed as she remembered the words, her face twitching ever so slightly at the memories. Her father had been kind enough, albeit as demanding as any Japanese member of society would expect. Yume hadn't faulted him for his own failings, but his admittance had certainly opened up an area of understanding that she hadn't considered before.

@Zera Leigh | @Magnolia​

 

[Zera Leigh]

Zera settled into his seat with a thoughtful expression on his face, catching the tail end of the conversation. He rest his elbows on his knees and nodded with a smile. People make mistakes all the time, but that's how they learned. That's how he learned anyway, and he made a lot of mistakes. His eyes sparkled in Yume's direction, it was so good to meet someone with such a kind heart! It gave him hope for the world. Swept up in the moment he clenched a fist and brought it to his chest.

"Well said! BA HA HA! Well said! Beautiful and wise! I daresay a fool like myself would have gotten nowhere without making mistakes first!"

He laughed from his gut, thoughtlessly complimenting Yume before leaning forward and turning to Lord Trevor. He made an effort to avoid Magnolia's gaze, she scared him a little for some reason.

"Now that I think of it, we haven't spoken since that incident my Lord! How are you and Magnolia doing? You'll be pleased to hear that those fools are doing something a bit more productive with their lives!"

He was, of course, referring to the bandits that had instigated their encounter in the first place. Despite their crimes, Zera was vehemently opposed to taking life, so he had taken on the role of attempting to reform at least the few good men who had chosen to try to change their ways. Some of them hadn't chosen a life of crime, but had been drawn into it by their ne'er-do-well leader. Zera's current plan for them wasn't permanent though and he needed to figure out something lasting. He was considering farming but that meant land. Which was part of why he'd come this far into Astorea in the first place.

@Midnight Dreams @Magnolia

 

[Magnolia]

"I am glad you think that way, madam Yume. If we had more people with your honest heart, perhaps we wouldn't need to waste our minds on guessing who isn't to be trusted." Magnolia said, genuinely appreciating the woman's thoughts, even if deep down she thought that perhaps she was being naive to believe on a man she had just met so easily... But that shouldn't be a surprise by now, considering how receptive she was earlier.

"I do advice to reserve caution when meeting strangers. You are one to bond easily to anyone, madam Yume..." She warned, with a hint of concern in her usual neutral voice.

"Hmm" Trevor thought about Yume's words. "You are right, Ms. Yume. To err is to improve over mistakes." He nodded. "That still was an undesired outcome, so he may solidify his skills by having to take care of the caravan until we go there fix it tomorrow." He said, firmly.

Magnolia peeked at Trevor, suppressing a head shake before turning to Zera.

"Madam Yume is truly wise, sir Zera. But you are no different, albeit in your own way." Magnolia said. "I didn't expect us to have a more peaceful solution regarding that problem, but your merciful actions proved to be more beneficial to everyone." She said, even if at the time, she couldn't help but lament the lack of fun she would have by making them suffer for their actions. She wouldn't oppose, however, to someone like him.

Trevor preferred to not comment on it, shrugging and keeping his opinions regarding the matter to himself.

He wouldn't even have time to give his words, however, considering the inn girls soon approached with their orders, all generous in size and quantity.

"Here is the food... Oh, hello Zera." The blonde youngster greeted, resting a plate before him. "So you are back now, huh? Good thing today it isn't crowded, last time wasn't... Exactly the calmest of the days."

"Less talking, Mary, and more serving. When we are done with it, we can join their conversation!" She scolded.

"Right."

The duo was quick to soon serve everyone, not taking long to take a seat themselves.

@MayoYume @Zera Leigh

 

[MayoYume]

100 / 100

Astramancy

Yume folded her hands briefly, giving thanks for the food before turning her attention back to Magnolia. The woman had made a point, regarding trusting too willingly. Not that Yume was ready to give up so easily on others, but being aware that in this world, there were dangers.

I agree, there is a line to...trusting. One in which we must be careful not to lose ourselves in. Imagine, however, that we were to jump immediately to distrust - then we remove all chances of one proving themselves. Perhaps, for some, this is possible...but I prefer to give someone the chance to disprove my trust being worthwhile.

She thought back to an incident when she had first arrived in this world. An event that had left a sour taste in her memories, and one that she tried not to think too much upon. Still, she recalled the event clearly, and even now knew that she had erred on the side of naivety.

There are dangers...and of course people who cannot be trusted. Dorobō, who want nothing more than to fill their own hands, while leaving others without...I encountered such individuals when I first arrived.

Her tone had taken on a slightly darker, less cheerful sound. Her expression darkened as she thought back on it, the smile sliding away and being replaced by a frown. She remembered the screams - her first incident when she had learnt about the power that came with this world - and what it had cost. Shaking her head, she forced her smile back, trying to cast aside the memories once more.

But, it is not without necessity that we do what we must do...and if we give someone a chance, at least then we may say with clear Ishiki-teki...with clear mind, that we gave them an opportunity.

@Zera Leigh | @Magnolia​

 

[Zera Leigh]

He blushed a bit and rubbed the back of his neck at Magnolia's compliment, looking away just as Lala and Mary stepped out. He brightened at their approach and cast a big smile in Mary's direction, reaching into the small pouch on his hip and pulling out a small purple-pink covered book. He handed it over to her with a twinkle in his eye before looking down at the meal provided to him, his stomach rumbling. He'd been eating his undersized catches off a simple fire and spit for the past few days and having something properly cooked was a delight.

"Hello Mary! Thank you again for the book, it was wonderful! This looks great!"

He barked out a jolly laugh and was about to dig in when he spotted Yume giving quiet thanks. He cleared his throat and repeated a similar gesture, though it wasn't as refined. With that done he waited for the other plates to be set down before digging in with gusto. Ah, good food, good company, this was what living was about. His face was practically flushed with the delight of living while the others spoke. Even so, his eyes trailed back to Yume when she spoke of necessity with a grim tone.

He looked away, his own eyes hardening as he tried to return his focus to the delight of food. He didn't agree with her, to him, life was absolutely sacred. He understood that it was hard to find a peaceful solution sometimes and that defending onesself came without saying. To him, though, the only reason he couldn't make an encounter end without violence was his own inexperience and lack of skill. The deaths on his own hands weighed on him until his shoulders slumped a little. He let out a breath through his nostrils and reached for a drink, taking a few hearty gulps and offering a sad smile to his food.

"I wonder..."

He said it quietly as if he was talking to himself before brightening again.

"All we can do is our best, right? Wa ha ha! This is delicious! Thanks again you two!"

He turned to Mary.

"Say, you wouldn't happen to have any other books like that, would you?"

@Midnight Dreams @Magnolia

 

[Magnolia]

Magnolia listened intently to Yume's thoughts and kindness, tilting her head.

"... Do tell be careful about this mindset, madam Yume... As noble as it may be... However, I am certain that your nature will ward away those with ulterior motives... And if it does not, I offer you my assistance to take care of those who dared to do you ill." Magnolia hoped, and offered Yume her help in case something ever happened. Not that she expected the woman to accept it, but it was one thing she could let her know she could resort to--

Anyone would resort to such a thing, when they were cornered in the worst of the situations, after all.

"Just because I allow you to take side hustles, you are already advertising, Magnolia? You are sure a quick one." He rose an eyebrow, elegantly taking his meal and eating with as much etiquette as the limited silverware of the inn could allow.

Magnolia peered at Trevor, "And I am very grateful for that, master..." She added, giving a brief head bow as she forked her food calmly, only after everyone took at least one bite of their meal.

"Hnnnh-!" Mary swallowed her food quickly when Zera gave her book back. "Heh, I knew you would like it... I do have some others in my room, of the same author too." Her expressions turned peppy as she spoke about it, quickly tucking her book under her apron so it wouldn't get dirty.

While they spoke about the book, however, Magnolia glanced at Zera and Yume, noticing the vague bitterness that occurred to them, with her pointy ears twitching slighty as her eyes had a faint brim under them. The uncomfortable emotions that bothered their minds and hearts would fade out, while Magnolia's expressions hinted a brief sorrow that was quickly suppressed by her biting her inner cheek, causing her to barely wince as she returned to her most neutral and default expression.

"My apologies to comment on it, sir Zera... Yet, I can't help but feel surprised for your taste for books." She said as a distraction, even if her face didn't show any surprise at all, as usual.

@MayoYume @Zera Leigh

 

[MayoYume]

100 / 100

Astramancy

Yume could see the soft changes in Magnolia's posture, the way her ears twitched, and even the way she looked at the two of them as the conversation turned darker. She wasn't sure what to make of the reaction - approval? Disapproval? Disbelief? - but she knew one thing for sure, the girl had offered, rather kindly, to watch out for Yume.

Yoroshikuonegaishimasu for the offer, Magnolia-san. I would be honoured to travel with you, one day. Should Trevor-san not be so disinclined to allow such time away.

She had turned a smile towards the master, just in time for him to mention Magnolia's ability to take on side work. Her subtle question answered, she turned back to Magnolia with a slightly wider smile, and a twinkle in her eyes.

Well, I guess that means that one of these days I'll be kidnapping you for an adventure, Magnolia-san. Whenever Trevor-san has the capability to be bereft of your company, that is...

She nodded towards the redhaired man, hoping to make her respect apparent. The last thing she wanted to do was to impose on another, especially one in whom the individual in question was indebted towards.

Her eyes were drawn towards the book that was handed over, and Yume considered for a brief second about asking Zera what the piece was regarding, before realising that it wasn't her place. Instead, she decided to take a different tactic - one a fair bit outside the realm of inappropriateness, and hoping more personable.

Do you enjoy just reading pieces, Zera-san? Or is your intent to create your own masterpiece?

@Zera Leigh | @Magnolia​

 

[Zera Leigh]

Zera eagerly stuffed his face while the others talked. He wasn't much for 'refined etiquitte' these days. The polite decorum of a has-been wanna-be doctor had long been forgotten in the rough world he now lived in. He chuckled at the quips shared between Magnolia and her lord, stabbing a piece with his fork and popping it into his mouth. He chewed and quickly swallowed when Mary turned to respond to him. He brightened visibly and turned to her with sparkling eyes.

"Really? That's great! Wa ha ha! Yes please, if you wouldn't mind! There was so much passion in that last work, it brought a tear to my eyes!"

He gushed openly, bringing his fist to his heart and reminiscing about the deep wording in the poetry before Magnolia shot her little jab in. He let out a cough and cleared his throat, blushing furiously from face to ears. Silly adventure stories, romance novels, and poetry were his thing, always had been. Somehow in a world made by someone else there were books he'd never read before. He still couldn't understand how it was possible but that book had been as real as any other. Still, despite how amazing it was, it was a little embarassing.

"Ah? Ah ha ha ha! Y-you recognized it then? I-I-It's a guilty pleasure. Ahem!"

He stammered before practically choking at Yume's question.

"Write? Me? WA HA HA! Oh no, I wouldn't know where to start. I prefer to appreciate works of art rather than make them myself! I don't have the talent for it. Spent too much time with my nose in anatomy books back at school!"

He rubbed his nose and cleared his throat again before lowering his head a bit to give his food extra focus, the embarassment burning on his neck.

@Magnolia @Midnight Dreams

 

[Magnolia]

The fact her request was turned into an invitation for travelling made Magnolia blink, now with her expression finally averting from her emotionless state and shifting to a bit more of genuine surprise, even if only for a fraction of a second. Yume and Zera were truly intriguing her time after time. To desire the presence of a data like her enough to go this far. It seemed like this encounter wasn't so simple.

Her gaze slowly turned to Trevor, and the man huffed.

"As soon as I'm done with my business trip, Magnolia is all yours until I have to go through another one." Trevor nodded "As soon as I need her, I may simply contact her with my messager."

"Thank you very much, master..." She bowed to Trevor, looking at Yume and nodding.

"In that case, feel free to kidnap me whenever you desire, as soon as I'm done assisting my master, madam Yume. I am one that does like some travelling after doing enough domestic work" Magnolia said, slowly turning to look at the bigger man. "You as well, sir Zera." She added, letting him know that the offer was also extended to him.

"I do know that book well, yes... My master has a lot of books, that he allows me to read them. Your taste, sir Zera, is interesting, and I do appreciate these books... They provide the perfect warmth needed for cold nights." She argued, then peeking at Yume.

"I would even recommend some of these books for you as well, madam Yume."

"I do have a lot of books of this author, so I could have one for each of you... Just... Uh, give it back as soon as you are done. I need some distraction myself."

"You act so tomboyish sometimes, Mary, that it is funny to see you liking these cheesy romance books. You are very girly after all!" Lala laughed heartily before taking a bite of her food.

"S... Stop that, boss!"

@MayoYume @Zera Leigh

 

[MayoYume]

100 / 100

Astramancy

Yume clasped her hands before her and bowed her head as Trevor gave permission to borrow Magnolia, for a time. A soft twinkle in her eyes signified the fact that she was already making plans, her mind running even as she spoke her thanks aloud in response.

Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu. I promise to return her shortly, once we've had a small adventure. And, uhm...thank you, again.

She was glad when the conversation turned back towards the books - her less than impressive gratefulness hopefully ignored or forgotten in the continuation of conversation. Not that she was left out very long, when Magnolia suddenly recommended the novellas to her.

Oh...uhm...books? I...romance books? I don't really...I mean, I've read one or two, but...

Her face had flushed in response, as her mind tried to find the words. Her particular preference likely wouldn't be found in this world, unless it was brought in by those who had fallen from the skies like herself. Still, she didn't want to appear rude before her hosts.

Watashi wa suisoku suru...I could try one of them, and see if I like them. But only if it's not trouble! I wouldn't want to impose.

She rushed to add the final bit, before turning her attention back to her food. For the time being, she was content to listen to the others talk, to hear what others had to say. She smiled, enjoying the idea of just being included.

@Zera Leigh | @Magnolia​