At Royce’s suggestion, the women and he went out to eat in the Re District. The food was delicious. Some meat that tasted similar to rabbit. It was served in a cream sauce with gentle herbs and was accompanied a large portions of vegetables. It was a nice change from the mushroom heavy meals the upper classes enjoyed.
As they sat, the women were receiving curious and sometimes longing stares from the Adasion gathered. When their eyes saw Royce however, they turned into looks of disdain. Even the waiter barely gave a glance to Royce.
One waiter discreetly slid a note to Juliana under a small plate. Juliana glanced at it and tucked it into her belt.
She spoke, “Are you all right? Do you need anything, Royce? We were so worried about you after we were separated.”
“I’m doing better than most. I have friend. An Adasion named Eirian. We get along.”
“His name sounds familiar,” Juliana thought for a moment, “Are you sure there’s nothing we can do at all?”
“Clothes. I need a new set, boots, and a blanket for winter. I spent too much setting up my place and I realized I spent my allotted savings budget for this month. I do plan to save, but it was difficult to just get started here. It’s already getting colder.”
Jun’ep spoke, “We can do this Lady Juliana. You have enough in your allowance to buy simple clothing for him.”
“Simple?” Sophia raised an eyebrow.
“We don’t want him standing out for thieves,” Jun’ep paused. They cleared their throat, “And Mister Royce, watch out for human traffickers.”
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Royce looked shocked, “What do you mean? Men are considered worthless here.”
One of the Mi guards commented, “While rare, human trafficking does occur. It’s usually the women. That’s why they’re guarded. Brigands will attack clans to try to capture women and then resell them to a desperate clan or they are transported to the Eastern continent. Women there have fewer rights than here.”
“But the men—” Royce prompted.
“The men they use as underground fight fodder.” The guard explained. Sophia gasped.
“Or they’re forced into the armies.” Jun’ep added, looking away. The guard looked between Royce and Jun’ep with a look of realization. Juliana felt that he was hiding something from her. She’d find out later.
“I’m sorry, Lady Juliana. We should have told you, and I doubt you’re learn this in the Training Center. You’ve seen the best of the Asa Dominion, but there are places that are dark and troublesome.”
Sophia mused, “So that’s why you were against us visiting Royce. It wasn’t because we were seeing a man from earth but the possible dangers. I get it.”
The local food sat heavy in Juliana’s belly.
“I appreciate you two visiting me—Juliana. Sophia. Someone remembered about me from Earth. That means more to me than you can know.”
Outside the window, an armed patrol of Asan guards marched by the cafe. They wore short, easy to move in, tunics. The material had a pattern of thin stripped lines across the chest. A short sword hung at their waist. Each soldier carried a shield. Despite their lack of armor, Juliana knew that any one of them could easily outmatch the people back home. A single note sung and the destruction of nature, a partial transformation, increased speed, or the earth trembling could occur. Their hair color showed they were at least a Mi rank. Their patrol was supposed to be a comforting act for the people. For Juliana, not used to military law, it only emphasized how different this place was.
A few Una’Ta citizens walked by their window. The ladies’ faces were painted white with green, red, or blue triangles. Their puffy dresses had shiny stitching. Their faces were rimmed with feathers and reminded Juliana of a lion’s mane. Such an odd culture. They stared at Royce, whispering to each other before walking down the street.