Ellie and I were on our way back home.

"How do we help him register his daughter?", Ellie asked.

"Well... I don't know." I replied.

"What is the good use of your experience? You have been floating around for ages and you don't know anything?"

"What do you think? I know everything there is. I was never interested in such official work. I worked as a coroner and investigator my whole life." I took a pause and said, "Christine might know something."

Ellie sighed, turning away, clearly done with the conversation. So, I turned toward you instead. Let me tell you how the ghost world works.

Spirits can go to the afterlife whenever they want, but there’s no coming back—unless, like me, they come back as a ghost guide. Ghost guides—think of us as investigators—are tasked with keeping bad ghosts from causing chaos. I, as a ghost guide, have certain powers: I can teleport and walk through walls. It’s not glamorous, but it’s important work.

We report to the ghost council in our respective areas. They keep things organized, make the rules, and hand out assignments.

As for why Ellie can see us? No one, not even the council, knows the answer. Ellie, of course, hates not knowing the answer. But no matter how much she digs, the reason she can see us remains a mystery.

But enough about the ghost world—back to life, or something close to it. We’d reached home.”

The table was set with pie. Oh, the smell. It must taste good.

Christine came from the kitchen holding a glass of ale. She smiled at Ellie and said, "How did your day go?".

"It was fine." Ellie replied.

Christine placed the glass on the table and embraced Ellie in a tight hug. "I made pie to celebrate your first day at work." Ellie embraced her back, grateful for the love. Huh, poor girl.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

I swear if she hadn't let go of Ellie, Ellie would have crumbled by now. "Did anyone make things tough for you?" Christine inquired, giving Ellie an interrogative look.

Don't tell her, she will kill him.

"No, no one bullied me. And Bryn helped me." She gave me a glancing smile.

"What good is he?" She shot a look of mock disapproval my way.

She made Ellie sit down on the chair, holding her by shoulders. "Taste the pie. What do you think?"

God, I miss eating. The syrup rolling over my tongue, the crisp edges, the softness filling my mouth.

My daze broke when Ellie asked Christine, "Do you know how we could register his daughter?"

Christine stated in a serious tone, "First, you will need the family's approval. Then, you would need the help of the magistrate if you want to fasten up the process."

Ellie nodded. I yawned loudly, attracting the attention of the ladies.

"I am off to sleep," I said.

I went to sleep in my bed. Yes, I own a bed. Okay, not a bed but a mattress. And I dozed off to sleep. Zzzzzz.......

The next morning, I am woken up by an angry Christine. "Do you know what time is it? If you don't get up now, Ellie is going to be late." She scolded me.

I flinched slightly and stood up the next moment. We aren't formless, but we can choose between floating and walking. That right is reserved only for ghost guides.

After I set my hair and we bid goodbye to Christine, we exited the house. The tranquility and peace in the forest, the beautiful smell. And then, here we are in the city with the chit chit of people—yes, that’s what I call it.

As we entered the Office, we were met by a grinning Robert. “Hello, how are you?” Robert’s voice was cheerful, almost too cheerful. Of course, he was eager—we were the only ones who could help him.

Why so energetic?

Ellie gave Robert a brief glance, her jaw tightening. She looked around. There were guards at the gate and the sweeper. She walked past Robert, ignoring him.

Robert's face fell. I said with a hint of frustration, "Don't you understand? She can't talk to you with people around. Or they'd think she has gone mad."

Robert nodded and we followed Ellie. He walked by my side and spoke near my ear, "So, when are you going to get my daughter registered?"

This psych, speaking so close to my ear. It feels wiggly. I stepped back and said in a high voice, "What are you whispering about? Only Ellie can her us."

Robert’s grin faltered. He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing down like a scolded child. Huh, he is such a big baby. I said in a normal voice this time, "We would need the family's permission and then the help of the magistrate to speed up the process." I took a pause, seeing that he was thinking about something. I don't know what.

"So, would your family agree?"

"You would have to help me with that too. I don't think they would agree."

"All right, let's talk about it later," I said, following Ellie to report to her senior.