Part 1 –
“… would you mind explaining why you’re in that body?” Anoma stood with folded arms and furrowed brows. The last thing she expected to see this morning was a female Exrite.
Underneath the pink clouds, the two stood face-to-face in the middle of the lonely garden. Because of the Commander’s return, today would be the last day they’d meet for training.
Anoma didn’t know that yet and wondered why Exrite suddenly changed into his Maiden form when they had nine days left before their deadline.
Exrite held an apologetic look on her face, but her eyes were filled with unwavering conviction. The small patch of flowers that surrounded them tickled Exrite’s legs as her black coat danced in the chilly breeze.
She didn’t how she’d tell Anoma that they were going to leave tonight. The woman had poured so much effort into training her every day, that she felt guilty for leaving so suddenly.
Nevertheless – she had to go no matter what.
She held her breath.
“I… changed after our session yesterday. I’m sorry. There wasn’t much I could do to stay in my normal body.” Exrite omitted the reason behind her change and managed to stay truthful.
The presence of Enthile’s traders made her hesitant to even utter her connection with that horrid place.
“So how the hell are we going to work you to the bone? If I even slightly graze you, I’ll never hear the end of it from your companions.” She spoke with a low voice before dropping her head to the side. “I still can’t believe you’re the Maiden of Time.”
It was hard for her to hide her irritation. Underneath her sharp bangs, were her narrowed eyes that burned with a searing flame.
Surrounding them were the many wooden training dummies, each set up for Exrite’s use. It furthered her guilt, and she became mildly frustrated that the Commanders came so early without any notice.
However – Exrite smiled.
“You’re not alone.” She brought back her attention to Anoma. “Even after all this time training with you, I still don’t know if I’m cut out to be the Exrenity or the Maiden of Time.”
Anoma sighed and took a couple of steps towards Exrite. The scrunching beneath her limeite boots stopped when she was only a mere metre away.
“Then you couldn’t help it? Did realising that for the hundredth time finally push you to give up after coming this far? I don’t know what’s going on, but you sound like this’ll be the last time we’ll see each other.”
She brought her face into Exrite’s and scorned at her.
“Is that what’s happening?”
Exrite nodded and lightly winced in anticipation for Anoma to yell at her. But to her surprise, only a calming breeze swept by the colourful field. And with it, the delightful pollen of the surrounding flowers filled Exrite’s being as she took a small breath.
“I’m so- “
“Don’t apologise. You’re not sorry, you just couldn’t help it.” Anoma spoke over her and loudly sighed.
She reared her head upwards and stared at the two airships high above the castle.
“You don’t have to take the brunt of the blame and apologise on behalf of whoever it was that couldn’t manage their time properly. But surely you would’ve heard from them beforehand.”
“Nothing at all. I was honestly ready for today, but… things happened, and now we’re getting ready to leave the Captial tonight.” Exrite sombrely spoke with a soft voice.
Her eyes slowly rose onto the Commander’s airship.
“… so we’re done?”
“Yeah… Anoma. Thank you for everything.”
Suddenly, the woman erupted with a small laugh as they both returned their gazes.
“Sorry, sorry. I just find it funny that you’re thanking me after all the shit I put you through. Half of the training was just to see if I could push you over the edge –“ Anoma brought a hand behind her head and huffed. “– but that didn’t work with how little your self-respect is. Sorry this, and sorry that, and even thanking me at the end? You’re strange, Exrite.”
Anoma seemingly mellowed, although she was still irritated.
Exrite was surprised to see Anoma in high spirits, especially with her sudden departure. It was a pleasant sight, and it caused Exrite to warmly smile.
“If it’s strange that I just want to give it my all to keep moving forward, then I’m happy that I’m so strange.” She lightly tilted her head to the side and hummed. “I would never have met everyone if I wasn’t like that… yeah. I probably would never have left my homeland in the first place.”
She reminisced for a moment.
Even after everything that had happened to her in her hellish prison, she never overlooked the chance to escape. Deep down, she was always fighting, no matter how much she suffered.
Granted, it was a necessary effort to find respite in the form of death.
However –
She met with Khaos and Frosty along the way, and the Spirit who had promised to grant his wish of removing the ‘curse’. And through them, she found value in living.
It was warm. Cosy. Full of wonders and new experiences.
She studied the magic she could never dream of using – until now.
She learnt how to ‘cook’, no matter how much of a failure that was in the beginning.
She found new ambitions and goals, which was her main drive for moving forward.
And most of all – she had people close to her that she didn’t want to lose. The promise with Khaos and Frosty to meet with the Maiden of Wisdom was something she kept close to her heart.
Even without the promise – she’d still go with them. After all, they were her closest friends.
A hand slowly crept to her heart as she softly stared at her free hand.
It gently closed into a tight fist.
She looked up at Enthile’s airship and whispered something.
“Lizzo. Kizzo. I hope you’re still doing fine.”
The names of her sisters lingered with her for a while. The airship brought back the memories of her younger and older sister.
“Who?” Anoma curiously hummed.
“Nothing. I was just talking to myself.” Exrite met with Anoma’s gaze.
The two conversed under the pink sky. Soon, they were seated underneath a large peach tree. The grass underneath them was slightly damp from the watering earlier, but they didn’t mind.
Anoma pressed her back onto the smooth bark and stared at Exrite with a mused face.
“That makes more sense. So it was Pathfist’s Commanders that wanted you to get stronger. But to take you to Cryo... I know they’re trying to keep them as allies since we used to trade with them a long time ago, but why are you going there?”
“I have no clue. I’m just being dragged along really. But I don’t mind, since I need to be there for something personal anyway.”
Exrite wasn’t lying. She didn’t know why they’d be there other than to stay for a bit before heading into the Shallows.
If they could believe Black and White’s words, then they’d be able to meet with the Maiden of Realms and a Biomech that Gaia apparently created. It would bring her a step closer to their goal of defeating the Maidens for the Gods, and hopefully give Exrite a clue as to why she became the Maiden of Time.
Anoma hummed.
“Then what’s your goal, Exrite?”
“Sorry, my goal?”
“Yes. Not the Gods. Not the Commanders. Not your friends – but you, Exrite. I want to know what your goal is.”
Exrite, who sat with crossed legs, stared into the canopy of the tree and answered.
“I want to find out why I became the Maiden of Time, and I want to find a place that I can call ‘home’ from the bottom of my heart.”
Her goals were simple, yet she spoke like they had an immeasurable weight. It would be no easy task to find either, even with her access to speak with Gaia directly.
And as for a ‘home’…
It was too farfetched of a wish.
But she kept believing in it.
“Care to elaborate on what you mean by ‘home’?” Anoma asked as she brought a peach towards Exrite’s face.
She pleasantly took it and held it by her lap.
“Because if ‘home’ means to be surrounded by people who’ll stand by you through thick and thin, then haven’t you already found it? I’d find it hard to believe that the overprotective Frosty would leave your side, or that over-agreeing Khaos.”
Exrite quietly laughed. She brushed a thumb over the furry skin of the peach and warmly smiled.
“I mean it in a more literal sense. I want a place where I can sit down and feel as if I have nothing to worry about.”
There was a serene air that surrounded her as she spoke.
“But you’re right. If home was only a place, then it’d be pretty lonely.”
Gaia immediately came to mind.
In the place where the previous Maiden found peace, she remembered her words as clear as day.
“It tends to get lonely here.”
Those words resounded with Exrite.
A small hum left her lips as she bit into the peach.
“It’s sweet.”
During her silent chews, Anoma stared at her with a strange face. Even now, it was hard for her to believe that this really was the Maiden of Time. No matter how difficult it was to digest, she eventually settled and sighed.
She took a bite from a peach of her own.
“You’re leaving tonight, correct?”
“Yeah.”
“Does my love know about this?”
“Yes.”
“What about Cardinal?”
“Not yet. I was planning to go tell him after I told you. Sorry.”
Exrite brought the half-eaten fruit back to her lap as she suddenly drilled her passionate eyes into Anoma’s.
“I really don’t know how to thank you both for everything you’ve taught me. Even if you were kind of… ‘harsh’ on me, I still can’t thank you enough. So please – tell me if there’s a way I can repay you both.”
A gloved hand found its way onto Exrite’s shoulder.
“You’re right. With the effort you made us go through just to train you – I don’t think you can repay us at all.”
Exrite’s eyes lowered slightly.
She thought that was the case.
For someone like her, who had nothing of value other than herself – she couldn’t help but to feel dejected.
“But – “
Her eyes slowly returned to Anoma’s face. There, she saw a small smile.
“I – no. We want to see your magic. Cardinal’s been dying to see the powers of the Maiden ever since he first laid eyes on you. I think it’s the least you could do.”
“… of- of course!” Exrite was suddenly fired up when she realised that there was something she could do to repay them. “But… what kind of magic?”
“Your magic. [Time]. Even if it’s a little, we’d all love to see it. After all – “ Anoma shuffled closer to Exrite. “– It’s the forgotten Maiden of Time’s magic. The Maiden who disappeared from the face of the world almost as quickly as she arrived. At least that’s what the recordings tell us.”
“[Time]…”
The magic to control time. It was undoubtably of the [Fifteenth Tier], and possibly beyond. Exrite wasn’t well versed with her inherent magic, although she felt like she could use it if she put her mind to it.
Her focus would have to be immeasurable though. To use untuned magic, she’d likely eat through her mana reserves in seconds if she wasn’t careful and risk becoming comatose.
No matter how high her mana capacity was, even as a Maiden, she barely had a grasp of knowing how to use it.
Worst case, she’d undergo a mana overload if she ends up casting something far too powerful for her to control.
But even so… she’d do it.
If she wasn’t going to do it now, then when would she?
The passion never left her spectacular eyes, which lightly glowed underneath the shade of the tree. With her resolve hardened like iron, she warmly smiled and agreed to showcase her magic.
“Right now?”
“No. That old man’s probably too busy with the airship now. But I’ll tell him and bring him along with me to the castle. Tonight, I want to see you off in a new light. I don’t want to remember you as the weak Exrite who couldn’t bring me down even once. So – please show us the magic that not even the Gods know of.”
How could Exrite say no to that? Anoma and Cardinal had showered her with so many things that she felt like showing her [Time] magic wasn’t nearly as enough to repay them. But if Anoma personally requested it – then she was happy.
As they continued speaking underneath the king’s personally planted peach tree, the pink sky began to dissolve into to a gentle blue. The sun rose from the horizon and blessed the land with its warmth.
And soon, the Captial blossomed into motion.
* * *
There were only twelve hours until they’d have to leave the bustling Capital. Everyone had their own way of preparing for their departure.
Khaos, Frosty and an unwilling Uru were actively trying to supply themselves with everything they needed for the trip. Exrite thoughtfully provided a small checklist for them while she helped Tanu family prepare for their party, which was due in the next few hours.
Acacia was more than willing to provide whatever they needed, since they’d be heading out with her clients. Plus, the Commanders also wanted her to supply them with the limeite and whatever stock she had left of explosive powder.
“Now this is perfect timing.” Acacia blew a puff of scented smoke onto her potted Jaymawer, which made it shiver in delight. “It looks like we’re all getting ready for an adventure.”
Frosty’s interest was piqued as she busily tied a black sack.
“Huh? You’re leaving for somewhere?”
The brown-haired woman sunk into the counter and took another huff of her wooden pipe.
“I was considering on going with that trading airship to Enthile, but Fairant will do for now. Might as well take advantage of the war situation while I still can.”
Khaos, who stood at the closed entrance like a guard, wanted to say something. Instead, he slowly shook his head and watched Frosty pile a few bundles of iron bolts into a bag.
Acacia was a trader at heart. Even after being bought out by the Commanders, she was still eager to find ways to minimise her loses. After all, her stash of coins wasn’t unlimited.
While Frosty hummed and wondered whether all merchants thought like that, Uru inspected the strange man-eating plants across the shelves. They were all strangely softer than their original counterpart, and some of their beady eyes looked rather cute.
She would poke them out of curiosity and watch them tremor under her indomitable presence. Then, she began drawing circles onto one of their petals out of boredom.
Needless to say, she wanted to be with Exrite. There wasn’t a valid reason for her to not be with her this time around, but the girl in question insisted to go to the café alone.
It irked her, and nearly caused her to suck the vitality of the plant she touched.
“Is the Dark Elf going with you as well?”
“Unfortunately.” Frosty erected herself and tossed both the heavy sack and the bolt-filled bag at Khaos. “But what can you do when you have someone as dense as Exrite leading our party.”
Her words carried spite, although it didn’t sound like she meant it. Uru knew this as well. In the few weeks they’ve spent together, the Demon had grown accustomed to Frosty’s sarcastic attitude.
Or rather – it was fun to provoke her.
“You’re rather rude for a Frostbitten, Frosty. You still haven’t managed to put the past behind us yet?” Uru had a teasing grin on her face as she turned to Frosty.
“I’d be an idiot to put that behind us.” Frosty folded her arms, tempted to scorn at the Demon who obviously tried to get a reaction out of her. “Anyway, what about you Uru? You don’t need armour or anything?”
“Armour is cumbersome for a being like myself. Although I’m surprised you even offered. Maybe deep down, you really do care about me.”
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Goosebumps riddled Frosty’s skin as her blood turned to ice.
“I just don’t want to hear you complain down the line that you forgot something. And please don’t ever say that again.”
Khaos stood there, holding the baggage over his shoulder with a wry smile as Acacia stared at the dark-skinned woman with interest.
“Ho? Are you embarrassed?”
“I’m fucking creeped out.”
Acacia hummed in response to their exchange. She imagined them being sisters with how comfortable they were with each other – even if it looked like they were arguing.
With that in mind, she wondered what Uru’s relation to them was. All she knew was that she was a companion. The last time she saw her was when Exrite’s ‘sister’, Frost, came with them to deliver the chunk of limeite.
And speaking of Exrite –
She wondered what that monster was up to. When she asked Khaos, he only responded with “Nothing much, he’s just been busy for the last two weeks.” And when she tried to press further for solid answers, Uru and Frosty answered with the same thing.
“Am I really that untrustworthy? After he nearly killed me, you’re still not going to tell me anything about him?” She sighed and plopped her head into a free hand.
Acacia was only curious because Exrite was the Exrenity. The prospects of adventure and wonders of the vast world of Corozin filled her whenever she thought of the Exrenity.
But to hear that he was holed up in the Capital all this time caused a disappointed look to form on her face.
“What a waste. The Gods sure have patience to allow Exrite to dawdle like that.”
“It’s precisely because they’re Gods that they have that kind of patience.” Uru hummed, causing Acacia to sigh again.
“I’d be fucking pissed if I hired someone to do my work and it took them a month to take the first step. But then again, I’m no God to judge if Exrite’s progress is slow or not.” She shrugged and huffed the pipe. “At least he’s finally heading out of the Capital. Do tell me of your adventures when you return. I’d kill to know what the rest of Six Point’s like.”
The woman seemed to smile at them.
“Is that another request?” Khaos joked with a light-hearted laugh.
“Naturally, I’ll need some sort of compensation for all the things I’ve lent to you. Plus –“ Anoma slowly tapped her nose and grinned. “– that monster still hasn’t properly apologised for injuring a woman’s face.”
Frosty held back a laugh while Khaos chuckled from the doorway.
“You’re still holding that against him?”
At those words, Anoma brought herself upright and cleared her throat.
“We have a famous saying among us traders. You never forgive, and you never forget until you’re repaid twice over. Just because he’s the Exrenity, doesn’t mean he’s excluded from it.”
Uru couldn’t help but to smile, amused that there was a human who would easily dismiss the status of the Exrenity and pursue him for something so trivial. The other human she could think of was the Guild Master.
Humans were strange creatures indeed. Some selfish, and other selfless. Perhaps it was because of their short lifespan that they were able to see value in pursuing the insignificant.
She couldn’t understand, nor did she want to. They were too complicated and convoluted as a race to even begin dissecting their mentality.
Exrite’s words suddenly came to mind.
“Not even fate will stop me from chasing my dreams of finally finding a place I can call home!”
It was a foolish dream – one that Uru knew was impossible to attain as the Exrenity and the Maiden of Time.
Yet Exrite held onto it with unwavering eyes and a determined spirit.
… you’re truly a fool, Exrite. A steadfast, reckless fool.
Regardless of the thought; the Demon held a warm smile.
Soon, they bid their goodbyes to Acacia, who replied with a pleasant wave and a small grin. In the cosy flower shop just on the side of the northen main road, a plethora of heartfelt emotions seeped through the open doors.
And when they finally left – they did so with warm smiles.
“Thank you for everything, Acacia!” Frosty’s voice roused surprise in the woman, who nearly jolted out from her seat.
As their figures disappeared into the crowd, Acacia let loose of a long sigh and sunk into the counter once again.
“So you can make that kind of face.”
Poking the juvenile Jeymawer beside her, she blew a puff of scented smoke into its face and laughed.
“Guess it’s our turn to start packing. I hope you’ll be ok with the air in Fairant.”
As if understanding her, the green plant playfully shivered.
* * *
Part 2 –
A delightful smell emanated from a certain café. Despite the shut doors and the posted signs that read ‘closed’, the kitchen was being busily run by the Tanu family.
However, they had an extra hand this time around.
Over the past few hours, it was Exrite’s job to prepare the ingredients for Bailey and Mela, who both expertly manned the saturated stovetops. Every so often, she would watch and stare with glistening eyes.
Catil helped Allen out with the baking at the back corner of the kitchen. They worked like a well-oiled machine. Whenever Allen held out his hand, it would immediately be filled with raw dough or some sort of sweet filling.
Exrite asked how long they’ve been working together for, and Catil answered with:
“Ever since we were children.”
She was awed. And after briefly staring off at their wonderful teamwork, she quietly resumed her work.
Earlier, when Exrite first arrived this morning; she was met with Catil who tried explaining to her that they were closed for the day. But at the mere mention that she was Exrite’s sister, Catil ended up studying her in surprise.
Thankfully, Bailey was there to help confirm that this was the case. But she wondered why Exrite was in that body again.
Exrite seemed to come at a good time, since they were behind schedule for the party this evening. Preparations were incomplete, and there were last-minute decisions that left them flustered with the sheer workload.
And so, Exrite offered to help them out.
She borrowed a small rubber band from the kitchen counter and tied up her hair into a pony tail. Mela even gave her a white cooking gown just in case, although her eyes strangely sparkled.
Behind the pale counter in between the mother and daughter, Exrite was quickly put to work with preparing their ingredients.
However, Mela had other plans for the morning.
“What’s your name~?” Mela shuffled next to her and softly clapped her hands.
“F-Frost.” There was a slight chill that ran down her spine as the woman loomed over her with a wide smile.
“And you’re Exrite’s sister, correct~?”
“Y-yeah.”
“Perfect, perfect. Is it alright if I ask you a few questions?”
I’m… not going to be interrogated, am I?
Exrite forced an unnatural smile as her chopping slowed.
“Sure – “
“Please stop it mom. We need to finish this before dusk.” Bailey sudden interjected with a somewhat serious tone of voice.
The girl busily stirred and poured various ingredients into four different pans, and occasionally fell into a crouch to check on the glowing oven underneath. She poured her heart and soul into cooking for this event, and everyone knew exactly why.
Through the downpour of sweat and the slight bags underneath her eyes, Exrite could tell that she was looking forward to this more than anyone else.
However – it only made it harder for Exrite to reveal that today was their last day in the Capital. But because of Bailey’s spirit; she figured that telling her now was the best course of action.
Because if Exrite told her at the very end, then Bailey would surely feel as if she ‘could’ve done more’. At least that’s what Exrite believed.
“You’re so serious sometimes. Ahh~ but it’s love, so I understand how you feel, honey.” Mela returned to her stove and playfully clasped her face. “I miss being young~”
“How many decades was that ago?” Allen joked with a light laugh as Exrite desperately held back a laugh of her own.
Catil was about to laugh, until –
A wooden spoon found its mark at the back of Allen’s head.
“Hey! Can’t that brain of your handle a joke!?” He clutched the back of his head in agony, turning back to the woman with the intent to throw a rolling pin at her.
However –
“Hmm hmm~? Are you thinking of throwing that at me?” Mela picked up a knife and waved it around her face. “It was only a spoon. So if you throw something like that, then I might throw something similar as well~”
Terror struck the blond-haired man as he quickly turned back with a wry smile.
“How the fuck are you still alive Catil?”
He didn’t answer and simply placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder.
Bizarre. Exrite was left dumbfounded for a moment before she resumed her work. In between her slices, she would occasionally smile and softly laugh.
“Sorry about that… mom and Allen don’t get along too well.” Bailey whispered as she wiped her face down with a clean cloth. “I think my dad and I are the only normal ones in the family.”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind it one bit.”
“Really? It gets annoying when they’re like that.”
She continued to cook after setting the cloth aside. Exrite stared at her with side-long eyes and watched the little Bailey masterfully work.
It took a while for Bailey’s face to soften enough for Exrite to decide that it was finally time to tell her of their departure.
In the room that was filled with nothing but the ambience of chopping and sizzling, Exrite softly spoke.
“Say… Bailey, have you heard what’s happening?”
Exrite’s chopping nearly stopped.
“What’s happening…?” Bailey sounded confused to Exrite’s question, continuing her work just as steadily.
The reason why she asked was just in case Bailey was aware of their circumstance.
“We’re leaving the Capital.”
“Eh? To where?”
Bailey didn’t sound as shocked as Exrite expected, although she probably thought that it was some small expedition.
Exrite further clarified.
“Somewhere far from Colight. We’ll be gone for a while, so I wanted to let you know while we’re still here.”
Bailey paused for a moment and looked up at Exrite.
“In nine days, right?”
Exrite’s eyes narrowed slightly, as the little Bailey stared with broadened eyes.
“– Right!?”
Exrite shook her head as the others silently tuned in.
“Tonight. We’re leaving the Capital tonight. I know it’s sudden, but we can’t afford to stay here any longer. I’m sorry Bailey.”
She felt dejected by those words. Her eyes sunk along with her body. The crackling of the stove filled the silent room as Exrite wondered whether Bailey was going to respond.
But how could she?
“P-please stay for a bit more!”
She couldn’t the words that resounded so loudly within her chest.
They were selfish words, and for a girl like herself – it only added to her self-perceived ugliness. She furrowed the brows she hated so much and looked as if she was about to burst into tears.
She understood that their goal was infinitely more important than her selfish wish. And looking at it now, she realised just how farfetched of dream it truly was.
However, Exrite read her like a book and placed a warm hand onto her head.
In that moment, a strange calmness surged through Bailey’s body.
“That doesn’t mean we won’t be coming back, and you know exactly why.” Exrite softly spoke and brushed her hair. “This kingdom’s like a treasure to us, so we’ll always be around at some point. And I bet Khaos will miss your cooking after tonight.”
Bailey’s eyes widened. She had poured everything she had into this event, and to be acknowledged for it nearly caused her heart to wince.
“Tonight’s not your last chance. You have a hundred more years to try and win him over. But I guess trying to conquer his stomach works too. Besides, there’s no point in feeling down when your fight’s only just begun.”
The words of encouragement touched Bailey’s heart. She couldn’t bear to show her face, less she’d end up crying. The girl was already lightly trembling in Exrite’s hand, ready to burst at any moment.
“… is it… really ok for me to love Khaos?”
To an outsider like Mela and Catil, they thought the answer was obvious. But for Allen and Exrite, who knew the extent of what those words entailed – it was a completely different story.
A human and a Frostbitten. Exrite knew that their future would hold immeasurable hardships.
But that wasn’t something for her to decide.
Ultimately, that choice was for Khaos.
“Yeah. There’s nothing wrong with loving someone, so don’t be discouraged about the little things. No one can ever tell you what’s right or wrong. Go for it Bailey. But you’re going to have to prepare for the future. I don’t want to see you guys get hurt. Not that Khaos.”
She slowly slid her hand away and turned back to the counter.
“You’ll have to work incredibly hard to get through to that man. But we’re rooting for you. Even Frosty is. You already have her approval, so don’t hold back.”
Bailey hiccupped as she held back a laugh. Snatching the hems of her pale cooking gown, she harshly wiped her face and looked at Exrite with a refreshed face.
For a girl who hated how she looked, she was surprisingly cute for a moment.
“I’ll definitely give it my all!” She beamed like a beacon of light.
* * *
Back to the present –
Exrite was currently moving the many heavy dishes and plates into the spacious café. A giant table comprised of more than nine smaller tables sat at the centre, already half-filled with countless cuisines.
From seafood to meat, to vegetables to pastries – everything Exrite could ever think of was there. The steaming air was intoxicating as she found herself inadvertently salivating.
It took her a good half-an-hour to finally finish moving everything from the kitchen onto the table.
When she asked if there was anything else she could do, the Tanu family gratefully thanked her and told her to wait at the table until the others arrived.
Out of courtesy, Exrite decided to sit at an empty bench. It would be rude for her to sit before the rest had even arrived.
She remained there for some time, bathed in the delicious atmosphere that stimulated her appetite. In anticipation for the party, Exrite ensured to keep her stomach empty so she could eat to her heart’s content.
Although she was slightly regretful that she was in her Maiden form. With a smaller stomach, she’d easily become full.
She played the waiting game for another half and hour as the street beyond the windows dimmed. Occasionally, students and other adventurers would pass by and peer into the café with widened eyes.
Some even stuck around for a little bit, wondering if the store was actually closed or not. There were numerous times where Exrite had to politely tell people that the café was reserved for today, and that she was sorry for the inconvenience.
Sullying the reputation of Tanu Treats was the last thing she wanted, so she put on her best smile. Unknown to her however, was that the smile only ended up causing her more problems.
For starters, she was chatted up by a small party of C-ranked adventurers, who tried to impress her with their journeys in the Minor Plains of Colight. It was weird since she was a man at heart, but it didn’t really bother her.
After all, their stories were quite interesting, and they were polite enough to not crowd her.
She ended up learning a thing or two before dismissing herself. Of course, any further attempts of wooing were shot down with words that failed to match with her smile.
Looking back at it in retrospect – Exrite lightly cringed and sighed.
“… thank goodness this isn’t anything like the Katho region.” She sunk into nearby bench away from the table, almost hiding from glass storefront. “That would’ve been dangerous… for them at least.”
In the two months they spent in Katho, Exrite easily summed it up as a place like Enthile, but only worse. From north to south, it was a murderous hellhole filled to the brim with bandits, bounty hunters and other dangerous figures.
Exrite’s face was famous there – on a poster that is. The ludicrous rewards that Enthile offered for him – dead or alive – caused him and his companions countless of sleepless night.
She recalled a time when he spent four consecutive nights awake, just to watch their tail in case they were being followed. For hours upon hours, he’d wait in the shadows with his crossbow primed and ready.
Not even a wink would slip by his peerless concentration.
One, two, five, twenty… one hundred...? Exrite couldn’t remember how many times in her arduous journey had she perfectly embedded a bolt into someone’s skull.
And how many times she had to surgically retrieve it without compromising the bolt’s integrity.
Exrite fell flat across the bench, an arm drooping over the side as she let out another sigh.
“At least ‘bullets’ don’t need to be retrieved.”
She patted the bulging spot at the side of her waist. Underneath her new black coat, was the holstered handgun that Black had given her yesterday. It was apparently a temporary one, which was why they didn’t supply her with anymore bullets.
In the brief hour she got to use it on the airship, she found it surprisingly similar to a one-handed crossbow. Save for the need to compensate for distance and flight speed.
Instead, there was the introduction of an explosive recoil, which she luckily was able to control the first time she fired it. And of course, the dry explosion that shook her twice as hard as the initial feedback.
A powerhouse of a weapon it was.
It left Exrite curiously wondering what other Otherworldly weapons existed beyond the devastating handgun.
But before she could delve any further into the wonderous thought – a happy yell sounded from the front of the café.
“Woah! Haha! There’s so much food here!” Khaos’ deep voice snapped Exrite from her train of though as she quickly shot out of the bench.
Everyone was here, including the Heroes and surprisingly Phase who blissfully tagged alongside the priestesses. It soon became noisy as a plethora of voices cosily filled the once silent café.
“Geez, is that all you can think of you glutton?” Frosty sighed, but soon softened when she saw the small Baily emerge from behind the counter. “Ah – wait, Exrite – did you tell Bailey that we’re leaving?”
She nodded. “Yep, she’s aware.”
Frosty hummed to herself as she stared at Bailey for a while longer before she broke into a soft smile.
“Thanks. It looks like you handled it nicely. Better than how I would’ve at least.”
Exrite laughed as she approached the group, catching a few eyes as that gleefully stared at her new hairstyle. Particularly Amy, who devoured the sight with sparkling eyes.
“You think so? I still think it’s a good idea for you to talk to her after this.”
“I will. I’m not an idiot to let someone else say goodbye for me. Not to a friend.”
Frosty folded her arms.
They were all asked by Bailey to take a seat around the giant square table and dig in.
But before they could – they all wholeheartedly thanked the Tanu family for hosting a party for them. The priestesses showered them with utmost respect, which was equally repaid by Mela and Catil who bowed in return.
It was an honour for them to have the beloved Priestesses of Balance eat in their humble café, and no less the Heroes.
Within seconds of being seated, they quickly filled their plates with whatever looked the most appetising and poured fruity drinks into tall glasses.
Because of the Heroes and Talia’s daughter, the Tanu family refrained from serving alcohol. The last thing they wanted was one of them accidentally consuming the hearty beverage.
Exrite insisted that Catil and Mela should join them at the table, like how Bailey and Allen did. But they wholeheartedly refused and wanted them to cherish their time together. After all, they heard that it was their last night, so they wanted them to enjoy themselves without any restraint.
“Ah~ That looks so good on you Exrite! I’m glad that you’re finally embracing the possibilities of a girl!” Amy enthusiastically cheered from out of the blue. The red-haired girl from across the table seemed to enjoy watching the feminine Exrite.
“Embracing? No, I just didn’t want it to get in the way.”
“Tut tut, denial’s always the first stage before acceptance. You can be honest with yourself if you want to Exrite. We don’t mind, right?”
It was probably only Uru who was keenly listening to Amy. Haiyoto buried his face into a palm while Lizen silently apologised to Exrite.
“Precisely. Exrite, I really think you should work on your appearance as the Maiden of Time. An oversized coat doesn’t do your majesty any justice.”
The Demon from beside Exrite spoke after thoroughly chewing a piece of meat. The exposed nape was tantalisingly delightful, and it ended up entrancing Uru.
She poked it, causing a strange chill to run down Exrite’s spine.
“I don’t really see the point in trying to look good. The coat’s great for what it does – it hides my gear and it’s pretty light. Not to mention it’s not as restrictive as plated armour.”
“That’s for when you’re out there doing what the Exrenity does. But what about when you’re safe and sound in the Capital? Don’t you want to look great in front of your friends?”
“I don’t mind if it’s just in front of my friends. But out there…” Exrite briefly remembered the party that hit on her and made a strange face. “That’s a completely different story.”
Amy wasn’t satisfied at all, and neither was Uru.
And for that – Uru plucked the hairband straight from Exrite’s hair. The pony tail collapsed behind her like a silky waterfall.
“I think a more unique style would better match your magnificence.”
“Like I said, I don’t need any of that – “
“Pretty please!” Amy clasped her hands together and sincerely begged. “It’ll be the last time we’ll get see you, so at least let us style your hair!”
“… Exrite, don’t do it. It’ll only get worse from here. Trust me, Amy’ll drive you insane.” Haiyoto warned with a deep voice.
“I just want to show her the joys of being a girl. What’s so bad about that?”
“The fact that it’s you, makes everything about it bad.” Lizen sighed as she took a sip from her glass. “Exrite, please listen to us and don’t let Amy get closer than five metres of you. She has scary fantasies about boys becoming girls, so beware.”
Exrite didn’t know how to respond, so she just held a wry smile. In the end, she only let Uru mess with her hair since she was the most trustworthy of the two.
“… I guess watching’s fine too.” The red-haired girl pouted disappointedly and slowly ate while Uru tried out all sorts of hairstyles on Exrite.
The party went on. Khaos claimed many dishes and down nearly two full bottles of the fruity drink alone. He’d praise the best-tasting dishes, as well as the cook the behind.
And by sheer coincidence, nearly all of the plates he enjoyed happened to be the ones that were made by Bailey. She was giddy at times and flushed almost throughout the party, particularly whenever he praised her cooking.
Her heart couldn’t sit still at all – not when she was right beside the person she loved.
Bailey cherished the moment with everything she had, because this would be the last time she’d see them for a while. While thinking of such, her lips suddenly parted as a meek voice left her.
“I’ll miss you.”
“Hmm? You’ll miss me?”
Bailey became visibly panicked when she realised the words that so easily left her lips.
“I-I mean – we’ll miss you. If it weren’t for you, I would’ve… died back there. My mom and dad are can’t thank you enough.”
“Haha. Don’t worry about it. I was only doing what anyone else would.” Khaos light-heartedly laughed.
“What idiot throws themselves in front of [Sixth Tier] and above magic? With no mana capacity, even one would’ve crippled you.” Frosty scolded him and followed with a sigh.
“I’m that idiot. But do I regret it? Not at all! Just follow your guts and you’ll pull through anything!” His energy radiated across the table as he pulled a giant fist to his face. “Besides, what kind of a man would I be to let a girl face that kind of danger alone.”
Bailey stared up at Khaos with broadened eyes. If she hadn’t fallen for Khaos back in the mountains, then she definitely would’ve fallen for him now.
He was a Hero in her eyes. The prince in shining armour. Her saviour who saved her when all hope was lost.
And a person who had the confidence to push through, no matter what.
“I guess you did manage to save Bailey, so I’m grateful for that. But just be careful out there. Uru was only a taste of how demanding the world is of our strength.” Frosty hummed with a small smile. “But like that’s going to stop us.”
“… you’re nearly a month too late to be telling me that.”
“I know, but it doesn’t hurt to remind you, does it?”
“Not at all. Thanks Sis, I guess you really do care about me. I love you Sis – oof!”
“You’re so fucking embarrassing.”
An elbow found itself into his side, winding him as he squirmed in agony.
“L-love it pain, right?”
“Can you shut up!?”
“– Wait, not the same spot –! ARGH!”
The comedic spectacle left the table in light laughter. The memories they shared here would certainly go a long way. Bailey adored their smiles with her heart and soul, and wished that it would always be like this.
The party would soon come to an end, and with it – came their long-awaited departure.
But before they could leave for the Golden City of Saicry, Exrite had a promise to fulfil.
She would not only show Anoma and Cardinal, but also Inclark and the others her inherent ability as a Maiden.
The power to manipulate [Time].
For the first time in countless of eons, the Maiden of Time would finally grace the world with her benevolent magic.