--Preparation Day for the Festival of Darkness--First Week--

It was the first day of the Festival of Darkness after the renovation was done in the National Postal Service, the endless night sky remained the same with Artificial Light above--with the festival atmosphere is cheerful and bright. Sonata felt like she's going to faint after the whole preparations that made her slumped on the bench, even Claire and Gabriel are slumped as well--the other Mail-Hunters were all exhausted from their hard works (after receiving their paychecks).

"Done... Completely done..."

Sonata mumbled tiredly as she and Claire lay back on the bench, Claire leaned against the armrest while Sonata leaned against the backrest of the bench. "Holy crap baskets..." Gabriel muttered in exhaustion, sitting on the other bench.

The three of them were in Stardust Express Station's subway platform near the headquarters' exit / entrance where it led straight to the Welkin City itself, it has a sign displayed above the platform that says 'Andante-Arco; Arpeggio' and beneath the platform was another sign; 'Incoming Train, 903M4P-12' which refers to train route destination with scheduled timetables and its number plate.

The trio had to deliver another shipments for the Festival of Darkness, this time with them having to go to the station to see the arrival times of trains. At least, they still able to eat their lunch at the platform's plaza, seeing several people and some Emissaries were eating together--being noisy as usual.

Now they were walking through the path of the road through the gorge--to their destination which is Selune and Hill of Prayer, the Mail-Hunters also taught about survival and how to respond the situation with wise logic--it was dangerous to cross the entire path themselves and also they have to cross the mountains to reach their destination.

The pathway beneath them was a wide forest valley in winter's time, its trees covered with thick layers of ice and snow.

"I have a question for one of you two... Claire.”

Sonata murmured with a pout, folding her arms behind her head. "You know, I was wondering... how are you so popular with girls instead of guys?" she asked, Claire simply huffed with her arms folded while walking with Sonata and Gabriel. "Hmph, I don't know why either. But a lot of them wanted to talk to me.”

Claire spoke as she went thoughtful in her expression, remembering that there's so many letters piling up in her locker which given by her colleagues and newbies that said and written romantic love confessions for her in the paper, ribbons, hearts, chocolates and flowers in it. "I heard Amaris also got popular like you, but she's more like a prince-like vibe with holding a red rose--plus she has that mysterious and beautiful appearance..."

Gabriel rolled his eyes, he couldn't care less since there's also a lot of girls who are praising him a lot or asking him out for a date--it's seriously getting annoying to hear their girly giggles and whispers. "Tch, I don't need those girls bothering me all the time," he huffed and waved his hand in annoyance, not even the maids in Claire's mansion whispers and blushes about his appearance.

Sonata couldn't help it, her eyelid twitched in annoyance. "Ugh, it's seriously getting on my nerves as well, Gabriel. I also have some unwanted love confessions to me too and I'm more geeky and nerdy at this," the half-wolf girl snorted, she mostly got guys who tried to appeal her because of her petite and adorable appearance... yeah, that's usually happens all the time and she hate it.

The reason why they came to her is BECAUSE OF HER WOLF EARS AND TAIL... Oh for the love of Melody, how on earth did people think they'll going to get along with someone like her!?

Claire nodded, agreeing to what Sonata asked for him. "Long story short, I passed the exam and I was thinking that being an Enforcer is something I don't see myself as..." Gabriel took a puff of his cigarette and let the wind blew to the place that the smoke followed through.

He narrowed his eyes for a bit, holding the cigarette between his fingers, taking another puff on it. "My physique and ability is suitable to become an Enforcer, but I'm not a military-type of a guy--all I need is a quiet life for my service in this country. I know my father is a family head of Galbraith Family and even though he always lock himself in the office, he allowed me to become a Mail-Hunter--since he recently becoming a single-parent after divorcing his second wife."

"Wait, second wife?"

"My mother passed away from sickness when I was young, my old man took it too hard so he didn't want to remain with anyone except my maids. When I turned 15, my father had to married his second wife and it seems both of them are having arguments together. Listen, my father married a widow and now they divorced because... let's just say he can't move on yet."

Gabriel said with an annoyed expression on his face, he looks like he was used it and he just sighing at his memories. He knows his father never be easy to express his love for everyone, especially his immediate family. "That's interesting, you sure must be pretty lonely... do you still care about your father?"

Claire asked, he nodded. "He's barely have a time to spend with me and my siblings, sure I love my family but sometimes being alone is much better than hanging out with some random strangers--well, almost..."

Gabriel grinned a little at his remark. "Also, Claire... I want to know how your father Master Alastair know how to bring my old man out from his office..."

Claire seemed reluctant for a moment, with a sudden serious look on her face-of course, it's because the Emissaries had seen how harsh Alastair acted on the others including them sometimes. Sonata's wolf ears perked at his question as well, even for Claire. "My dad? I don't know either, only Master Solvine amd Master Lloyd know the answer and of course Master Alastair is a strict superior as well," Claire answered simply.

Soon, they have arrived at the Selune-Hill of Prayer borderline within the girt of Holy Mountain of Lamia, the Mail-Hunters immediately took their seats to start their unofficial-hearing and investigating the truth--they were standing on their places at the stone podium.

"It is said that there's an offsprings of Spiritus Husk, this type of Husk is... very ancient than you think. Nobody knows what does this creature looks like but we have to find something to find out," Claire explained in her serious tone as the Mail-Hunters looked more surprised after finding more about the history and this truth.

Some says that the Spiritus Husk is still in a 'pupa' form because they have been grown together into cocoons by using the Melodic Scores of its prey; the people of Canaria and many of its residence being targeted as this prey and thus, it makes them so cautious about their children and families--still had nightmares every night.

"Amaris informed me that she, Suona and Xinglan were investigating in the region of Symphonia. You know Master Lloyd is a scaredy-cat when it comes to ghosts, but he never ran away from danger--he said that when he visited there with my father and Master Solvine... he was getting chills after he heard some whispers while he's in that tomb."

"Tomb?"

Sonata asked Claire, raising her eyebrow. The news is far more disturbing than they could have possibly imagined, not even the Postmaster-General like Lloyd got shocked by these creepy findings--but at least, the investigation is still going smoothly before it gets any worse. "It seems the three of them... found a new group of Husks, it's still in pupa state," Claire added.

Claire flipped the pages and opens the cover book to see a hand-drawn illustration shows four creatures wrapped around silk cocoons, which surrounded by corpses of old soldiers--they were able to identified these soldiers; it seems they were once belonged to the Knight Order or Royal Guard by their body armors and weapons.

"Ew, this is disgusting," Gabriel grumbled at the image.

Claire sighed, feeling so irritated and disgusted that she had to see this... it disgusts her and terrified her at the same time. Sonata wanted to vomit at her reaction, not even wanting to touch the cover page. "Ugh, I wish I don't have to see this..."

The trio went to the Selune to finish their delivery and this time, they saw how different the night is--it was kind of cold due to the snowing weather along the thick snow falling down. The three of them were sleeping in the cave with campfire they made, Sonata was sleeping between Gabriel and Claire. She didn't hear anything suspicious besides some whispers and whispers that coming from a distance; she couldn't make it out properly because that happened far away from their campsite, but surely she's getting curious after hearing the faint whispers.

"Urgh... it's cold... need... scarf... blanket... warmer..."

Sonata murmured, literally pulling both of their arms and cuddling in each arm that warms her. "Huh, wha--" Claire barely open her eyes as her arm embraced Sonata, Gabriel's arm also doing the same thing on her and he barely even open his eyes when they're feeling the warmth between Sonata's white furry ears.’

The trio stayed at the cave for at least for a couple hours and finally they arrived at Stardust Express Station after fulfilling their task. "Crap, I'm hungry now..." Sonata muttered, slumping on the bench nearby the gate in the headquarters that leads to Canaria City. It was so exhausting to get home like this, maybe she needs to sit down for a bit. She held her stomach since she hasn't eaten for a whole day.

"Sonata, catch it!"

Sonata pinched the bridge of her nose when she heard Gabriel shouted, she watched her favorite hamburger sandwich and she jumped into catching it with her teeth and landed on her feet. "Thanks for the gift, guys." she said after munching her sandwich. Claire ate her boxed lunch after sitting down next to Sonata, while Gabriel sitting next to Sonata on the other side.

"Thief! Catch him!”

An elderly man shouted desperately, seeing the thief trying to escape from the platform of the station with the wallet on his hand. The trio noticed and they were about to check, until a young fellow appeared and knock down the thief by jumping and kicking the man--he landed down once the thief is down and snatch the wallet. "People these days..." he said with a grumble, before he handed back the wallet to the elderly man.

"Here you go, old man."

The sixteen-years old handsome young man has a short black messy hair with bangs almost covering his sharp blue eyes and cheeks, he has alabaster complexion and lean but toned build. He wears a goggles on his head as he often wear them, his attire consists of black sleeveless turtleneck, black trousers, knee-length maroon riding boots and dark Prussian blue hooded coat and black gloves--with a gold platinum musical score pendant hung on his coat zipper and his necklace.

"Huh, who is he?"

Claire asked, folding his arms while Gabriel smoking his cigarette.

"Chase Jargon, he's a mechanic shipwright of the National Postal Service who build the infamous 'Ave Maria-Gratia Plena' ship. He builds a lot of ships and a lot of things, and very intelligent--not gonna lie he's kind of... something when you meet him for the first time, that's what Vincent described about him because he's his friend," he explained, Sonata listened as she stared at Chase for a moment... somewhat 'distracted' by his presence.

Chase is very intelligent and sharp, with his strong point being his knowledge of mechanics. However, he was hard to trust people and isn't very sociable. He, while slightly arrogant, distant and sometimes competitive, is very kind-hearted individual--as he truly enjoys helping others. He does have a caring side that he doesn't like showing, seeming to have a soft spot for children and woman. He normally didn't like unnecessary confrontation or violence, also had difficulty making friends and getting along well with others--due to his sharp tongue.

"So, I heard a lot of stuff about the infamous Winter Wolf Mail-Hunter."

Sonata's wolf ears perked up as she shrieked, hiding behind both Claire and Gabriel. 'GAH! I can't believe people keep talking about me after our big battle weeks ago! OH MY GOD! THIS IS SO AWKWARD!' she thought wile panicking and her wolf tail curled between her legs--she was a bit nervous because Chase is now staring her.

Claire knew that Sonata was just nervous to meet a new person like Chase, especially someone that he was looking. "Nice to meet you..." she whispered shyly, Chase looked confused at first but then he nodded. "Sorry about that, she was a very shy type of person--sometimes she can be really nervous when meeting with strangers for the first time,” she apologized, patting her shoulder to calm her down.

"Right," Gabriel said after taking a puff of his cigarette and finishing his lunch--finally a little peaceful, Chase narrowed his eyes when he looked at Sonata again. 'She was the one Master Alastair has been training? Interesting...'

Sonata was blushing because Chase was staring at her, he stared at her for a moment before he take out something from his large paper bag. "Oh right, sorry for the late gift. I heard about your achievement in defeating the Cabernet Husk, so I came back from the distant land and brought this for you," Chase spoke, suddenly giving her a large dark blue bouquet with freshly-picked blue and white roses and white ribbon for her.

Gabriel was holding back from teasing Sonata so bad but Claire had no comment, she could only smile smugly at her while Sonata was gasping in shock as her face slowly turned beet red. Sonata stared at the bouquet in silence, couldn't help herself but a stuttering mess and a steam came out from her head, out of all places--HE CHOOSE TO SHOW IT HERE!?

"So that's why a lot of guys never get tired of giving her some fresh flowers... and no one ever give Claire and Amaris a gift by this bouquet too," Gabriel said with a teasing tone while nudged Claire who immediately kicked him on the shin--making him grimaced in pain.

Sonata wanted to accept it, but NOT when people is around and embarrassing her to death!

"Do you accept or not?"

Chase asked with a raised eyebrow, still handing his bouquet to her while Sonata bit her lower lips--which she ended up in a stuttering mess and fainted by the reaction, landing on the ground with a thud. "Next time, do it when no one's around, Chasey," Gabriel reminded him while Sonata was carried on Claire's back in piggyback, the nickname somehow irritated Chase. "It's Chase. So, what are you three doing here? If I may ask?"

Chase asked casually, putting his hands on the pockets. Claire also asked the same thing like him while Sonata and Gabriel both gulped. Chase's presence has a sense of a leader like Claire, also making them want to tell him the truth. "It's about the Spiritus Husk's revelation, actually..." Sonata answered first while still fainted, looking away with her wolf ears flicking on the side.

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This took Chase aback, tucking out his hands from his pockets. "Tch, it really becomes much more serious now... I seethe," he muttered with a slight frown, no wonder everything seems it could change like this after the discovery of such a big threat. With several weeks ago, a discovery of Husk which coming from the past could mean danger and chaos for anyone; but there's no idea how the Husk gets here in the first place and also knowing about that's related to the Noble Society. But it seems they had to deal the mess by themselves, at least before it's even getting any worse.

"I'll be heading back to National Postal Service to meet Master Lloyd, he summoned me today and also has to deliver these parts at the church at Midlander Area; so I decided to ride my experimental motorbike to get there faster," Chase said to the trio, he heard about them (particularly Sonata) being in the same area and Lloyd is having a meeting with the higher ups about the husk there.

They bid their farewells and the trio left the Stardust Express Station's Plain Grove section. After the gift and the bouquet gave by Chase, Sonata was slumping in depression--while Claire and Gabriel are both laughing non-stop by her hilarious reaction (it happened a LOT of time). 'It was my first time seeing her in my life... geez, I hope things going back to normal...'

"Sonata, are you alright? You froze like the melting ice cube on hot summer?"

Gabriel asked, shaking her gently as she was grunting in pain. "Well then, this is going to be a long night... the festival starts soon," Claire said while stretching a bit, while Sonata was just hanging on her shoulder in front of Claire while she yawned. "I feel like hell..." Sonata whined, her head also hung in heavy loll after standing for a whole day.

The three Mail-Hunters entered the train back to Welkin City in the train platform--across the station where the National Postal Service headquarters was, and its huge area of tracks that led the direction to the other places.

Days has passed and today, it is the first day of the Festival of Darkness in Canaria; Sonata felt like she need to rest after doing a lot of parcels and packages deliveries throughout the city... also there's several training, missions and lectures taught by Alastair in the afternoon; despite knowing of what going on is one of the National Postal Service's top officers, the atmosphere remains cheerful and bright.

"Sonata, how was it--WHAT THE?!"

Suona shrieked to see Sonata was still carried on piggyback ride by Gabriel, and being laid out by Claire and even Amaris came to see them. Sonata yawned and rubbed her eyes, her wolf ears flicking on the side. "Huh? What's happening? What's the matter?" she asked curiously, Amaris and Suona both staring Sonata with wide eyes.

"Please elaborate to me... Gabriel, do you think it's 'OK' to carry Sonata on piggyback ride?" Amaris asked with an almost disturbed look, not even bothered by seeing a new boy that he never seen before but is used to seeing Sonata doing so often when she wakes up in the morning due to her job and training.

Xinglan waved his hand in front of Sonata to make sure she's not sleepy anymore, but Sonata suddenly sit up straight--aware of her surroundings. "Oh, hey guys! Guess it's the first day of the Festival, too bad I was too tired so I didn't know what's happening," she chuckled sheepishly, Xinglan gave her a raised eyebrow with an annoyed gaze. "What? Can you guys tell us what happened?"

Suona and Xinglan both looked at each other and back to the rest--Sonata and Gabriel blinked in confusion while Claire sighed at them. Claire explained to the three young adults about the two days ago when they saw Chase and the fact that he gave her the flower bouquet IN PUBLIC--it was serious crisis moment for Sonata who collapsed because of it, while also stunned in shock before she falls like a stone. "Yup, in a wrong place and wrong time," Gabriel muttered as he drank his glass of Stardust Nectar, eating a piece of apple cream pie he ordered.

"I want cream puff, please..."

Sonata sulked while folding her arms, her feet dangling off from the chair and Claire sighed in her elbow while Gabriel chuckling slightly. Claire, Sonata and Gabriel had to answer the invitation from Suona, Amaris and Xinglan--they dragged them to spend the day together at the Festival of Darkness starting today. "Chase is a cool guy, just that he was hard to bond with people other than us," Xinglan started and shrugged.

Meanwhile...

"Oswald, I know you're here because you're going to whoop our asses for breaking the law because of Cabernet Husk's incident last month--"

Alastair casually started, Lloyd was sitting next to him with a blank smile while having a tea and Solvine who was Sonata's father had to suppress his chuckles when he saw Oswald's unimpressed look to them.

"Technically, the attack of Cabernet Husk almost caused injuries but I'll let you off because no casualties happened and Cabernet Husk is disposed in crumbled ash," Oswald said in an emotionless tone, Lloyd slightly chuckled when the reminder was very amusing. "All of you are already aware that Sonata Nocturna's presence is very important, the people absolutely loved her and the recent incident only raises attention to the National Postal Service--but I'm quite aware of the danger and threat that's lurking behind the shadows."

Oswald sounded uninterested as he glanced back at the Masters, since he's a firm believer of rules. He is ruthless, and will go to extreme lengths to protect the status quo of laws and tradition to preserve the balance. Oswald shows little care or compassion for people and instead strictly follows the laws set forth by the nobles and leaders. Despite his calm and collected demeanor, he is not above violence and may injure others in a dispute. As a firm believer of rules and respect, he expects his subordinates to obey him, thus considered as a strict supervisor; however, in some situations, he is willing to negotiate if needed.

"Also, I came here NOT to scold all of you. I came here to report that there's so many candidates and applicants to become the National Postal Service's members," Oswald reported calmly, grabbing the folder from his briefcase and gives the Masters for review before turning to the Mail-Hunters who was still pretending to not eavesdropping. "There's plenty new recruits in our services and I'm afraid you don't have any time to babysit anyone because the recent events seems to trouble you all. So," Oswald tossed the paper with new parcels, packages and other types of assignments. "Please give me your thoughts and who should we select to become an?"

Lloyd grabbed his fountain pen as the others made themselves comfortable while looking at the profile of the candidates to become an Mail-Hunters; not the Masters but to have a unique powerful badge and emblem. Alastair was holding the other papers while Solvine has his eyes focused on the backgrounds of the characters that Oswald showed them. "Usually, you would reject the ones that 'having abilities' can somehow contribute as assets for National Postal Service, right?" Alastair raised an eyebrow at him.

"As far as I'm aware, they couldn't become an Mail-Hunters either so I thought this would be better idea," Oswald said with a slight shrug, reading through his documents as it says 'eligible' and 'not eligible' on the profiles, profiles are divided into the categories 'trained by other branches' and 'trained by National Postal Service'. "Tell me the reason why you wanted Sonata Nocturna first, because when I read her profile--I saw you almost writing 'not eligible' from the first place," Lloyd asked with a smile, he already found potential from Sonata after assessing her before the incident with Cabernet Husk started--they were planning to enlist her as a Mail-Hunters sooner.

Oswald remain silent for a few moments to gather his words, not making any expressions. "It's because I know too well about the rumors and the history between Winter Wolf's lineage and the National Postal Service. Everyone is paranoid because of their mere existence that puts all of us in risk... but, I couldn't care less about that--so I enlisted her and much to my surprise during my absence... her father who is now here with us actually a Winter Wolf. Isn't that right, Solvine Nocturna?" he asked, while Solvine still busy with his own task and still making his judgement.

"I hate to admit but I had seen how her mind works that's far more better than average humans, she can form strategy and a quick thinker despite her clumsiness. Her expertise in Automotive Gear weapon adapted easily than a normal human being, her reflexes were much faster and her physical strength showed no signs of power-weakening or the use of Melodic Amber exhaustion; which you know it better than I do, right Master Alastair?"

Alastair is Sonata's mentor who has been super strict with the trainings that Sonata always received (due to his status as her 'master' and the fact that he needed to carry out his promise). "I did the same thing to Suona Fermata, a Huaxian and half-Spring Serpent? I want to break the stereotype about Huaxian's fate to become a Mail-Hunter is a curse instead of a blessing, this girl Suona Fermata's innate affinity is healing, can she become one of the Mail-Hunters? We don't have many doctors in the medical bay, it could help saving people or healing the Mail-Hunters-in-training. So, I decided to put her in the Medical Center Division while she still a Mail-Hunter."

"Well, we've gotta do that every time so I'll let you off. Don't worry about Sonata, we've made sure her battle weapon is much more effective than last time in exchange for the sacrifice. One more thing, wait... how many Dinars did you spent on the headquarters' renovation and the whole city?"

Oswald asked, noticing the ungodly amount of expenses the Postmaster-General spends behind the scenes--but Lloyd, Alastair and Solvine only shrugged nonchalantly while eating their lunch. Oswald sighed, shaking his head and continued typing his clipboard and papers. "Master Lloyd Warren... I can't believe you 'baited' the Cabernet Husk into the trap and letting it met its end via Sonata's attack... you were one crazy leader."

Lloyd simply smiled back at him innocently, he looks like he regrets nothing (Solvine was just chilling with himself while Alastair wanted to punch him real hard). "Alright, the main trio... Sonata Nocturna, Eleonora Alastrine Farron, and Gabriel Galbraith... the other main trio are Suona Fermata, Xinglan Hausen, and Amaryllis Sirius... all checked, including Vincent Winters and Chase Jargon," Oswald stated, writing down the list of the Emissaries' names on the clipboard. "The Masters... Gilbert Rainsworth... Cordelia Ashleigh... Senjaya Christiadjie, Suiren Fermata, and lastly... Mathilda White, Secretary-General... they will be proctoring Claude Oak so he will be promoted to become a Captain soon."

Of course, the three leaders always afraid of Oswald (even though his position is lower than them). He kept making Oswald the HR Director would always keeping an eye to keep them in line--well they were fine on their own at first. But sometimes, they're not aware of the mistakes they've made but will sometimes apologize afterwards if necessary and make amends. "Oswald, do you like hourglass? I know you like sands... is that okay?"

"Hourglasses are very expensive, don't get too carried away with expensive things like hourglasses, Lloyd."

Oswald strictly advised, but sometimes he was wrong in a sense that if he decided to work under them and obey their command--to him, at least. At first he was reluctant, and his answer was 'no'. Eventually, they convinced him to join since he would be a very helpful part of their cooperation. "Come on, stop being such a buzzkill! Also, is my cake on the way yet?" Lloyd asked, still eager to get his slice of lava cakes. "It should be arrive on time, I won't let your desire to eat any more desserts will continue."

Damn, Oswald is intimidating just as described by everyone--including the leaders (well, except Claire's father who is always calm and collected, despite being called a strict mentor by everyone) but Oswald is their friend. "Now let's discuss with something else, I always wanted to do talk about this."

Meanwhile, Xinglan was walking around the Festival of Darkness' stalls--trying to search for a flowers while opening a flower shop in the National Postal Service. Until, he suddenly encountered the twenty-eight years old President of Stardust Express--who was waiting for her husband Xingfa to get her some accessories.

"Oh, Xinglan... how has it been?"

Zhilan asked with a smile, hoping she won't offend the sixteen-years old Hausen noble who has been friends with her. Even though it took him a while to adjust around strangers or when he's meeting new people, that includes the Stardust Express members or even the Royal Guards and his friends--sometimes he's short-tempered and is rather brash. "I'm doing fine," Xinglan answered her question, not too straightforward because he would accidentally offend her.

Even though Xinglan has some social problem, he has good memory, logic, and tends to see both sides of an argument and sometimes has difficulty letting others influence his actions. However, his biggest issue is his intense resentment of dishonesty, greed, and corruption--which may cause him to leave people or situations, that usually followed with misunderstandings with others and makes him seem socially-awkward. Now he began to change a little bit, by being nicer and more mature these days (unless if someone pisses him off). "What are you doing here, Zhilan?" he asked, also offering a 'hello' to Xingfa.

"I'm waiting for Xingfa to buy me some accessories that I've been interested to be owned... maybe a nice ring would be nice."

God, not another 'buying new stuff and useless things from the Festival of Darkness'--that's what he thinks because Xinglan isn't that romantic, just the usual calm, cool, and logical guy. "How about you?" she asked, making him frowned at her.

"Buying flowers for my flower shop, why?" he asked, hiding the fact that he was too socially-awkward to express everything, or especially his own feeling. He looked away, and he knew his face looked flushed. "I like someone, well... not really," he whispered softly while picking his nose, as if it's a personal thing or a secret for him. "Well, it's my best friend..."

"Best friend, you say? I see, I thought you were interested with her," Xingfa chuckled with a smile after hearing the problem from his wife, he himself can see Xinglan--he simply close his eyes in purpose because people were scared to see him looking at them with an unknown stare under the closed eyelids. "Can you tell us her name?"

This is why Xinglan preferred to be left alone, but he trusted them a lot after having a discussion together that involves of their meeting from time to time because both Stardust Express and National Postal Service's headquarters are side-by-side in the first place. "It's... Suona, I see... her as a special person in my life," Xinglan confessed, playing with the tip of his bangs out of embarrassment. "I know that we have been friends for a long time, she was the one who open up my heart and the reason why I'm able to develop my friendship with the rest... thanks to her."

He paused for a while before he continued. "So, I was thinking what kind of flower should I buy... which is hard for me since I rarely express my feelings but the language of the flowers are enough to convey it... at least to her. Hearing my reasons for wanting to be by her side is enough, so I do my best to keep her happy," he added, pulling the strings of his attributes. 'Tsk, that stupid little dragon girl... how can she able to turn my life upside-down like this?'

Zhilan smiled kindly, patting Xinglan's shoulder with a gentle mother-like look. "Sometimes, telling her what you actually feel--is a way of telling her that she is truly special to you, by conveying how you feel with the language of the flowers and words," Zhilan advised him. Xinglan couldn't reply anything but just took her advise. "How about white, purple and blue forget-me-not flowers?"

Xinglan perked at the mention of flowers, he would expect to find a bouquet made with those flowers. He found a stall where the stand sold flowers, he was thinking for a moment before he suddenly remembered about the language of flowers: the meaning of the forget-me-not's white, purple and blue flowers are pure love, faithfulness, and the promise of true love. "I think I made the right choice," he murmured with a small smile, in Huaxia--the flower also serves as a poignant emblem of memory and fidelity that a pair gives each other. It was when two lovers who believe that if they were separated, the beautiful blue petals will help them find one another--bringing upon its owner the wisdom to understand many levels of feelings such as love, joy, sadness, loss and empathy.

Meanwhile, Suona was staring at the freshly-made flowers in Xinglan's flower shop known as 'Autumn Moon' with slight awe, having a tendency to make things cute and even she couldn't help herself as the older, responsible and matured one between her and Xinglan--since she also had the same age as him for being sixteen (the difference is she's very petite like Sonata and quite short, wearing her signature blue shoes and it's still in it's original design).

Suona looked at Xinglan who was setting the counter, he put the newly-bouquet flowers beside the box with the container for the flowers--he opened a display window from the counter. But one thing that always reminding him of the words to everyone around his friends that 'never judge a book by it's cover', he noticed Suona has been waiting with a cheeky grin on her lips and he snapped. "Y-You've been waiting for so long?" he stuttered, Suona nodded with the grin on her lips. "What? You know I'm just busy with some flowers, you--wait, huh? Are you waiting for me to give you the bouquet?"

Suona nodded with the grin again, this time she raised one of her eyebrow while teasing him. That was enough for Xinglan's face turned red, he never blush hard before but he does more often now. "Stop that," he grumbled, before he handed the bouquet of forget-me-not onto her hands with a reddened face while looking away.

"Thank you~!"

Suona chimed cheerfully with a bow, taking the bouquet. "Besides, I want to order this flower because I need a flower vase in the employee's mess, you now..." she clarified, making Xinglan huffed--he hates acting shy whenever he's around Zhilan and Xingfa to prevent speculations that he want to start his business. "It's just forget-me-not... the forget-me-not flower symbolizes remembrance, true love, and respect--it represents memories, faithful love and loyalty," Xinglan shortly told her, this was enough to make her eyes widened. "You're my best friend, Suona... after Amaris who encourage me to stop being a douchebag and making a scene."

It's obvious of how Xinglan, the one whom had a rather rough times since childhood before he met his friends--is still expressing his feelings differently. "So, take care of the flower. You don't want to spend a Dinar and forget your flower--hey...!"

It was when Suona hugged Xinglan while throwing herself at him, she was tearing up as she hugged him. Xinglan scowled and pinched Suona's cheeks, who was hugging him and squealed. "You okay, crybaby?" he bluntly asked, his cheeks turned red as he patted her head awkwardly. "Don't do something stupid when I'm away, and also... your own Automotive Gear. Shine it, always oil it well and don't forget to practice playing it. Go train with the other Masters after work, don't neglect your training."

"Hehe, got you!"

Suona always teasing Xinglan whenever he can be silly with his blushing, or he could turn into a tsundere. "Now, get lost!" Xinglan ordered Suona when he was done with fixing the newly-bouquet and displayed it, she was used to his treatment towards her whenever he gets a bit emotional. "Oh, one more thing. Don't increase the price, keep it as same as always!" Suona teased Xinglan who was annoyed with her presence around the shops, other than Amaris who keep pestering him for his strength.

"HEY! YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE--"

Xinglan hold back his rage but kept scolding her, as she laughed cheerfully behind Xinglan at the streets. Oswald, Alastair and Solvine all face-palmed while their superior was being a lazybones again.