After being admonished by my mother, I slumped back in my seat, listening to Amy describe our first dungeon dive to Katlyn, casually adding something Amy missed now and then. However, I overheard a conversation at the next table that piqued my interest.

"Did you hear about the attacks on the outlying island nations?" Asked an older human woman.

"Aye yes," responded her companion, who was probably around the same age as the human, but as dwarves age slower, it's hard to tell. "They're saying the invaders are coming out of rent's in the sky, so far there has only been small incursions, but I can't help but think they're testing us somehow."

"My husband is in the army battalion posted at one of the incursion sites. In his last message, he said that they couldn't get any information from the invaders, as they kill themselves immediately if caught." said the human woman.

I tried to listen closer, but Mother rapped me on the head again for eavesdropping, making Katlyn's mother chuckle warmly, giving me a wink.

Sticking my tongue out at Mother, who gave me a disapproving frown. I turned back to Amy's conversation leaning in; I ask Katlyn quietly, "how do our mothers know each other."

Both Amy and Katlyn's mouths gape at me as if I was clueless. "Seriously, do you even remember going to my manor for a banquet?... Several times, in fact." Katlyn asks. "Nevermind, don't answer, obviously you don't. My family is one of the three remaining ancient clans of Darnath well. I guess it's Khuzdul now but the same thing."

"Wait, why do you always make fun of me, calling me princess while acting like you're a peasant or something."

"Being in an ancient human clan is far beneath Elven royalty," Katlyn responded.

"We're not royalty, and our family isn't even anywhere close to being inline for the throne," I say, confused. "Plus, Mother and Father adopted the two of us after someone killed our parents right after we were born."

"Where did you hear that?" demanded Aleana after she heard what I said

While Amy shot a glare my way, I responded anyway, "I overheard a conversation a few years ago between Father and uncle Marcus." I say as if it doesn't matter. "Relax, mom, and you have always been and always will be our only mother no matter what."

Katlyn just gaped at both Amy and me. "I didn't know. If I did, I would never have treated you the way I did in the academy."

"What does my adoption have to do with you being mean to me?"

"Well, I would never pick on anyone less fortunate than myself. It would be beneath me." Katlyn replied haughtily. Making everyone at the table and a few at the table next to us staring at her dumbfounded.

Katlyn's mother gave a slight cough, "I think that's our cue to return to our own errands. It's been lovely talking Aleana, Girls" she nods at Amy and me.

After they both left, Amy and I grabbed our mother's hand, dragging her toward the weapon shop. "Don't worry about the adoption thing, Mother. we are happy with you and Father."

She gave us both a smile, wrapped her arms around us both as we walked down the street. "I couldn't have two better daughters, although," she said while looking at me. "it would be nice if you didn't learn bad habits from your fairies." I ignored that insinuation.

As we neared the weapon shop, the door was flung open, and a tall human girl rushed out, nearly knocking into me, but mother yanked me aside before the collision. The girl stopped, gave a slight bow, apologized, and rushed off again, causing our mother to sigh. "Humans are always in such a hurry."

Looking back at the hurrying figure, I notice a recurve bow strapped to her back, along with two daggers at her waist. (Strange combination if you ask me.)

Shrugging, we walk inside to see a harried woman grumbling about impatient kids. "Hello," Amy said. "I need a buckler and short sword. Can you show me your stock?"

"Oh, sorry I didn't hear you come in. Please follow me."

As we walked through the smallish shop, I noticed that the shelves seemed empty, so I asked. "Are you low on stock right now?"

"Yes, sorry our blacksmith retired recently, and his apprentice quit, wanting to become an adventurer, after hearing how much money they rake in each year. Wouldn't listen to reason. Those super-rich adventurers are people diving below the thirtieth floor.

"Bah kids these days, ah well, he will grow up. Eventually, I hope it won't be too late. Somehow I don't think the blacksmith class will be that useful in a dungeon," she said in a rush as she hurried us toward the back.

While Amy was looking through what she needed, I wandered over to a white, enameled chest piece made of some super-lightweight material. It also had the usual size refit rune and a self-cleaning rune. "Can I try this on?" I ask, pointing at the top. The attendant glanced up, "ya sure, but have your mother help you as I'm busy with a customer."

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Mother, who had been checking the balance on some swords, looked up at that, smiled, and walked over, all right, "let's try this one." She waved her hand, and a shield blocked anyone from looking in from outside.

The attendant noticing this sighed, walked to the door, and locked it. "Alright, go ahead."

Lifting my dress over my head, I lay it on the counter and grab the armor, but I hear a sigh from Mother and a giggle from Amy before I can.

Looking up, confused, I also see the shop attendant staring at me like a naughty child.

Behind me, Mother remarked, "well, at least your wearing panties this time, but even if you refuse to put on a chest wrap, you could at least wear a camisole."

"Sorry, Mom, I forgot I was in a hurry when I changed." Mother only rolled her eyes, letting me off.

The attendant sighed, walked to a cabinet, and pulled out a linen shirt "put this on, or the metal will chafe your skin." Then I looked to my mother "my daughter isn't any better, to be honest.

"You should have seen her as she rushed out earlier. She got all excited when she received a communication from her cousin about a team she could join."

"Yeah, we saw her," I say. "She almost ran me over."

"She was very polite when she apologized," Mother added after giving me a warning look. Then she walked over, jerking the shirt down as I was having issues.

Getting the armor on, Mother helped tie it off, all the while chatting with the attendant. Having finished deciding on her weapons, Amy walked over, looking over the armor I was trying on. I immediately tensed up as I saw the look in her eyes, and sure enough, Amy pulled her hand back and punched me in the chest, sending me flying backward to be caught by Mother, who didn't even pause her conversation.

The shop attendant sent a disapproving glare at Amy but said nothing. A short time later, we left the shop with our purchases, heading back home. Still wearing the itchy linen shirt, the shop assistant insisted on throwing it in for free.

Arriving back inside our home, Mother went off to do whatever Mother does. While Amy and I headed back toward our wing, only to be intercepted by Mr. Jacks.

"Ah, Miss. Nalle, you've returned. I think we have enough time before dinner to finish your training."

Scowling at a chortling Amy, I follow the servant with slumped shoulders. However, before we enter, he turned to me and says, "please return as soon as you have changed into something better suited for sliding on your bottom please."

Amy, who had followed along probably to practice with her mace, snorted as she entered our bedroom to change.

Two hours later, I reentered my room covered in sweat, closely followed by Amy noticing where her eyes were looking. I shove her back out the door and sprint for the bath myself. It didn't work; as she casually passed me with a smirk and closed the bathroom door in my face.

Pouting, I walk to the closet, undress from my dirty training outfit, and with a smirk lay down on Amy's bed, quickly and unintentionally falling asleep.

An unknown amount of time later, I awoke to an irritated Amy, dragging me off her bed by the ankle. "Really, you fall asleep on my bed covered in grime, you know that adds more work for our maid," she said while pointing at Yuri.

Still groggy, I notice the bathroom door open, so I stood and walked inside to bathe while Amy sighed then helped Yuri change her bedding.

Yuri smiled at Amy and said, "you could have let her bathe with you. It is plenty big enough."

Amy replied, annoyed, "if she didn't try shoving me out of the room to get there first, I would have."

Then with a worried look, Yuri added, "Miss. Nalle was having a nightmare again while you were bathing. It seemed like a bad one, although she quieted down when I sat next to her."

"Did you tell mom?"

"No, Miss. I promised I wouldn't say anything without either of your permission unless I believe it will risk one of your lives."

"Thanks, Yuri. You can get Nalle's clothing ready... don't forget her undergarments. At this rate, Mother may not let her leave the manor without proving she is wearing any."

Half an hour later, feeling much better, I walked back out of the bathing room. However, not before sticking my tongue out at Yuri, who stood there, making sure I dressed properly.

Amy was sitting at her desk, sifting through her notes (Sallys, probably) about the dungeon. "Hey Amy, did Katlyn ever say how or when we're supposed to meet up with her cousin?"

Before Amy could reply, a knock on our door drew our attention. A moment later, a maid poked her head in, "Miss. Amelia, Miss. Nalle dinner is being served."

Thanking her, we follow her out and head to the dining hall. Entering the room, I noticed Mother looking me up and down. Apparently satisfied, she nodded us toward our seats. That gave me an uncomfortable feeling she could see through my clothes.

Sitting down, we both smile and greet Father, who nods and begins eating. About ten minutes later, our father tells us, "I got a rogue for the two of you to interview tomorrow. Because of her personal issues, I Am letting the three of you meet in my office, and I think it will make her feel more comfortable."