I am sitting in my desk and looking at my computer screen. This day was like every day, boring and without flavour. Additionally it seems that the weather is forecast to worsen with the upcoming days. What a pain really, on days that cold and rainy you would rather stay and work from home. Unlucky for me, this job doesn't allow it.

I'm technically a commercial advisor for the company Avalon, I give ideas for how to sell the game they created, Unwritten. It is a sandbox MMO with a lot of freedom and focus on using new technology, like Synapse and VR. Thanks to that our product is basically selling itself, as there is nothing like this on the market currently.

Furthermore, even if I work here, I dislike every second of what I do. I even tried to sabotage the project, suggesting a weekly fee, but recently that was revoked. Yet, the real reason to why I hate my work is my father, a person that I hate the most. No matter what I do, I can't escape his influence on me. He is the one that got me the job.

[Hi, can I have you for a minute? If you have time, see me at the meeting room,

there is something we should discuss together, you are in particular needed.]

[Right now? Don't you have anything better to do than to bother me again?]

[Right now would be preferable. If I said it's about Wolf, would you be more willing to listen?]

If I tried again to break out of this cycle I would probably need to use someone like Wolf.

[Well then, I will just finish this first, dad.]

Yes that was my dad who is probably going to force me into doing something again. As much as I hate to say, without him my future would be doubtful. I should be glad at least that he helped me at all but...that is also the reason I dislike the situation that keeps continuing no matter how hard I try.

In 2026 there aren't many things that the youth can still enjoy without any worries. This is due how world was shaped—the elderly continue to be in control with the young people refuse to take the government over for their own sake. This inactivity imposes the working class, the rising generation, to work much harder than their parents did.

For example, out of college graduates only one of the third is fortune to start their career in their sector of choice. The rest, along with the stress of their college debt, are forced to juggle between many minimum wage jobs with no future. Some even try to escape this never ending loop with video games and internet. Of course, they only delay the inevitable.

[Okay, let’s see what the old man wanted.]

Even if I’m just a cog in the system, I also tried to break away. I was almost fired for my ego. Leaking some confidential information from the company, I planned to gather some players and see if I were able to convince them, if they would be able to accept the truth of the world. 

I was unsuccessful, and now, the only reality that remains is that of me meeting my “boss”, like a normal white collar.

[Hey, thank you coming son, we were all waiting for you, so let's start right away okay?]

[Whatever, I'm only interested to know about Wolf, so make this interesting.]

Several people gathered in the meeting room, which was enclosed by a sound-proof glass wall. I recognized those faces—they were responsible for the GM controlled special characters in the game. Even though I was one of them as well, in charge of a Moon goddess Lunar, I wasn't really into roleplaying.

[So as you might not know all the details yet I will start from the beginning if that's fine.

In near future we are planning to create an event for the players. This is because that we are facing a problem.

The problem is that there is too many players logged out which creates too many AIs in the game.]

[So why don't just log them out? We already have a limit to how long they can be in that state.]

[Yes, but that's not enough. A lot of people just log in and leave the AI running, especially after going free to play.

What I want to say is that, technically this is not a bad thing, but it also fills the game with more AIs than players.

If such will continue, we might be facing a quite foreboding problem of oversaturated towns without humans in them.]

[In MMOs there are so called raid-loggers, players who have limited time to play. They only log to do dungeons.

Is that a bad thing? Players can always try to another town or create their own if they can't find a home.

There is no need to worry about AIs, though some players complain AIs destroy the balance in terms of wars.]

That reminds me. We had a big guild war on server 2, the one I managed as Lunar. During the end, both guilds couldn't do anything against each other's defences, thus the war ended without a major battle. Quite disappointing, I would rather want to see how this could have been solved differently.

[I don't consider this either a bad or a good thing, I want to see this as an opportunity for an event.

Lately, after Wolf's actions and the situation with Net Neutrality, the players did not look all that satisfied.

Part of that would be leaving them free to do what they please, and leaving the narration to them alone.]

[So in other words, the players that got bored from playing,

or rather did not see any special reason to continue playing.

Therefore now they only log in to reset the timer on their AIs mode, right?]

[I think so too, but we can still use that to our advantage and I shall explain how Wolf is involved shortly.]

Wolf...the player that defeated our version of Net Neutrality in the game, but did not deal the killing blow. It is because of him I couldn't convince others to stand against our times and elders. What a pity really...

Wolf was a person who used lies to create his own narrative in the game. It was an obvious lie for me, we could see that he was not using Synapse, thus couldn't really see the visions he claimed to see. Things about this world and the game world being connected were also a part of his fairy tale.

Because he managed to convince players from this game, they started planting trees in order to save the world. Even if those trees are the evidence of his existence, during my investigation I was unable to find Wolf. I'm sure he is somewhere in the universe, waiting to see if another hero will rise and save the world again.

[Considering our options, I think we need to reduce the number of AIs players by giving them more limits.

For example, you would need to perform certain tasks in the game, other than staying idly in the game,

to fill up your AI allowance. Doing so we might lose players, but we should also gain more new people.]

[Are you saying that people would simply choose not to play the game and leave space for others to join?

That does sound risky. If anything we should discuss exactly how we are going to implement this into the game.]

[This is where Wolf comes in, or rather the new GM Wolf. See, I think we could use him to our advantage,

we can't have him to log in, but we can create a character based on him. Let's say, Wolf ascended and became a god,

alongside with Lunar. There is a special reason for that, and it will involve players that didn't play for a while.]

The connection of Wolf and Lunar is quite obvious, but my connection with that person is rather complicated. He is the opposite of what I want to do—he lies to create a fake world for himself and others. I on the other hand, I want to wake people from the lies they created and face reality together, do something good for this world.

[Yes, my plan is to spread a virus among the AIs, not a literal virus but rather a spirit that will possess them.

Doing so, I want to accomplish two things, to turn them into a horde of enemies, and to create a certain narration.

That narration is the connection of the present youth to their past ancestors, which in turn is related to Wolf.]

[A horde of enemies? Like Zombies? That might be interesting but what about the narration?]

[Our ancient humans so to speak are not very pleased to have guests, although most of them don't react.

This was true to the point until Wolf became one of them. Because of their restlessness, they try to awake their sage.

They invoke the spirits of the past upon the living to convey the idea of waking, while Wolf and Lunar try to stop them.]

So this is again about Words huh? I guess making a bunch of zombies and then waking them up would work, as a part of a narration, but will surely not affect both of our worlds. It's what Wolf said—the world of fiction and reality can affect one another. I'm against that, I need yet to see them connect, for our world to be saved by a real hero.

[Mindless zombies that in trance and players trying to awake them... It's quite a concept really,

but is that okay? What would players say if they can't log in or have to run away from zombies,

or anything at all? Most importantly, what about Wolf? Are you literally going to steal his account?]

[We will be making sure that people will understand what is going to happen before everything,

so don't worry. Additionally, I would rather do this first and then change how the AIs work with a patch.

If we do it right away, people wouldn't understand the reason why would we do that in the first place.

And finally, Wolf’s avatar is going to be controlled by no other than my son, he has connections with him.]

[Hold on a second, I didn't agree to...]

This was another plot by my father, I knew it! Controlling Wolf in his "Ghost AI" form or whatever, and doing the dirty work them as well... you are asking for a lot father. You better have a good reason.

[As I said, you are perfect for this job. I don't want to speak here about what we were talking about,

after that incident, but please consider this as your chance I'm giving to you. The rest is up to you.]

[Right... I will consider this only because of that.]

And thus I was in a difficult position. Once again I was given a chance by my father to make things right. If I was able to convey the idea of waking up from a trance to people, then my plan would surely be successful. I would gather the masses and convince them to stand against the oppression of the current regime. However...

This is also a hurdle put by father. I don't believe in fiction having a factual and positive effect on people. Even if I was able to communicate the message through a video game, it would surely be for naught. Unfortunately, this is true if I was to consider how unsuccessful I was with convincing Wolf's party. Therefore I'm left with a choice, either to believe Wolf and my father, or to be true to my own convictions and not participate in the event.

The path is... pretty daunting both ways, I need more time to actually figure out the best solution.

[Take your time, son, and let's hope that will get your ending this time.]

===

The sun is bright... it is shining as always.

A few changes in the weather here and there,

but our usual days are the same as always.

Wind is blowing... it is a little chilly but pleasant.

It is always drifting towards one certain direction,

though during a single day it might change its course a little.

There are sometimes clouds... there is sometimes rain.

The sky gathers its blackness and rains upon those below,

but even as a drenched cat I can always find a place to dry myself.

[Why hello Pina, how are you today? Going for a walk?

Hey maybe I should join you today, how about it? *wink*

I don't have anything to do at this moment so why don't we have some fun?]

It was a nice clean weather after it just rained—there were several puddles on the ground still remaining. Luckily for me, I was wearing my Geta, which helped with avoiding them. Not that it actually mattered, because you can't really get wet in this game, even underwater. The clothes dry really really fast...

Speaking about clothes, I was wearing my usual yellow-orange Yukata, which was matching to my sister's orange-yellow one. Our colours...it was a basic colour swap, but the design and all was the same, just like twin sisters should look like...

[I don't mind Hina... I was just looking for something...

but then I forgot what it was so... I was just wandering ever since.]

[Right! I know, I shouldn't be probably be talking about now,

but I think we should definitely look for a fashionable umbrella together.

Of course, if you don't mind, since we might do something else if you want.]

[It's fine. I'm okay with rain... although it dries super quick.

I also don't mind the fashion... I'm usually bad at little details anyway.]

That's right. I'm actually a 2D artist that draws here and there, only for my amusement though. I tried to make it pro for this game, but I don't really get a lot of requests. I can draw most of things, but I have to leave 3D modelling to my sister. She is the reason why our shrine is popular, I only help her.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

As for me, I don’t really feel like I’m improving my art...especially lately. Even the colours I use seem to become duller with each day.

[Don't worry about that, you always make things super cute, and thus easily recognizable.]

[You think so sis...? Thanks.]

[Right right! *petpet* Anyway, without your help I would be missing a lot,

you always have amazing ideas for making designs from scratch, I'm impressed.]

Although it is true that I make them from scratch, I use reference pictures found on the internet. My sister actually does the same thing while she builds models… Anyway, if not for my sister, I would be at a loss. Even if she sometimes takes too much credit from it, I'm happy that at least I can make her smile.

[Hey look, this shop looks like it has Japanese umbrellas. Want to check it out?]

[Yes... they all look the same old shape.]

[But the design is what matters right? I'm sure they have details too if we look further.]

And so we did, I stepped inside with my sister and we both played around with different settings.  You could change their height, weight and colour to your liking, but furthermore you could also choose a design, and additional attachments like cat ears or special handles. My sister was really into this I could tell.

[Hey, we definitely have to make those matching as well right?

If I make each triangle orange and yellow, and then add the ears...

Wow, this does look like it would go well with the Yukata right? *Wiggle*]

[Right... I can't disagree with that sis... It indeed fits aesthetically yes,

but there is still something missing... like a flower print or something.]

The thing I was missing however wasn't the flower print, but something more specific and harder to convey. It was about the days we spend here, doing nothing but selling our merchandise and working on our models. For my sister it was a chance to prove herself, but for me it was only the feeling that something was missing.

[Okay, what about something like this then? Or actually...

I'm sure they would accept your drawing if you send one to them.]

[Can we afford this sis...? I will think of a design then.]

[It's fine, for my little sister I would do anything you know? *wink*]

[I'm fine without one... I'm used to the dampness on you head by now.]

I unconsciously whispered to myself with a little tear in my eye. What I was really missing was my friend, WRose, who stopped playing since a while ago. She was someone I could connect to on a different level than my sister, thus I couldn't really express my sadness when she left us both. I at least would like to know how she was doing but...

Well I talked about her with my sister and she said that she wanted to meet her offline at some point. Unfortunately, things got complicated, she said, and she was unable to contact her in person. "Let's go together, you know her address right?" I plead to her, but it seems the complications are too profound for us to meet with her at all.

I didn’t learn any details from my sister, but I was told that it's better to leave her for the time being. Hina said that WRose is getting through something really important in her life and that she needs time for herself. I trust my sister, even if she might not have said everything, but I also know Rose kept some secrets so... It's fine

[Sorry, your mic is quiet, could you repeat that again?]

[I'm fine... let's go somewhere else.

Also, thanks for the help miss clerk.]

[Right right, we will contact you when we will have those designs okay?]

[Certainly, it is always a pleasure to see two little girls enjoying a rainy season.]

We bowed at each other, and both I and my sister left the shop. Is it like she said, somehow I have to enjoy this rainy season, even if I dislike it I have to endure it. It's not just for me, but for Rose and Hina as well. I also think that...think that the design would be nice if we could make a drenched cat when the umbrella is wet, that's possible right?

Well it would be a problem making a texture on such round surface...you would have to very carefully transform the picture...but that’s like UV mapping problem right? Drawing sure is fun...

[The rain is getting heavy, quickly!]

[Oh... yea sure sis.]

===

[Hey there guys! Long time no see right? I have been wondering really,

where you have been and what were you guys doing ever since that concert and stuff.]

It was the Knight girl, also known as Titania. She was a part of the WRose's party. However, things changed, nowadays no one actually plays the game any more, not even Tania herself. She only logs in for her boyfriend—they are having a virtual relationship or something. I'm not really interested to know how that works for them actually...

[Hello, how are you Tania? Are you glad that we are still able to meet you around here and all right?

Things have gone pretty lonely ever since that day, but nevertheless, we have to look at the bright side of things.

Just tell me if you need something related to fashion and I will look for something okay? You would look really...]

[I'm fine really! I mean I don't play this game any more or anything,

but my boyfriend doesn't really mind me wearing this armour all the time.

But just so you know, I do little pvp from time to time with Albert.]

[Wait... who is Albert? Is that your second boyfriend? Are you a two-timer? Wow Tania,

I didn't know you were that kind of a girl really, it must be really fun to...]

[No, not at all ehehe~ I'm just doing pvp and stuff with Albert, I'm not dating him.

And although I have not said anything about that to Robie I'm sure he wouldn't mind either.

So whatever you do, just don't say weird things if you meet him okay? I would be mad...]

I could tell just by looking at her piercing eyes and her clutched fist. That's basically Tania for you, she might be nice on the surface but it's possible to get her angry really fast with the wrong words. In any case, it seems my sister backed out from the topic and we all sat next to Titania on the bench.

[Say, maybe you know something about Wolf or others? You seem to pretty close to them,

so I figured you might exchanged contacts or whatever. Me and Pina miss Rose very much, you know?]

[Yea... Rose was the best friend to talk with that I had.

My only regret is that we haven't talked enough.]

At one time I learned that WRose for some reason used a voice program, instead of her real voice. There was a secret behind that, I figured, but I couldn't tell what it was. At that moment I also...told her my secret. I spoke about my legs and the accident. I thought at least that would open her up but...

[I'm sorry, I don't know much about others, we talk from time to time, but I can only say they are okay.

Rosie is probably busy with her work or something—maybe she and Wolf are dating in the other world?

That would make sense since she said she was going through some kind of process... Yea, let's leave it at that.]

[I see, you know Titania, I have also did not mention to you this before but I...

Well I went to Rose's house and tried to meet her in person, we exchanged contacts at some point.

You are right, I rather not say this in public but to give you an idea... well it's about...]

Not only her eyes but her fox ears were searching for a good place to hide away from both of our gazes. I knew that look of my sister. She tried to pace herself with a well placed statement, one that wouldn't look like a lie or the truth. I also think she considered Rose's feelings as well.

[How I should put it? She is facing a transformation, I think, but I don't know all the details.

It is something that she wouldn't say to others, something that she keeps deliberately a secret from others.

I also think it is better to keep it at that, and speak of it no further. I mean she is a girl and...]

[Right sis... girls have their secrets and it is better that way.

I can understand as far as that... but it is also Rose who made me understand,

that keeping a secret is not always the right thing. I wish she would have…]

[The thing is, I'm not sure myself. I'm missing a piece of important information, which I don't want to confirm.

If you understand that at least, then you should be fine right? *wink* It's for her sake after all.]

If you say so, then why don't you want to confirm it yourself sister? I hate that smirk she is doing now—even Tania is a little taken aback by it. In any case, I'm sure that I can't convince her if she is like that, thus I simply had to leave this problem like it is. I wish I was able to do something for WRose... anything...

[Right right, don't make such sad faces girls! I knew Rosie for longer than both of you,

and she didn't speak to me either. I feel you are making the right choice thought,

just imagine how awkward would it be for us three to visit her all at once, right?]

[A little bit awkward right... not only for her, but for us too.]

[That's right my little sister! We haven't seen Titania or her friends offline either right?

I reckon we might live in different cities or even different countries but we should definitely...]

[As long as Rose is okay... I will be okay too.]

That moment my sister almost jumped out of her chair with her fox ears straighten. I guess he just realised, that WRose wasn't the only one that had a secret she wanted to keep for herself. I gave her a little stare, and then a smile. It is okay sis, if it's Titania and others I'm fine with telling them. My sister calmed down.

[Anyway... let's change the subject girls! I mean it sucks but what can you do,

at least we can still meet in the game. Speaking about that... you know that other girl,

the drow one, that you guys were playing with? What about her? Anything you know Tania?]

[You mean Darku? Well first of all he's a guy, he said it himself. He just has a rather girly voice.

Don't worry about him—he was like I’m dealing with my past finally or something so I'm good.]

[Oh I see, that's nice to hear... that he is doing well.]

And so continued our chat for a little while longer like that. Nothing interesting was said however, only things I could care less about. What I wanted to know was why did Hina was so convinced that keeping it secret was the right thing to do? I'm sure that WRose herself wouldn’t mind if I asked her directly but...

But what if I was wrong? What if there was something that she avoided at all costs? It was not my fault, I told myself, not knowing what I might have said that she found offensive. But now I wasn't sure about that any longer, maybe indeed I was the problem? Though she didn't meet with Hina in person the first time, it is my sister who doesn’t want to try again...

I... don't want to think about this any more... it's just too depressing on myself. My vision got directed at the puddle, and I saw my reflection. A little girl with blue eyes and in them a single drop of a strange liquid running down. It was not just in the game, but also happened in reality. Licking it off like a cat, I tasted how lonely I became...

[Sorry sis... I think I need to go now...

We can talk about the meeting some other day...]

[Okay see you later Pina, I will contact you guys when I talk with others.]

[Sis... wait! Oh my, she looked really depressed for some reason.]

[Huh? Now that you mention that...]

===

And after all that, I wanted to retreat to my own room in the game as well... but I shared it with my sister. I wanted to log out and retreat to my own room in real life as well... but I shared that with my sister as well. Therefore there was no place for me that I would call my own room... not in reality, not inside of the game.

[Look Pina, I know sometimes things are sad, but that is what you have a sister for right?

I miss WRose too, but things like that can't just cloud your entire mood, you know? *pet pet*

Here you go... you are my precious little sister and nothing can change that. So at times like that,

at times when you need to be strong, you should allow your bigger sister to do her job as well.]

Which was petting me to make me happy... this is what she has been all the time inside of the game. Don't worry about your legs... Don't worry about that we are not making enough money to continue your rehab...Don't worry about anything because I'm your bigger sister and you can leave everything to me if you want.

[Hina... I'm happy that you are there.

So let me try to play my part... as your sister.]

My part was simple. I was just her model and her assistant working online. In this game you could create and sell items. With the virtual currency you could then exchange virtual “dollars” into real life money. The income was barely anything big, we probably didn't even had enough to buy ourselves food every day, but at least we were heading towards our goal.

What was important for me is that my sister was doing something she enjoyed, even though I could not say the same about myself. There were times I wished I wouldn't be reminded about my disability, times were we changed into mermaids and swam underwater, times were I was standing in that quite peculiar shrine maiden outfit and greeted visitors. All those times I couldn't move my legs...

But I'm doing this so I could somehow stimulate them, because the doctors said it would help. In truth, they gave me a category which meant that I can no longer use insurance to pay for rehab...How much that helped my legs I do not know, but at least my daily life was more interesting that way...like having a reason to go outside for example.

[Your part, your role? Well we can do something together if you want Pina.

I mean it's hard for me to find things you would especially enjoy in this game,

so I try and try, but in the end I can't do anything, you know? I really wished...]

[I understand that sis, that's enough… let’s put away the sad stuff, okay?

You know... now that I realized I can't do anything for you, I do feel guilty.

You did mention that you had that one outfit you wanted to try... remember?]

[Right, is that what you want to do Pina? I'm completely okay with that,

in fact we are already home so we could do it right now, is that okay?

Maybe you want some tea or something first, I can make it if you want.]

[I'm fine sis... I just want to think about something so modelling is fine.

I also hope it will sell well... though this is the first time we made normal clothes.]

That is true. I at least can't remember when we were just simply sisters. It is always about... cute shrine maidens, or lovely mermaids... or fashionable twins... everything I do in this game is simply because my sister says so. I wish I was able to be more assertive or something, but I lack the courage to say that to my sister.

[Okay, this should be the item, please go ahead and change if you like.

In fact it seems they already accepted it. It looks really nice, don’t you think?]

[Yea... the outfit kinda look cute and fluffy in their miniature form too.]

In reality however changing clothes is not as simple as one could think, but I got used to it. I ride a wheelchair, I can go around the house just on my own—there are no stairs or anything. Additionally, because of technology, I have the convenience of using a normal toilet. The machine removes the seat and I use the armrests to lower myself down. The wheel itself is made out of special rubber that can change shape, effectively making the chair change its height.

Even with all that, my mother and doctors say that is not likely for me to recover, even with operation. It’s a pity that all they gave us was this technologically advanced wheel chair. I also feel a little guilty using it, I want to find some way to repay my family for all that they done to me. But the truth is I can’t even earn my own living…

[Right, here is the tea, just don't forget to take your VR off before.]

On top of that I'm forced to live with my sister in the same room, ever since I was born. Now it became kinda cramped...And every time she says something while playing I can hear that. Sometimes she asks me to put on headphones, but I can still hear her. The same goes for her I guess, so she must be pretending to give me a sense of privacy... right?

[I see you made it exactly like in the picture... It looks cute, so congrats.

By the way... when you put up the hoodie what happens to your ears?

Do they disappear magically or what happens with them I wonder?]

The outfit I showed myself in was quite a change to what we previously made. Firstly, it was a hoodie...well not just some ordinary one, but one sewed together with multiple materials like a patchwork stuffed doll. For the bottom, short pumpkin pants or a plaid skirt if one wished. The pants gave more volume, so I liked them more.

As for other accessories, I picked wrist scrunchie that fitted of the image of a fluffy bunny, especially if you were to put your hands into the hoodie's pockets. I also had high-tops with ankle socks. They had a special sole which made squeaking noises as you walked. Very cute little bunny noises...

[Oh my gosh! These squeak squeak soles must be the brightest idea I have had so far!

Of course it will sell! Anyway, I must thank you for the design Pina, it is a nice innovation.

Anyway, when you put your hoodie down holes should appear for your ears, can you try that?]

[Wow you are right... I don't need to worry about that...

though I prefer to not wear anything on my head for a reason...]

[And that reason is... of course to receive petting from me right? *pet pet*]

More or less... I do that because it feels nice to have someone pet your head with ears on, a lot different than in real life in fact. That alone at least is worth playing this game for...

[By the way sis... I don’t want to make you sad but as for the colours, I was clueless.

I ended up choosing all white for the initial texture, but it seems you put a lot of thought into that too.]

[Yes, that is true. I wanted to add colours that would imitate rabbit's fur,

so you have chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, amber, pearl and so on. Whichever you choose,

it would be fluffy right? Here, how about we try to go for an autumn-like theme...]

My favourite colour is blue however, just like my eyes. As for her, it's probably gold, just like her eye colour. Besides that little detail, our avatars are completely the same. Even our clothes are the same too, and soon even this hoodie might face the same fate, I wonder...

That is...our avatars used to be completely the same until I decided to cut my hair short. I got tired of having long hair I guess? I can’t think of a better reason now really...

===

Ring ring, someone seems to be at our door. I was confused at first, because it seems in the reality, and the virtual world doorbell is the same. However, this time it was the game world door...

[Oh there is someone at the door? It's probably a client so I will take care of him.]

[It's fine... I will just sip on this tea you brought here.]

Indeed, the tea was just like my sister always makes it, two spoons of sugar. Though I sit on the floor, I can still reach everything on desk without moving. This is important because I can't move a lot.

[Oh welcome to our shop! How can I be of service to you little miss?]

Though I was getting excited for some reason, it was in fact just a client. How disappointing. Although she was behind a door in the game, I could hear her in the room just fine... Well, I decided to stealthy look through the keyhole and see what was happening in over there. What I saw was...

[Hm... this... and that... Interesting, how very delightfully absorbing this experience is... truly.]

Ignoring my sister, a strange looking young lady was making a very detailed examination of our selection. She also spoke gently with a very mature and womanly voice, though her words were hard to comprehend. Also I just noticed something peculiar about her outfit so I decided to stare very closely at her.

[Well, is there anything I can do for miss? How about I share my opinion on this piece?

I know it might be too early to be dressing for a dive, but don't you worry about it!

The tail part is optimal—you can wear it with a human shape quite comfortably as well.]

This must be about the mermaid swimsuit huh? I still do regret I can't do actual testing.

[No no no... I don't need your help fox lady—I'm quite frankly good on my own here.]

The lady appeared to be just browsing... what a pain. However, she did look very pretty I would say...She was only a little taller than my sister, probably due to her shoes, but her skin was pearl white. She also had an amethyst coloured crown shaped braids with very little hair in the back and short bangs up front.

The top of her hair was decorated like a crown, with shiny gems and glitter. Her golden eyes also shined, she probably used a white eye shadow with glitter. Her lips were lavender blush, quite smooth looking too...All of this gave the impression of a little princess from a fairy tale that was far brighter than the mermaid ones.

Additionally, her presence was quite elegant and royalty-like. She had an old style rococo Victorian knee-length dress. It had three parts, the outer part which looked like a frock cloak with puffy sleeves and ended with ruffled cuffs at wrists, the middle part with a straight across neckline that was decorated with a trail of little ribbons down to her waist, and finally the tiered skirt part which was split by two lines of tiny bows that also gathered and pulled the material a little bit up.

[How delightful and yet quite unappealing. My darling I must say one thing only, that have talent but not the chic.

What I can see is but a small cry of a little fox that is hungry and begs for food from random passer-bys.

I mean that, and this is my precious opinion, you should quit making those stuffy clothes and make something...]

[Wait a second, you came here to just tell me that? What is the point,

you can complain all you want but don't you think that's kinda rude?]

Partially, the blame might be on me, but that doesn't matter. I was will endorsed with admiring her clothing. Going down from her skirt, I could see little girly bloomers underneath, as well as several layers of petticoats. Furthermore, she wore perfectly fitting nylon maize coloured tights with various prints on them, like ribbons, jewellery, bows...

Finally I was looking at her shoes. She had little kitten heels, their top part was glossy but the heel part was brownish. I also noticed that she was looking at her painted nails a lot, as if she paid more attention to them than to Hina. They were slightly violet and had some glitter glued onto them. In fact, you could say her entire clothes were shiny.

Giving her entirely a glance again, she had jewellery on her wrists too. There was also this large diamond on her neck, and around it there was a lion-like ruff that was aligned upwards, but did not touch her hair... also, the facing of her frock coat was designed to resemble a lion fur... also, she even wore little lion ears on her head. How strange that I have just noticed that.

[Wait a second sister... I'm also offended because I did draw that...]

I said that trying to defend my sister, but my objective was really to join into the conversation. I opened the door slightly, and noticed how the lady’s coordination spoke highly of her. She was bathed in violet, white, light pink and lion yellow. She was like a princess but also like a lion. She was pretty and shiny like a snowflake, but fierce like a wild fire. Her brilliance was further illuminated by her bag, it was coated in the same style as her other accessories.

[What did you say dear? I have trouble hearing you from outside of the door, so if you could please come in.]

I came in, slowly opening the door and taking a squeaky steps one after another. The moment I saw her fully, my head went down, as if I was not worth to bask the shabby looking me in her radiance. But as soon as I arrived, as soon as I was at her side, she reached her elegant hand and raised my chin involuntarily. I gulped a little and...

[My my, what a fair and gentle expression you are having my dear. Is that the most prized of your possessions?]

She turned to my sister, asking as if I was her merchandise... well she wasn't quite far from the truth.

[This is my sister, and she is helping me with the store as you can see.

We both run this shop, so please if you find this outfit cute I would gladly...]

[Oh no no, I don't just find it fancy, I love the entirety of it. Therefore, you wouldn't mind if I took it, yes?]

However, from the tone of her voice and from her eyes, which were looking at me, I could tell something else. She wasn't clearly interested in the clothes, but into the person standing next to her. This was a little awkward for me at first, I thought initially, but then her expression grew more serious than from before. She actually meant the words she just said.

[You want me... to work for you or something? Is that why you were looking around?

I mean sure... my sister did the 3D stuff but I did the designs so I’m only good at 2D.]

[Nonsense my dear, I appropriate the effort the most. Now speak to me, what is that you want? I can offer much,

gold or even real life money. Nothing in my grasp is impossible thus consider any of your requests granted.

And yes, before you ask, I do fancy your design. It's very attractive street-wise I must say, a truly people's piece.]

This must be the first time someone told me good words like that... well other than my sister. She might be nice sometimes, but overall she is my sister so that is expected from her. I don't know what exactly the lady wants from me, but she looks peaceful so far.

[I feel honoured really... but I'm not sure what to say.]

[Wait, Pina are you actually going to accept her offer?

I mean she came here and didn't buy anything and was rude...]

Right on the money, she pulled out a check out of her bag. It was quite the sum waiting next to my hand.

[Would that be enough? I don't want to disrespect you as an artist but this is only an entry amount.

After certain time I'm sure my shop... I mean our shop will get popular and you will be paid a lot more.

I only require you to draw illustrations and leave the model working to me, it's a fair offer, wouldn't you say?]

This is the biggest sum I saw in this game, at least for me who didn't even get any jobs at all. If this is the kind of payment I would be getting, I will be earning far more than my sister. It's really tempting but at the same time... I feel like I need to think this offer over first.

[I will think about it... I need to have myself ready first...]

[Gladly I shall you provide with time you need, my dear, here is my card.]

And so, albeit having my sister gazing over my shoulder, I looked briefly at the card she handed to me. It was a boutique called Brilliant Dream, a much fashionable name than our Fox'n'Cat I guess...Anyway she left our store and me with thoughts. Would my sister really be okay if I worked there? I think this is the first time for me to be making an important decision like that for myself so I really need to think...