"I'm not entirely sure why you feel the need to bring me on this venture, yes?"

"Pshah... like its healthy to leave you to brood by yourself. And no, guarding Aniki in stealth is not allowed. He even said so. Besides, aren't we like battle sisters?"

My arguments are flawless, Kaede. You can't get out of this one! You're an essential part of my plan.

"We have completed a singular operation together, with the aid of the countess, yes?"

"Aren't you forgetting the bath ambush?"

"I..."

Hahaha! Her wide-eyed look and blush are great! Hmm... that’s... strange. I think perhaps I suddenly understood part of Kuro-chan...

Well, even if I understand it, it doesn't mean anything.

"And haven't we been developing synergistic attacks?"

She has a difficult expression, but nods.

"Well, this is plenty for us to become battle sisters."

I bang her on the shoulder and she manages a thin smile.

"Now! Let us begin our quest for sausage! Hoooo-raaah!" I shout, pumping my fist.

"Huu~" she manages, lacking enthusiasm.

I turn and start marching down the street, and she starts to follow at my side, with a prim and awkward looking shuffle. I think she has forgotten how to walk normally, and can only skulk.

"However, I still do not understand my use in this matter, yes? If it is about evaluating cuisine, surely Kiku is a better choice, yes?"

I nod.

"If I were looking for the best, yes. But that is not the quest." I reply.

She tilts her head.

"You will understand as we go on." I grin.

...

...

...

"I do not feel that man can be trusted either, yes?"

"Oh? Hnn... why is that?"

"He was clearly looking at you with less than virtuous intentions, Kaliasta."

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"Hnn... is that so? I do not notice such things. I am always the subject of stares in this part of the world."

"I... I honestly cannot imagine being so... visible..."

"Hah! I do not mind. This is one of the Meenaora's tests that I have already passed with flying colours."

"The tests?"

"Young girls who wish to learn the fighting arts in the S'tavi... they must be able to cross fifty klecksels of hot coals whilst naked in front of all of elders." I laugh, puffing out my chest. "A matriarch cannot know shame or hesitation when facing danger. Those who do, they cannot be leaders."

"It is culling the chaff, yes? I had many such tests myself..." she nods.

That’s a vicious way to put it. I wrinkle my nose.

"But I guess we shall cross him off too. We cannot have such behaviour. I am already a claimed woman, huhuhu."

Kaede smiles creepily at that statement, creasing her brows. Then she shakes herself out it.

"We have visited all the local merchants dealing in food transit now, yes?" She states.

"Yes. It is sad. No merchants willing to take sausage to desert." I lament.

"It was basically explained that it was unfeasible, yes? No profit to be had..."

"There is truth there. S'tavi do live in remote place. Few aware, fewer willing to cross distance and brave the angry scorpions."

"I imagine the cold storage to also be an issue, as explained by the merchant Issac, yes?"

"Yes, I am a foolish tortoise to not consider preservation aspects. There is still much to learn if I ever become a merchant myself." I grin.

"I see... was this the real goal of the operation?"

"Hm? I do not know what you are talking about?"

Kaede looks under her eyes at me murderously for a moment, but then shakes her head and smiles quite sweetly.

"You did not expect any success today, yes?"

I stretch my arms above my head and regard the lukewarm afternoon sun. It is quite strange how this land is so much cooler than home, when it is nary ten days walk. Although I suppose this is further north from where I walked to. Hal-Castemour was still fairly hot most of the time. These magic journeys are still really strange to me.

I yawn loudly, like a desert cat.

"No, I didn't." I finally answer. "I'm not really a fool. Setting up a business like this is not something I can do on a whim."

"Then?"

"Even if it’s a waste, I'm raising information for a future I could follow. I still could be a merchant in the future."

"I see."

"It is only a dream I had when I was young. I thought after I left, that I would keep travelling, see the world, like my father’s tales. Be a peddler or such. And yet, it turns out I was happy in a single place. My mother will laugh when I finally tell her!"

"I see."

"What about you, Kaede?"

She is silent for a moment, looking as if pondering a life or death question.

"I haven't really considered my future. I do not believe I ever have, yes?" She has a difficult expression.

"Ha. I knew it!" I laugh, patting her shoulder.

"I am made for killing, yes." She says.

"Yep. You are. All of us girls are, to an extent. But is that all you can do?"

"No." She sighs.

I roll my eyes because she doesn't have any follow-up.

"And what else can you do, then? What do you like?"

She looks wild-eyed for a moment. "I was... I did like... raising the plants for poisons... I do like... gardening?"

I can't help but laugh nervously at her definition of gardening. But I guess it’s something.

She looks angry at me.

"I'm sorry for laughing. It’s a very noble job. Heck, I'm a foolish tortoise for thinking a muscle head like me can do business!" I laugh again.

She looks away.

"I think you can do business, Kali. A merchant does need to be shameless and rambunctious, yes?"

I laugh again.

"That was the most insulting compliment I ever got. Ha!"

"Are we not supposed to be honest, if we are... battle sisters?"

"Right. We are. And we should" I laugh once more, and pat her on the back.

It is like teaching a Meenaora chick that is has wings, with this one, but I don't dislike it. All of these girls have funny quirks, don't they? As do I.

"Let’s head back, yes?"

"Lets" I grin.