AN: Welcome with an another chapter for this Fic! The continuation of Hachiman and Mei's expedition.
Also I have a confession to make..... I'm in trouble now.... from the pass two weeks... I hardly write anything.
I only made like 4 chapters... usually in a week I can write like 5 or 6 chapters but now I barely able to write.
And the reason is.... I kinda addicted with HSR Currency Wars. Ehe.
At first my reason is to get all of the jades so that I could E2 my Cyrene.... but now I play it because well... heehehe.
Sorry I have no excuses!!!
BUT I will try to still update on Wednesday. I should be able to finish a chapter by then... I hope... as long as I can ignore my controller or I open the HSR on phone.
Anyways that's all for me! Ciao, enjoy reading!
--------- << Start >> -----------
Gate Inn, Seiryuu City, DesuMachi Planet…
"G-Good morning! Hachiman-san, Mei-san, Sora-san, and Patricia-san!" Zena greeted, her voice slightly trembling from nerves but bright with cheer. "And good morning to you too, Kagura-chan!"
Today, instead of her soldier's uniform from yesterday, she wore a modest and charming outfit in warm tones, a white long-sleeved blouse tucked into a teal-blue skirt that brushed just above her knees, its hem embroidered with delicate patterns.
Over her shoulders was a yellow knit shawl, adding a cozy, gentle air to her appearance. Her soft, light-blonde hair was neatly styled in a short bob with straight bangs, shining faintly from the morning sun.
"Zena-san! Good morning to you too!" Sora called out with her usual big smile.
"Aa!" Kagura mimicked her sister's enthusiasm, giggling with a big and bright grin.
Zena held her chest as if struck by an arrow of cuteness. "Haa... she's too precious..." she whispered under her breath, restraining herself from jumping forward to hug the baby.
Mei watched the scene with a small, wry smile. "Good morning to you as well, Zena-san."
"Yo." Hachiman gave a lazy wave, earning him a sharp glance from Mei. Feeling her glare pierce through his way too lax self, he quickly straightened up and forced a polite smile. "G-good morning, Zena-san. You're, uh… looking lovely today."
"Eh?! T-thank you…" Zena stammered, cheeks flushing pink.
Patricia covered her mouth, stifling a chuckle, while Mei sighed and rubbed her temple. Hachiman blinked in confusion. 'What? Did I say something wrong again?'
"So, Zena-san," Sora began innocently, completely unaware of the awkward atmosphere between the adults, "did you need something from us today?"
"Ah! R-right!" Snapping out of her trance, Zena took a quick breath and pressed a hand to her chest. "Since everyone is still new in the city, i-if it's okay with you, I'd like to offer myself as your guide for today!"
Sora blinked in surprise, Mei raised an eyebrow, and Patricia hid a small, amused smile. The three of them slowly turned their gazes toward Hachiman, who sat frozen like a deer in headlights. Feeling their stares burn through him, he cleared his throat awkwardly and looked away. "...What?"
"Hmm?" Zena tilted her head, misunderstanding their pause as rejection. "D-Did you already have plans?" she asked, her tone dropping slightly, shoulders deflating.
"Ah, about that actually…" Hachiman rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly feeling guilty for the misunderstanding. "We were planning to walk around and, well, wondering who we could ask to be our guide. So your offer is… a life saver."
Zena's eyes lit up instantly. "R-really?!" she exclaimed, a beaming smile spreading across her face.
'Such a devastating smile…' Hachiman thought, averting his gaze before his brain could betray him further.
"Yes! It would be wonderful if Zena-san guided us!" Sora said brightly.
"T-then, please leave it to me!" Zena clenched her fists in front of her chest, determination radiating off her.
Mei met Hachiman's eyes for a moment, both were amused by Zena's enthusiasm and they nodded before turning back to her.
"Please take care of us today, Zena-san," Mei said warmly, her smile soft and genuine.
—---
After breakfast, Hachiman, Mei, Sora, Patricia, and Kagura followed Zena through the lively streets toward the bustling morning market.
"Wow! It's still early, but there are already so many people!" Sora said, her eyes darting from stall to stall as she tried to take everything in. The smell of fresh bread, grilled meat, and spices filled the air.
"Ahaha, this is actually normal around this hour," Zena replied warmly. She held Sora's hand as they walked, her posture relaxed but her smile proud. "Everyone comes here to start their day with something fresh."
"...Is that soy sauce I smell?" Hachiman muttered, his nose twitching as they passed by a stall. He turned to see a pot displayed at the side of the stall.
"Yeah… that's definitely soy sauce," Mei added, her tone surprised and curious.
"Yes, both of you are correct!" Zena smiled brightly. "Soy sauce is one of the two great seasonings created by the founder of our kingdom, Hero King Yamato."
'Yamato? Hero King? Definitely a summoned hero from Japan,' Hachiman thought before giving a slow nod.
"Then perhaps the other one…" Mei tilted her head, a wry smile on her lips, "is it miso by any chance?"
"Eh? Y-Yes! Miso is indeed the other one." Zena blinked, a little startled, then tilted her head in wonder. "Mei-san, are you familiar with it?"
"Ahahaha, well… I might not look like it, but cooking's actually one of my hobbies," Mei said, scratching her blushing cheek.
Sora puffed up proudly. "Mei-nee's food is one of the best in the world!"
Patricia nodded firmly. "Indeed, Lady Mei's cooking is something my colleagues and I aspire to match."
"Wow! Even Patricia-san says so?" Zena gasped softly, looking at Mei with newfound admiration. "Now I'm getting curious about how it would taste."
"P-please, they're exaggerating!" Mei waved her hands in embarrassment, her face red. "My cooking's just… normal, really. Lumine's dishes are way better than mine."
"What do you think, Kagura?" Hachiman asked the baby in his arms, tilting his head with exaggerated seriousness. "Is your mom telling the truth or just trying to fool us again?"
"AAh!!" Kagura answered with a happy squeal, clapping her tiny hands.
Hachiman nodded sagely. "I see… so you're saying she's lying, huh? Good instincts, kid."
"It seems Kagura disagrees as well," he added, turning toward Mei with mock gravity.
"Don't drag my daughter into your nonsense!" Mei's brow twitched as she reached over and pinched his side.
"Ow! Hey! Can you not resort to violence every time you lose an argument?!" Hachiman protested, squirming while Kagura laughed gleefully at her parents' antics.
"Traitor," he muttered at the giggling baby, narrowing his eyes. "You dare laugh at your own father, huh?" He grinned and started tickling her mercilessly.
"AAAhhhuuhaaa!!" Kagura squealed, kicking in his arms as Hachiman continued his attack.
"Honestly, you two are impossible," Mei sighed, though a smile crept across her face as she watched them.
At the side, Zena's expression softened with a tender smile with a hint of envy. Watching the little family laugh together stirred something in her chest. Sora, noticing her expression simply hummed thoughtfully, while Patricia simply watched with a knowing, serene smile.
—-
The group spent the early morning wandering through the Eastern block's lively market street, sampling all sorts of local street food. There were melon-like fruits with sweet juice, hot smooth ginger drinks, fried sweet potatoes, honey-glazed pastries, skewered stalks brushed with soy sauce, and something the vendors proudly called Seiryuu Fry.
When Hachiman bit into one, the crisp sound rang pleasantly. He chewed thoughtfully. This… tastes like a potato croquette just without the meat, he mused, taking another bite.
"Aaa…" Kagura stared at his food from his arms, her cheeks and mouth fully covered with fruit juice. Her eyes fixated on the Seiryuu Fry as a drool formed at the corner of her mouth.
Hachiman raised an eyebrow at the twinkle in her eyes. With a mischievous smirk, he moved the Seiryuu Fry to one side, watching as Kagura's head snapped to follow it like a baby bird. Then move it again in a different direction, Kagura still followed it.
"Oh? You want this, huh?" he teased, holding it just out of reach.
Kagura let out a determined "Aaah!" and reached out her tiny hands, earning a small chuckle from Mei beside him.
"Don't tease her too much," Mei said, but her tone carried a soft fondness.
"I'm not teasing. I'm… educating," Hachiman replied solemnly before breaking off a small piece. After ensuring it wasn't hot and brushing away the excess crumbs so she wouldn't choke, he held it out. "Here you go, princess."
Kagura eagerly took a bite, instantly forgetting her fruit—which slipped from her grasp and began to fall. But Patricia, with reflexes sharp enough to make even Mei, the Herrscher of Thunder, blink in surprise, caught the fruit midair. She smoothly wrapped it in a tissue and tucked it neatly into the disposal bag under her travel robes.
"Oops," Patricia said with a serene smile.
"Thank you Patricia-san," Mei sighed in relief, shaking her head as Hachiman chuckled softly at his daughter's satisfied munching.
"Mmm~ it's unexpectedly good!" Sora said in delight, cheeks puffed slightly as she chewed. One hand rested on her cheek while the other held the Seiryuu Fry. A few crumbs clung to her lips as she took another happy bite, her legs swinging from where she sat like a carefree child.
"Hehehe, I'm glad you like it," Zena said with a cheerful smile, taking her own bite of the Seiryuu Fry. "Actually, this dish was introduced by Lilo's boyfriend."
That made Hachiman, Mei, and Patricia all raise their eyebrows in unison before turning toward her.
"Huh?! Really?!" Sora blinked in surprise. "Is Lilo-san's boyfriend a chef or something? I swear this tastes kind of familiar though…"
Zena chuckled softly, gently wiping the crumbs from Sora's mouth with a napkin. "Not exactly. He actually can't cook to save his life, but… he's a very peculiar man who knows how to make the strangest and most interesting things."
'Ah… definitely a transported or reincarnated person,' Hachiman, Mei, and Patricia thought collectively before glancing at the baby (reincarnated god) in Hachiman's arms who was happily nibbling on her food.
"Aau?" Kagura looked up at them with wide, innocent eyes, then gave an adorable little smile before turning her attention back to the snack in her hands.
Patricia quickly turned away, covering her mouth to hide her grin. "Ehem… excuse me. Too much cuteness at once."
"You truly are a dangerous charmer," Mei said with a wry smile, pinching Kagura's cheeks gently, earning a loud protest.
"Daa…!!" Kagura flailed her tiny arms, pouting adorably from her father's arms.
"...I fear for my future once you grow up," Hachiman sighed, already imagining the endless line of suitors he'd have to scare off— ahem, deal with. Mei only chuckled softly at his dramatics, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You'll survive... and those boys. Probably."
After finishing their meal, the group resumed walking, moving through the buzzing crowd until they reached a row of small sundries stalls. The scent of herbs and oils drifted in the air. Sora's eyes sparkled when something shiny caught her attention.
"Huh? Are those shells?" she asked curiously, pointing toward a display of colorful, polished shell-like containers.
"Hahaha, these aren't just shells, child," the old lady behind the stall said with a kind smile. "They're containers for medicine."
"Oh!" Sora nodded, fascinated. "What kind of medicine is it, ma'am?"
"This one's for cuts, and this one's for burns," the woman explained patiently, picking up two of the shells.
Mei stepped forward, cutting through their conversation. "I'd like to buy several, if you don't mind. How many do you have in stock? And what other kinds do you carry?"
The old lady clearly didn't expect that they were willing to buy her goods. She quickly straightened and answered Mei. "Ehh, let's see… ten for cuts, twelve for burns. I also have ointments for muscle pain, muscle relaxant, scars, dry or damaged skin, rashes, anti-itch, and sores."
Mei nodded thoughtfully while Patricia leaned closer, ever the reliable assistant. "Lady Mei, I recommend we take at least five to seven of each type. The rest can be distributed to the others or stored in our packs."
"A good idea." Mei nodded in agreement and turned to the old lady with a warm smile. "Then ma'am, please give us seven pieces of each."
The old lady blinked again, her eyes going wide before she stammered out, "T-thank you v-very much for your p-p-purchase!" Her hands trembled slightly as she hurried to carefully pack the ointments.
When everything was ready, Mei paid for the goods and began sorting them efficiently — taking out four shell containers for cuts before handing the rest to Patricia for storage keeping.
"Keep this in your pouch, Sora-chan," Mei said gently, passing one of the small shells to the girl.
"Thank you, Mei-nee!" Sora replied brightly, holding it before storing it at her waist pouch.
Mei's expression softened. She then reached toward Hachiman's pouch and slipped another container inside without even asking, a smooth, natural motion that showed habit.
"Thanks," Hachiman said casually.
She answered with a small smile before turning to Zena, offering one of the shells. "Here, this is for you as well, Zena-san. With the kind of work you do, you're bound to get small cuts or scrapes now and then."
Zena's eyes widened. "E-eh?! But I can't just accept something like this!"
Mei's smile deepened, her tone gentle but firm. "Zena-san is our friend now. We wouldn't want to see you get hurt again like last time."
"Still…" Zena hesitated, her eyes soft as she looked at the small shell container resting in her palm. "This feels like too much, Mei-san."
"Please, I insist," Mei said kindly, her tone gentle yet firm. "Consider it a little gift from us and a charm for your safety."
Zena blinked, visibly moved by the warmth in her voice. "Mei-san…" she murmured, her smile faint but full of emotion. "I understand. I'll treasure it and keep it with me always. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Mei replied softly, her own smile tender.
Sora shook her head with a playful grin. "See, Zena-san? It's truly pointless to argue with Mei-nee. She's really good at making people do what she wants, like how she always forces me to study, finish my homework, or makes Hachi-nii listen to her every word."
"Just what are you saying, Sora-chan?" Mei asked with an all-too-sweet smile as she pinched Sora's cheeks.
"Ahf zhory!! fhade mharcy!!! (I'm sorry! Have mercy!)" Sora squealed through squished cheeks as Mei's grip tightened. "Halp mhe, Hachi-nii! (Help me, Hachi-nii!)"
Hachiman turned away, pretending to admire a random stall. "...Sorry, like you said—she's good at making me follow her words."
"Nhooo!!!" Sora wailed dramatically, flailing her arms as her cheeks stretched.
Zena giggled behind her hand, though she made no move to stop Mei. "Ahahaha! Poor Sora-chan," she said, smiling fondly. "Still, this is kind of adorable."
Patricia chuckled before quiping. "Indeed. It's nice seeing them so lively."
"Shamaune halp mhe!! (Someone help me!!)" Sora pleaded again, but everyone only laughed, the air filled with warmth and lighthearted cheer.
—-
With the mood light and cheerful again, the group continued their walk until they reached the Parion Temple, where one of Zena's acquaintances served as a priestess. The grand structure stood proudly along the main street, its white stone walls dazzling under the sunlight, banners with the symbol of Parion swaying gently from the wind. Worshippers come and go at a regular pace, their soft prayers mingling with the faint scent of incense. Even Kagura, curled up comfortably in Hachiman's arms, looked around with wonder, her tiny fingers pointing toward the murals that lined the temple walls.
When they reached the largest mural at the center, Sora tilted her head, both brows lifting in surprise. The painting showed a heroic figure wearing a shining armor, his sword blazing with light as he stood against a shadowy, demonic being.
"Somehow… looking at this, I can totally imagine Noah-nii doing the same thing," Sora murmured, a faint grin appearing at her lips.
Hachiman let out a dry snort. "Yeah, that absolutely makes sense. He's the only one theatrical enough to strike a pose like that in the middle of a fight."
Mei covered her mouth, failing to hold back a laugh, while Patricia's shoulders trembled and even Sora began giggling at her own comparison.
"This mural," Zena began with a calm, almost reverent tone as she turned toward them, "depicts the battle between the First Hero and the Demon Lord. The weapon in his hands is the holy sword, said to shine with blue light. Because of that, the color blue became humanity's symbol of salvation and hope."
"Woaaah…" Sora breathed out in awe. "Does the holy sword glow in the hands of people other than the hero?"
"Hmmm, that's actually a good question," Zena replied thoughtfully, tapping a finger against her chin. "The holy sword shines blue only when it recognizes its rightful wielder."
She paused, her tone softening as she continued. "Some of these Holy weapons have been passed down to the descendants of the Heroes, or granted by the temples and royal family to those they deem worthy of their strength and resolve."
Hachiman narrowed his eyes, a thoughtful look flashed across his face. 'Now that I think about it… there are a bunch of holy weapons in the Dragon Palace treasury as part of its wealth. Maybe I should check if any of them will react.'
Before anyone could say another word, a gentle, melodic voice joined the conversation. "Just being able to wield a holy sword doesn't make one a hero. The only ones who can fight against the Demon King and his servants are those who have answered the divine call of Parion-sama."
The group turned toward the source of the voice. A young priestess stood nearby, just a few years younger than Zena, Mei, and Hachiman, wearing pristine white and blue temple robes. Her long hair swayed gently with her movements, and her eyes carried a serene kindness that seemed to calm the air around her. Even little Kagura looked at her curiously, her small hands holding at Hachiman's arms.
"The ones granted the blessing of the Gods were able to wield the Holy Swords," the priestess continued with a gentle smile, "are the only ones who may truly be called Heroes." She stopped beside them, her expression warm and welcoming. "Greetings, travelers. Welcome to the Temple of Parion-sama."
Her eyes then fell on Zena, a look of familiarity lighting up her face. "It's been a while, Zena of the Marienteil House."
"Auna-sama!" Zena greeted with the same warmth and familiarity, her eyes lighting up with joy. "It's so good to see you again."
"How is Yukel? I hope he's in good health," Auna asked casually, perhaps a little too casually, which earned a few raised eyebrows from Mei, Sora, and Patricia. There was a hint of something in her tone that didn't go unnoticed.
"Yes, he is," Zena replied with a gentle smile. "He's been studying hard lately. Since he's set to succeed our father next year, he barely leaves his desk these days."
"Oh my, how diligent," Auna replied softly, but her slightly wistful tone betrayed more affection than mere admiration.
Zena then turned toward Hachiman and the rest of the group to introduce her properly. "This is Auna-sama, daughter of Earl Seiryuu. Our mother served as her wet nurse, so she has always been close to my younger brother, Yukel."
"Ohhh…" Sora, Mei, and Patricia exchanged knowing glances, their eyes twinkle with gossip as understanding came.
'So basically it's the Auna x Yukel situation, right Mei-nee?' Sora silently conveyed with her eyes.
'Yes, definitely,' Mei replied with a subtle nod, her lips twitching in amusement.
'A noble lady falling for a man of lower status… classic,' Patricia added with a silent, knowing smile. 'A drama worth watching, I must say.'
Hachiman, standing at the side, could easily guess what the three were thinking. He let out a soft sigh, half amusement, half exasperation. 'They're already building romantic theories in their heads… great.'
Auna, noticing his expression, hid a small giggle behind her hand before regaining her composure. "Greetings, I am Auna, a priestess in the service of the Parion Temple," she said with a light bow. "And please, pay no mind to what Zena mentioned about my lineage. For a priestess, titles and social ranks mean nothing, only faith and service to the Goddess."
"Hello to you as well, Priestess Auna. I'm Hachiman, a traveler," he replied politely, then raised Kagura's tiny hand and waved it for her. "And this little bundle of joy here is Kagura."
"Aah!!" Kagura giggled, her laughter soft and pure, instantly melting Auna's expression into a warm smile.
"How adorable," Auna murmured, her tone gentle. "Blessed be her laughter, it carries such light."
"Hello, I'm Mei, a companion of Hachiman," Mei introduced with a graceful nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Priestess Auna."
"Hi, sister! I'm Sora, their little sister!" Sora said proudly, puffing her chest a bit.
Patricia followed with a light bow. "Greetings, Auna-sama. I am Patricia, caretaker of Miss Sora and Miss Kagura. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Auna smiled warmly at the group, her eyes lingering briefly on Kagura once more before she spoke. "You all seem so close, it's wonderful to see such harmony within a family."
"Well, we are companions who travel together. It's only natural that we'd become this close after facing hardships and dangers side by side," Hachiman replied with a soft, genuine smile.
"I see…" Auna said softly, her expression wistful. "You must have gone through a great deal together."
Mei nodded gently. "We've had our share of rough paths, but… it's what made us family."
"That bond," Auna murmured, her gaze distant for a moment, "is something even the Goddess would bless."
Before the conversation could continue, raised voices rang from the far side of the temple, drawing everyone's attention.
"Please, Priest-sama! Our Boss Boril is deathly ill!" a man shouted desperately.
"Apologies," the priest replied sorrowfully, "but we common priests cannot heal the kind of affliction he bears."
"Then please have the Oracle Priestess-sama heal him!" the man pleaded again, his voice filled with worry.
"T-that's too much!" another priest stammered. "Boril-dono's mansion is in the western block, near those brothels and gambling dens! How could we allow the Oracle Priestess-sama to go to such a place?"
"Please, I beg of you!!" The man bowed deeply, desperation thick in his trembling voice. "Priest-sama, please make an exception!! Our Boss Boril… he won't last the night without help!"
The priest faltered, sympathy filling his eyes, but before he could respond, Auna who heard their conversation lightly bowed at Hachiman's group, "Zena, everyone," she said softly, "forgive me. It seems some trouble has arisen. We'll have to end our conversation here." She gave them a graceful bow before stepping forward to the distressed man and priest.
"It's all right. I'll go," she said firmly, her tone calm yet resolute. "Please have the carriage prepared."
"Oracle Priestess-sama!!! Thank you!!" the man exclaimed, tears falling from his eyes as he bowed again and again.
"Priestess-sama!" the priest called out, his voice tinged with worry as she approached. "But didn't your oracle say that a 'Calamity shall fall upon the Zaicuon Temple'? Isn't going to the western block, where their temple lies, too dangerous?"
Auna shook her head gently, her expression serene but unwavering. "Boril's mansion is well away from their temple grounds, I'll be safe."
Zena frowned, worry flashing across her face. "Auna-sama…"
Auna turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Zena. This is my duty."
Watching as Auna, the priest, and the man hurried toward the temple's exit, Hachiman's eyes narrowed slightly. 'Great. Even within the safety of the city, trouble finds us anyway.'
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