Chapter 82: Welcome to Fraus!

“Attention passengers, we are now boarding the country of Fraus. Please prepare to disembark swiftly and securely.”

“Zzzz…”

Lily and Jan are on the deck, their backs resting against the cockpit as they sleep on each other with drool leaking from their mouths. The comparatively soft voice of the intercom couldn’t disrupt their sleep, no matter its raspy sound.

“Rise and shine, girls. It’s time to go…hey, I said wake up!”

Having no other choice but to intervene, Flenn rapidly shakes the girls, becoming progressively more aggressive as their drool keeps leaking down their cheeks. After a few more prolonged attempts, their snoring ceased, finally showing signs of life.

“Yawn…we’re here already?”

“Yaaaawn…where is Lily now?”

“Stop slothfully stretching and open your eyes fully–we are at Fraus’ harbor. I’ve organized your belongings near the cabin door, so don’t forget to take those as we leave–right now.”

“Okay…”

The girls respond in unison, slowly shaking off the drowsiness in their voices. With the assistance of Flenn, they stand up on their feet and move about following her lead…albeit sluggishly.

“Hello, everyone and welcome! May I see your boarding passes, please?”

“Boarding passes? Lily doesn’t understand…”

“It’s like a permission slip that lets you ride on the boat. Though I don’t have one either…”

“What’s a permission slip?”

“Huh? You’ve never heard of a permission slip, Lily? You've never been on a school field trip before?”

“Hmm…maybe? What’s that like?”

“Settle down, girls. Hold on a minute, please…”

“Please take your time, miss.”

At the ticket gate, the female attendant waits patiently with an unwavering smile as the girls chatter. Meanwhile, Flenn continues digging around in her pockets–many pockets. After the conclusion of this slightly awkward passage of time, she hands over 3 slightly crumpled slips of paper.

“Ah, there those dang things are. Sorry for the wait.”

“It’s no problem at all. Please enjoy your time at Fraus, where your heart flows freely!”

Now being granted access, Lily, her friend, and their chaperone pass through the gate into the grander general area of the harbor. Being a harbor, naturally there are many people everywhere moving about, with their minds residing inside their own worlds . Flenn, being no different, abruptly halts, squinting her eyes as she scans the area. Such an intensively focused gaze out of pace to the point that even Lily can’t help but to react visibly concerned.

“Miss Flenn, is everything alright?”

I never seen Miss Flenn make a mean-looking face like that…it’s kinda scary. Maybe she’s grumpy. Lily feels that way sometimes when she’s hungry.

“Hold on, Lily, I’m concentrating. Give me a minute to…! Got it!”

“Eh?”

Wow, Miss Flen’s face changed so suddenly–her grumpy look is all gone! But why is she pointing at that place all the way over there? Oh, she must be really excited to eat a snack. I knew it!

“Do you two see that gift shop back there? We need to go there first, so keep a steady pace so that you won’t get left behind.”

“Are you buying cool souvenirs for us? And snacks for yourself? You deserve it, Miss Flenn!”

“I have plenty from my mom already, but I always look forward to getting new stuff!”

“Just come along, you two. You'll see when we get there.”

Flenn resumes her trek, walking with a purpose–only one specific purpose in mind. To make up for the discrepancy, Lily and Jan combine their efforts to follow her stride diligently by holding hands.

Managing to carefully navigate the crowd and avoiding separation, the girls catch up to Flenn’s resting place next to a sign that reads in a signature font, “Lowiee”. Just in front of this shop, a canine demi-human sits on a bench, gently resting her hands on her long robe as if time doesn’t affect her. As she notices the approaching company, her body resumes animation.

“Good afternoon, ma’am. Would you happen to be…”

“Yes, I’m Flenn, the one your…boss?...commissioned."

“Master. I’m his faithful servant, Emma.”

“Right, I apologize for lacking the knowledge of the specifics of your relationship. Anyway, here’s my proof…”

Flenn reaches for her chest, straight towards a particular button. All in an instant, Lily tilts her head in curiosity, Jan covers her eyes as her jaw drops, and Emma springs upward from the bench, rapidly shaking her head.

“That will not be necessary, Miss Flenn! I have confirmed the authentication of your identity. Let us proceed with matters swiftly, please.”

With the situation now under control, Emma calmly withdraws a small coin sack, passing it into Flenn’s preemptively open palms. Wasting no time, she immediately peeks inside…only for her face to wrinkle.

“What is this? This is only 60% of my earnings!”

“That’s because only 60% of the job is complete.”

“There’s more?!”

“Yes, master wants you to head to the Water Palace. A woman we call ‘sister Q’ works as a maid for Lord Waltine’s household. Request to see her and she will give you the remaining sum.”

“Oh jeeze, do I really have to–”

“We’re really going to the Water Palace?! Right now, right now?! It’s gonna be so much fun, I can’t wait!"

Jan leaps up and down like a little bunny, tugging onto Lily’s arm.

“The Water Palace?”

“Yeah, it’s like the best place ever in Fraus! My mother is familiar with the nobles there, can you believe it?”

“Hey, you shouldn’t interrupt adults when they are talking, you know. Calm down, will you?”

“Well, it appears that the girls alongside you are eager to pay a visit.”

“Indeed they are, Emma. Sigh, so be it. How much longer do I have?”

“You have until the palace’s gates close at nightfall.”

“Looks like there’s no other choice…come on, girls. We need to be swift.”

“Wait, please! Is…is Vex at this water palace?”

“Huh?”

“Miss Flenn, you said that Vex came to this country, remember? Don’t get me wrong, Lily has been enjoying this trip so far and looks forward to having more fun…but I want Vex to do it with us. Then, you can even have more fun with another adult around…”

“...”

“Young girl…you are Lily, correct?”

“Yes, I’m Lily.”

Emma walks over to Lily and puts her hand on her shoulder, focusing solely on her. Her gaze is neither cold nor unfriendly–just analytical.

“...so pretty…your eyes…”

“My master told me about you–he is dying to meet you. He is well acquainted with Vex.”

“Really? Now Lily really wants to go; I have to!”

“Will you accompany me to my master’s headquarters?”

I can hear it! A voice in Lily’s heart is telling her to go. This must be the right choice from the goddess lady!

“Of course, Lily will–”

“You’re leaving us so soon?”

Jan’s disappointed voice freezes Lily’s excitement, as though she completely forgot about her friend in the equation. A shiver runs up her spine to her furry head.

Oh no, Lily didn’t think about Jan! I really want to have more fun with Jan as her friend…but I also want to reunite with Vex. Vex and Lily are searching for the crystals to find my mother, so if Lily has to choose one…

….I’ll do it!

“Sorry, Jan…”

“Hey, don’t apologize! We both have other friends that we want to see. Let’s all hang out later–we have plenty of time!”

“That’s a great idea, Jan! Thanks for understanding!”

The girls briefly hug each other, saying their final goodbyes.

“Okay Jan, we need to go to the terminal in the other direction. If we’re fast enough, we can catch the next taxi there.”

Flenn moves eastward, Jan follows, carrying her small luggage.

“Lily, are you all cleared to depart?”

Lily enthusiastically nods her head.

“There is a special ride prepared for us past the west exit. Please follow me diligently.”

“Okay, let’s go!”

Emma extends her gloved hand by her side, to which Lily excitedly grabs without hesitation. Her tail wiggles, swaying back and forth much faster than the actual pace she is walking.

Lily is coming to you soon; I can’t wait to see the look on your face, Vex!