"GAH! Why are there so many people here?"
Chieftess Anihoa's voice cut sharply through the bustling crowd, her frustration rising with each passing second. The press of bodies around her felt suffocating, each person seemingly oblivious to her presence. "Today I chose to roam around the city and this happens! I am a Chieftess! Where are my guards?????? Give me some space!!!!!"
Her hands clenched at her sides as she tried to navigate through the sea of people, her usual confidence shaken by the sheer chaos of it all. Back home, crowds parted for her without a second thought. Here, she was just another face in the throng.
"Amp mh ak pook..."
The words were barely intelligible, muffled and garbled, coming from the woman walking right beside her. Anihoa's eye twitched in annoyance.
"Oye, stupid maid! Why are you enjoying yourself so much while your Chieftess is struggling?" Anihoa glared at her companion, who was somehow managing to dodge through the crowd near the open plaza of the Queen's Palace with ease while still able to fill her mouth with food and hold a half-eaten snack clutched in one hand. "And finish swallowing your food before speaking! Have some manners!!!"
GULP.
The sound was comically loud, and Anihoa felt her irritation spike even higher.
"Ah, Chieftess, why do you even need guards here?" Maid Nima spoke casually after finally swallowing her snack, brushing crumbs from her lips with the back of her hand. "No one recognizes you. To these people, you're just a common girl. You should enjoy the anonymity while you're here. It's kind of freeing, don't you think?"
"Common girl? Common girl???? I am the Chieftess of an entire region!!!!" Anihoa grumbled, side-stepping a group of people who were pointing excitedly at the palace decorations. Her pride stung at the thought of being so thoroughly ignored. "They should just give me space while I walk! AGH! Hey, mister, watch where you're going!"
A tall man nearly collided with her, mumbling an apology without even looking her way. Anihoa huffed indignantly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment and anger. She finally managed to navigate her way toward a slightly emptier area near the edge of the plaza, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath.
"Hmm... but even in our own region, no one really pays much attention to you," Nima said innocently, tilting her head as she popped another piece of food into her mouth. "After all, your big brother is the Chief, the most important person in your place! He's so charming, handsome, and shines like a true gentleman." She added dreamily, clearly lost in her own little fantasy.
TAKK!
Chieftess's hand came down swiftly on Nima's head in a sharp chop, the sound echoing between them.
"Shut up! Everyone gives me attention. You just can't see it. Humph! And don't speak about him in front of others!!!" Anihoa crossed her arms over her chest, her nose in the air with stubborn pride.
"OW! OW! Chieftess!" Nima cried out, rubbing the sore spot on her head with both hands, her eyes watering slightly. "That hurt!"
Anihoa smirked in satisfaction and shifted her gaze to her surroundings. The irritation that had clouded her moments ago slowly faded as she took in the scene before her. The area in front of the Queen's Palace had been completely transformed into a beautifully adorned plaza. Rows of temporary shops lined the square, their colorful awnings fluttering gently in the breeze. Ribbons, banners, and strings of delicate lights were draped across the space, decorations that would surely shimmer like starlight once evening fell.
The palace itself was a marvel that took her breath away each time she looked at it. It was carved directly into the mountainside, the stone architecture blending seamlessly with the natural rock face. Behind it, long ranges of peaks stretched into the distance, their summits capped with brilliant white snow that sparkled under the afternoon sun. The contrast between the warm, bustling plaza and the cold, majestic mountains created a view that was nothing short of breathtaking.
"Phew... even though this place is hard for me to navigate, it really is beautiful.... Right, Nima?"
Anihoa smiled, her earlier frustration melting away as she took in the stunning scenery. She turned her head sideways to share the moment with her friend, but the spot where Nima had been standing was now empty. Only the faint scent of the snack she'd been eating lingered in the air.
"GAH! Stupid maid! Are you a little kid, vanishing the second I look away?!"
Chieftess scanned the crowd with growing exasperation, her eyes darting from face to face until she quickly spotted Nima standing amidst a large gathering of people not far away. The maid was completely still, staring at something Anihoa couldn't see.
"Huh? What's wrong with them?" Anihoa muttered, her brow furrowing in confusion. Something felt odd about the way the people were gathered there. They weren't moving, weren't talking, just standing frozen like statues. A chill ran down her spine despite the warm morning air.
She walked over slowly, her footsteps cautious as she approached Nima from behind. The closer she got, the stranger the scene became. Just as she was about to pat the maid's back to get her attention, she caught a glimpse of people on the ground ahead, collapsed in heaps.
"What is it? Another attack? What happened?" she whispered urgently, trying to peer over the shoulders of the crowd. Her heart began to race, adrenaline flooding her system as her mind jumped to the worst possibilities. "Oye, Nima, what is happening? Answer me!"
She patted Nima's back firmly, but got no response. The maid didn't even flinch. Moving closer, positioning herself to see Nima's face, Anihoa felt her concern deepen. Nima's expression was frozen in complete shock, her eyes wide and glassy. The maid had stopped mid-bite, her mouth hanging open, and little pieces of food were falling from her lips onto her green attire, landing on the fabric without her even noticing.
Is this a new energy poison? Anihoa thought, her eyes burning with sudden passion and determination. I have to save everyone! This could be a serious attack!
Covering her nose with one hand to protect herself from whatever toxin might be in the air, she pushed her way forcefully to the front of the crowd, shoving past the frozen onlookers with urgency.
As she reached the front, breaking through the last line of people, she saw several people slumped on the ground in various poses of collapse, blood dripping from their noses in thin red trails. Her breath caught in her throat. She slowly lifted her eyes, preparing herself to face whatever threat had caused this, and saw a huge, vibrant poster plastered across the shop front:
COME GRAB A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY OF GETTING CLOSE TO WILD ANIMALS! DON'T WORRY, IT IS SAFE. WE PROMISE WITH OUR LIVES ON THE LINE!
PURCHASE OUR ANIMAL-INSPIRED CLOTHING TO GET A FREE CHANCE TO BE AMONG THE FIRST IN THE WORLD TO TOUCH A WILD ANIMAL!
"What a bunch of nonsense," she thought dismissively, her logical mind immediately skeptical. "Who would dare get close to those wild animals? They're deadly creatures that even trained warriors avoid. And what clothing could possibly..."
Anihoa's gaze dropped to the display below, and her thoughts came to a screeching halt.
KYYAAA! THUMP!
Suddenly, she felt dizzy, the world tilting dangerously around her. Her knees buckled without warning and she collapsed to the ground in an ungraceful heap, her hand clutching at her chest as her heart hammered wildly.
"GAH! What a dangerous thing this is!" she gasped, trying to catch her breath. Her cheeks flushed hot, and she could feel warmth spreading across her face.
Sitting cutely on a raised platform were two wild animals, creatures she'd only ever seen from a distance, dangerous and untamed, yet here they looked remarkably calm and almost adorable. Their fur was glossy and well-groomed, and they sat with an easy grace that made them seem almost domesticated. Behind them were rows upon rows of beautiful dresses in every color imaginable, the fabrics shimmering under the light. The styles ranged from practical to elegant, from cute to sophisticated.
Nearby, a woman with kind eyes held a cute little baby who was sleeping peacefully against her embrace, completely undisturbed by the chaos around them. Several older toddlers ran around in adorable, coordinated outfits that matched in color and style, their laughter ringing through the air like bells.
"This is dangerous... I have to get out of here," Anihoa whispered to herself, her voice shaky. The cuteness was overwhelming, attacking her sensibilities from every angle. However, her body didn't listen to her brain's commands. Instead, she found herself subconsciously crawling toward the dresses on her hands and knees, drawn like a moth to flame.
These are too cute! Back home, we only wear clothes suitable for the harsh environment, thick furs, practical leather, sturdy boots. Those are not very pretty or comfortable, but these... these are way cuter! The colors, the softness, the designs! I WANT ONE!
Wiping a stray nosebleed that had somehow appeared without her noticing, Chieftess stood up on wobbly legs and walked determinedly toward the woman holding the baby, trying to regain some dignity.
"Umm, Miss..."
THUMPPP! ACK!
Before she could speak another word, she was nearly trampled by a sudden rush of customers who came charging forward like a stampede, their voices rising in a chaotic chorus of demands and excitement.
"WOW! SUCH CUTE CLOTHES! I WANT ONE FOR MY BABY!"
"THOSE ARE SEXY BATTLE SUITS! I WANT ONE!"
"GRR! GIVE ME THAT SOFT, COLORFUL ATTIRE! MY BOYFRIEND WILL LOVE IT!"
"IS IT TRUE I CAN TOUCH ANIMALS FROM OUTSIDE THE BORDER? IT'S A DREAM COME TRUE! GIVE ME WHATEVER CLOTHES YOU HAVE!"
"CAN I RIDE THEM? IF YES, THEN COUNT ME IN!"
"OH, THIS LOOKS TOUGH! WHAT ARE THEIR FUNCTIONS?"
Anihoa was left kneeling on the ground again as the mob rushed past her in a wave of bodies and shouting voices, nearly stepping on her hands. She scrambled to pull herself aside, her hair disheveled and her pride thoroughly trampled.
"GAH! So dangerous! I am a Chieftess, you know!" she cried out, shedding a few dramatic tears at the chaos and complete lack of respect. This would never happen back home!
"Hmm? A Chieftess? You're certainly not from around here. What is your tribe called?"
A warm, inviting voice reached her ears, cutting through the noise like a gentle melody. It was followed by the sight of a delicate hand extended toward her, offering help. Anihoa looked up, blinking away the tears of frustration, to see a young woman smiling kindly down at her. The girl's eyes were bright and friendly, without a trace of judgment despite finding Anihoa sprawled on the ground.
She accepted the offered hand gratefully, feeling the warmth of the girl's palm against her own, and rose to her feet just as Nima appeared at her side. The maid had apparently snapped out of her trance and was now quickly straightening her attire and her hair with practiced efficiency, smoothing out the wrinkles and adjusting the fabric until it looked presentable again.
"Greetings, miss. My name is Anihoa Mora, Chieftess of one of the tribes of the Straeland Empire," she said, bowing with practiced grace despite her partial dishevelled state. She tried to inject as much dignity as she could muster into her voice. "And this is Nima, my friend and my maid. I assume you're the owner of this shop?"
"Oh! Greetings and welcome to the City of Eirs. My name is Sasha Carney, and yes, I am one of the owners," Sasha replied, bowing respectfully in return. Her smile widened, genuine and warm.
"From the Straeland Empire?" another woman spoke up, her voice carrying a note of surprise and interest. She was sitting nearby with a child in her arms; her posture relaxed despite the chaos of the shop. "Chieftess Anihoa, you've come a long way from home. I've visited that Empire before, though only the outskirts. The landscape there is harsh but beautiful. It's an honor to meet such an important person." She paused, her eyes widening slightly as if remembering her manners. "Ah! My apologies. My name is Evangeline Wilson. And these kids are our friends' families."
Evangeline stood up gracefully from where she'd been tending to the children, shifting the child in her arms, and offered a polite bow that spoke of good breeding and genuine respect.
"Haha, thank you, Miss Evangeline, for such kind words," Anihoa said, her pride restored by the proper recognition. A smile spread across her face as she reached out to touch the soft fabric of one of the children's clothes as they scurried by, giggling and playing. The material was incredibly soft, like nothing she'd ever felt before. "But I must say, these clothes are beautiful and cozy. The craftsmanship is excellent. Did you guys create these together?"
"Yes, we all helped in our own way," Evangeline answered with a smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. There was pride in her voice, but also humility. "Everyone contributed their skills to make this happen."
"And what's with that, getting close to wild animals?" Nima asked eagerly, practically bouncing on her toes, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I didn't think anyone could do that! Well, except maybe someone with incredible Energy powers, like those high-ranking nobles from the great Empires!" She leaned forward, fascinated. "Those creatures are supposed to be completely untameable! I've never even heard of anyone getting close to them, let alone letting common people near them!"
"Hehe, there are no high Crown powers involved," Sasha spoke proudly, puffing out her chest and putting her hands on her hips in a confident pose. "We just helped them when they were in need, and now they're all very close to us. It's about trust and kindness, not power."
"Is that so...? I doubt that. I hope to see your tour and see for myself if we can actually go near them. Can I get a seat?" Chieftess asked, a playful smirk appearing on her face as she crossed her arms.
"Hmm, trying to jump the line? I see….I see." Sasha smirked right back, matching her energy perfectly. "If you're willing to spend some money, then why not!"
"Trying to get money from a Chieftess? Are you sure you can handle the consequences?" Anihoa stepped forward confidently, closing the distance between them until their breast nearly touched with each other.
"Why? Are you so poor you can't afford to spend a little?" Sasha stepped forward too, not backing down an inch, her eyes dancing with challenge.
"I have more wealth than your little eyes have seen in a lifetime!" Anihoa laughed, stopping just inches away from Sasha's Breast, they were close enough to see the mischief sparkling in the girl's gaze.
"Then I guess you don't have much money at all," Sasha countered smoothly, with barely contained laughter. "Since I'm only a sweet sixteen, I haven't seen much! I hope for better from a Chieftess of a big Empire."
The two women stood chest to chest for a long moment, staring each other down in a battle of wills, neither willing to back down first. The tension stretched between them like a taut string. Then, almost simultaneously, they both broke into light, shared laughter, the competitive energy dissolving into genuine amusement and mutual respect.
"Fine, fine! I will choose something. I can't disrespect elders pleading," Anihoa said, turning around with a dramatic flourish of her hand. "I'm a visitor. I can't give a bad name to my Empire. Let's go and see just how much money I really have!"
TWITCH TWITCH...
"Hehe, sure!" Sasha and the others laughed together, the sound bright and welcoming as they led the way into the busy shop where the other people were already completely overwhelmed with customer inquiries, running back and forth with armfuls of clothing.
.
.
"It's so CUTTEEE! Miss Kyra, your son is too adorable."
In a much quieter room, far removed from the chaos of the plaza, Nat gently poked the soft cheek of the little boy sleeping peacefully on the bed. Her touch was feather-light, careful not to wake him. "He's a little weak right now, but I'm sure when he gets better, he'll be the cutest kid in the city. Hehehehe, so cute!"
Her heart swelled with affection as she watched his tiny chest rise and fall with each breath. There was something about children that made everything else fade away, all the politics, all the responsibilities, all the weight she carried.
Kyra smiled gently as she watched her son sleep, her eyes soft with motherly love and gratitude. "It's all thanks to you, Princess. Thank you for treating him. I will never forget this kindness for as long as I live."
"Hehe, then can I kidnap your son for a while?" Nat asked playfully, her voice light and teasing. She sat on the edge of the bed, her legs dangling happily as she tickled the boy's tiny toes, delighting in the small reflexive movements he made in his sleep.
"Ahm... then can I get Master Zack for a while?" Kyra teased right back, winking at her with a mischievous glint in her eye. "He sure is handsome. I have to pay back my gratitude to him somehow, after all."
"GRR! My Zack is not interested in old women, so nope!" Nat stuck her tongue out playfully and teased back, her possessiveness showing clearly. The words held no real bite, just playful banter between them.
"Ara! Then I can't let you kidnap my son either. But tell me... who is cuter? My son or Zack?"
"AGH! Of course it's your son! Now let me kidnap him!" Nat's eyes gleamed with excitement, practically sparkling as she gazed down at the sleeping child.
"Sigh... I thought my Nat would say my name. I am heartbroken," a voice came from behind them, warm and teasing. "Where should I go to heal my poor, wounded heart?"
Zack had woken up and quietly approached Nat from behind, his footsteps barely making a sound on the floor. He sat down beside her on the bed, resting his face against her shoulder as his arms slipped gently around her waist, drawing her back against his chest. The warmth of his body enveloped her, giving her soft warm sensation.
"You're awake? How are you feeling?" Nat wasn't surprised by his presence. She reached up without looking to gently stroke his cheek, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw with tender affection. "You were sleeping so deeply earlier."
"Hmm, I'm fine," Zack replied softly, his breath warm against her neck. He turned his gaze toward the bed where the small boy slept. "Miss Kyra, is your son doing, okay? Any changes?"
"Yes, Master Zack. Thanks to you, he's fine. His breathing is steady, and his color is much better." Kyra bowed her head gratefully, her voice thick with emotion that she struggled to keep contained.
Zack nodded, satisfied, and looked toward the other bed across the room where another patient lay still and quiet. "What about that old man?"
"He's also a lot better than before," Nat said, leaning her head back against Zack's, fitting perfectly against him like two pieces of a puzzle. "Thank you for doing all this. Mother was really worried about him. She probably hasn't slept properly for a few nights. Uncle Jorri will be fine, so don't push yourself too hard. You need rest too."
"Well, I can't promise you that," Zack said, flashing a grin that she could hear in his voice.
"Oh, is that so?" Nat smiled sweetly, her voice taking on a dangerous edge before she suddenly grabbed Zack's ear between her fingers and tugged firmly.
"OW! OW!" Zack yelped, trying to pull back.
"Running around and leaving this poor maiden all alone... you've certainly got more guts now, right Zackkkkk????? Do you want to get punished?? Tell me Zack do you think you are more smarter than me???" Nat's voice was syrupy sweet, but her grip on his ear didn't loosen one bit.
"Ow! Now, now, don't be mad," Zack laughed despite the pain, pulling back slightly as she finally released him. He rubbed his sore ear with a rueful smile. "You look so cute in that dress. Why are you getting angry and letting it ruin your beautiful image?"
"Oh, really? What do you like about me?" Nat's anger vanished instantly, melting away like snow under the sun. It was replaced by a happy glow as she turned to face him properly, her eyes bright with curiosity and pleasure.
"First, show me your dress for your great day. Let me see if you look dangerously beautiful. If you do, I might have to ask you to tone it down. I don't want too many competitors in the future." Zack sat cross-legged on the bed, settling in comfortably and watching her expectantly with warm eyes full of affection.
Nat stood up happily, practically glowing with excitement, and moved to the center of the room where she had more space. She gave a slow, playful twirl, her movements graceful and deliberate, causing the flowing fabric to swirl around her like dancing flames. The dress caught the light beautifully, the colors shifting and shimmering with each movement.
She stopped, facing Zack directly with her arms slightly outstretched to show off the full effect. The white gown hugged her figure perfectly, tailored to fit her like a second skin. Bright red poppies bloomed boldly across the chest and cascaded down the skirt in an artistic pattern, each flower edged in delicate gold thread that caught the light. A deep red sash cinched her waist, emphasizing her shape, and a golden brooch in the shape of a small flower caught the light as she moved, winking like a tiny sun.
With a mischievous smile playing on her lips, she tilted her head to the side. "Well? Am I dangerously beautiful, or should I change into something less threatening so that you will get fewer competitors?"
Zack smiled warmly, his eyes soft as they traced over her with open admiration. "Maybe you should change. You're way too beautiful. I might have to fight off half the city."
"BLEEHHH then deal with it I don't care! It's not my fault that I am beautiful and men flock towards me!" Nat cutely winked then beamed at the compliment, her cheeks flushing with pleasure that made her glow even brighter. She twirled once more just for the joy of it, the dress flaring out around her, as she listened to his praise and continued talking enthusiastically about her attire, where she got it, who helped design it, what the colors symbolized.
Zack watched her quietly, a soft smile on his face, listening intently to her animated chatter. He didn't interrupt, didn't look away, just let her talk and share her happiness with him. The affection in his gaze was clear, warm and gentle, as if nothing else in the world mattered more than this moment with her.
Miss Kyra watched them from the side, a soft smile on her face as she observed the young couple. It's good to be in love, she thought, her heart-warming at the sight of such genuine affection. After a moment, not wanting to interrupt but needing to, she spoke up softly. "Now, now, you two should go. Don't disturb the patients' rest. The Queen must be waiting for you, and these two need a quiet place to recover properly."
Zack and Nat stopped their playing, their playful mood settling into something calmer. They both nodded in understanding. They bid Miss Kyra goodbye, Nat squeezing her hand gently and Zack bowing respectfully, telling her to take care of herself and the others and to call for them if anything changed.
Kyra stood and bowed deeply, remaining in that position until they had completely disappeared from sight, until even their footsteps had faded down the hallway into silence.
Once the room was silent again, filled only with the soft breathing of the patients, Kyra turned slowly and looked back at her son. Her composure crumbled. Tears began to fall from her eyes, hot and unstoppable, streaming down her cheeks in rivers. This time, there was no one there to stop them, no one to see her break down.
She sank to the floor beside his bed, her legs giving out beneath her, weeping silently so as not to disturb him or the other patient in their sleep. Her body shook with the weight of her relief, with the overwhelming gratitude that threatened to consume her completely. She pressed her hands over her mouth to muffle the sobs that wanted to escape, her shoulders trembling.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU! MY BABY IS SAFE. I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS. MY LIFE BELONGS TO ALL OF YOU. THANK YOU, EVERYONE. THANK YOU, MASTER ZACK! MY BABY IS SAFE... I'M SO SORRY IT TOOK ME SO LONG. PLEASE LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE FROM NOW ON, AND DON'T EVER FORGET THAT THEY WERE THE ONES WHO GAVE YOU A CHANCE TO LIVE. THANK YOU, QUEEN, FOR FORGIVING ME... FOR TRUSTING ME WHEN I DIDN'T DESERVE IT. THANK YOU!
The words repeated in her mind like a prayer, over and over, as her tears soaked into the floor beneath her. Each thought was a release, a letting go of the fear and desperation she'd carried for so long.
Kyra stayed on the ground, her heart pouring out prayers of gratitude for a long time, until her tears finally ran dry and exhaustion began to pull at her. But even then, she remained there, watching over her son with red-rimmed eyes, silently promising him and herself that she would spend the rest of her life repaying the kindness that had been shown to them.
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END OF CHAPTER
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AUTHOR BLABBERING
Do you find crowded places exciting and empty ones dull… or is it the other way around? Personally, I've seen some wild things in busy streets — like people suddenly breaking into arguments while everyone else just strolls past as if it's background noise. Hohoho, truly a theater of life!
And what did this humble author do? Well… nothing heroic, I'll admit. I just stood there, staring with my "intimidating" eyes, secretly hoping they'd get spooked and stop. Spoiler alert: they didn't. Turns out, this author is weak as heck, so glaring was the best I could manage.
But hey, every crowd has its stories, and every quiet place has its mysteries. So tell me, dear readers — what's the vibe in your corner of the world? Do you thrive in the chaos of crowds, or do you prefer the peace of solitude?
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