READING GUIDANCE
" This is a direct sentence in the present time."
" This is a direct sentence in the past time."
' This is a character's inner thought in the present time.'
' This is a character's inner thought in the past time.'
[ This is a direct sentence in sign language in the present time.]
[ This is a direct sentence in sign language in the past time.]
HAPPY READING!
.
.
"So, how was your journey?" asked the big woman with a sturdy frame, signing fluently with the confidence that always shone on her face. One glance at her made it clear that she was the leader of this trading company, as many people gathered around as Irisha approached. The company buzzed with activity—people transporting goods from carriages to massive storage facilities or preparing them for delivery to other places. While talking to others, the woman always wore a fierce expression, but whenever she spoke to Irisha, a smile appeared on her face.
"Come here, give your old woman a big hug!" she said, opening her arms and holding them tightly.
"I miss you, Aunt Rosan," Arisha said as she was suddenly lifted with just one hand by Rosan.
"Of course you do! I am your funny aunt—you will miss me," she said, then looking at Irisha. "I was going to pick both of you myself, but something came up, and I have to be in charge here."
Irisha shook her head. [Please don't worry, we are more than happy to be here.] she signed.
Rosan smiled. "Yes, yes. You're always like that," she said. "Well, let's get inside. I've already prepared rooms for you to stay in for a while. You've just come from a long journey, so after you rest, we can have a proper chat and catch up." She put Arisha down, smiling at them. "I'm really glad you came."
Irisha smiled back. [I am the one grateful for this opportunity.]
Rosan giggled. "You've always been polite, but... welcome to the South!" she said, patting both of their heads with her large hands.
After the long journey, despite their initial plans to explore immediately, the girls slept like logs throughout the day once their bodies hit the comfy beds. Irisha discovered she loved traveling after this long journey, though it was challenging in this world—especially sleeping on uncomfortable beds throughout the night. She envied Haya, who always seemed prepared with his own traveling bed, but of course, she kept that thought to herself.
They had arrived in the Great Empire of Malum in two months and three days. The company's location was not in the capital city but in the eastern region, quite a distance by carriage. Flying dragons were common along the road, and on the last day, Arisha and Irisha spent all day looking up at the dragons in awe. The sight fascinated them, though the rest of the group sometimes laughed at their reactions. Even though Irisha had seen dragons through CGI in her previous life, nothing compared to witnessing real dragons.
Over the two months of travel, they encountered things they had never imagined. The southern region differed greatly from her village, with vast plains perfect for dragons to fly freely. About a week or two before arriving, the landscape changed dramatically, revealing towering black rocky mountains. The mountains were much bigger than the Lumnae pillars, their peaks hidden by clouds.
"We are getting close to the empire," Haya said, pointing toward the majestic mountain. Somehow, the word 'majestic' came naturally to her mind as she gazed at the black rocky mountain in awe. "Up there is where the Imperial Family lives. You can't see it yet, but a very extravagant palace is attached to the mountain."
As they neared the main region, Irisha saw from afar a beautiful platinum castle attached to the high rocky mountain. The hills around it offered a stunning view of the capital city.
[Are we not going to that?] she signed.
"Later," Rosan said. "We're on a tight schedule to deliver these goods. The company is outside the capital, in the eastern region. We need massive storages, and it wouldn't be wise to place them in the capital."
After an hour and a half, they arrived at Rosan's company near Montar City, an industrial city bustling with factories, people, and carriages transporting goods. Many workers wore uniforms, making it one of the busiest cities she had ever seen.
Rosan's company, "Daniel's Trading Company," was named after her late son. Once her husband's company, Rosan had run it herself after her son's tragic death at one year old. Irisha was inspired by how this woman had endured so much and still thrived, leading a company in a patriarchal, hierarchical world. She truly was inspirational.
"Oh, you're awake?" Rosan's fierce expression softened as she saw them descend to the first floor. "How was your sleep? Does the room suit you?" She signed as her actions drew the attention of many strangers in the hall.
[It was nice, thank you. I also appreciate the breakfast.] Irisha signed.
"Good, good! But we'll be busy today preparing for your life here," Rosan said, leading them to a carriage.
"Oh! Arisha and Irisha! Good morning!" Haya approached them, holding a cute baby. "Say hi to the sisters!"
"So cute! Is he your baby, uncle?" Arisha asked, playfully interacting with the baby.
"Yes! His name is Odin. Cute, right?" Haya said, beaming.
"Ya, ya. New parents are always cringe," Rosan teased, poking Odin's chubby cheeks. "Right, Odin?"
"Why are you so mean, master? It's early in the morning, you know!" Haya said.
Irisha laughed as the baby reached for her, resting his head in her embrace. [So this is why Haya wanted to come home early.]
"Humph, he also signed for vacation as soon as he arrived," Rosan said.
Haya shrugged. "I missed my wife and baby—nothing could hold me."
"Where are you going?"
"To the capital," Rosan said. "I want to fulfill my promise to Irisha before she starts work with me. That's why I cleared my schedule today."
She returned Odin to Haya, who smiled. "Okay, just be careful. These sisters get excited easily. Have a nice trip—I'll introduce you to my wife when you come back."
Rosan sneered. "The cringe couple," then went inside the carriage with them.
Inside, she explained the day's schedule, tying it to their agreement. "I need your help in the company, but I'll fulfill my promise first," she said.
[Is this about our agreement?] Irisha asked.
Rosan nodded. "Of course. In our agreement, you'll work for me as long as I provide protection and a place to stay. I thought it'd be better for you to stay near the company, but Arisha's needs are the priority. That's why the room near the capital is better."
[Why is that?]
"You saw it yourself—it takes an hour and a half to reach the company and the academy. There are two academies in this region and two in the capital. I asked Haya to pick you up immediately after I received your letter because the new semester starts in a month. We have lots to do today!" Rosan said energetically.
She pointed to their new house, and both girls leaned slightly. The capital felt different from Montar the moment they arrived. The streets below were paved with smooth dark stone, spotless and carefully maintained, free from the mud and factory smoke that filled the industrial east. Even the sound of passing carriages seemed softer here.
The buildings carried thick black and grey tones, yet instead of looking gloomy, they appeared refined. Polished stone walls reflected sunlight faintly, silver-trimmed windows catching the light in subtle glimmers. None of the structures rose higher than five floors, giving the skyline a disciplined harmony beneath the towering mountain and palace above.
Their building stood at the edge of an intersection, solid and symmetrical like the rest, but with slightly broader balconies and darker stone that made it feel sturdier. The iron railings were finely crafted, and the windows were wide enough to invite generous light inside. It was not extravagant, yet it carried a quiet dignity—secure, well-placed, and undeniably part of the capital's composed elegance.
Near the river, southern-style houses lined the streets in orderly rows, their reflections shimmering gently on the water. The entire city felt controlled and restrained, beautiful in a firm, almost intimidating way—as if even the buildings understood they stood under the rule of Malum.
"Yours is on the fourth floor," Rosan said, pointing. They entered, and she knocked on the first-floor door. A woman named Miranda greeted them.
She smiled gently, offering her hand. Irisha took it, smiling, though confused by the lack of sign language. Rosan translated. "This is Miranda, my friend. She prepared your house. Do you want to see it?"
Irisha nodded, following her to the fourth floor. It was like a vintage apartment, surprisingly spacious. The kitchen had a strange stove powered by mana stones. The living room had a sofa, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and two balconies—one facing the river and one private, perfect for a garden or laundry.
"I thought about buying you a house outside the capital, but security wouldn't be great. So I bought this whole floor instead. Hope you like it."
[You bought it?]
"Ah, come on, don't be so annoying. You said to put price by worth, right?" she said, smiling.
Irisha sighed and smiled. [...Thank you.]
She pointed across the river to a grand building that stood apart from the others. It carried a fantasy-vintage charm, its structure built from deep grey stone carved with intricate patterns that spiraled around tall arched windows. Several towering spires rose from its main body, slender and elegant, each crowned with a wide circular platform near the top. The platforms extended outward like stone halos—clearly designed as landing decks for dragons. From afar, they resembled ancient watchtowers, yet refined and intentional, blending old-world nobility with the extraordinary needs of dragon riders.
[What is that?]
"That is the dragon's landing place."
[What?!]
"They teach dragon riding! Not in your grade yet, but seniors learn if capable."
"WOW! I want to do that, sister!" Arisha cheered.
[Wait, isn't there another academy?]
Rosan sighed lightly. "Yes. The other one is private. Most of the students there are aristocrats or nobles."
Irisha paused. Her fingers slowed before she signed again.
[So... basically no choice.]
She did not look upset—just practical. She knew her position well. A merchant's ward, a village girl, not even born within the Empire. She had no illusions about walking into halls meant for noble blood.
Rosan looked at her for a moment, then gave a short, amused huff.
"Well," she said, her tone shifting—steady, almost challenging, "you can choose."
Irisha blinked.
There was no hesitation in Rosan's voice. No doubt. As if admission was not something decided by bloodlines alone—but by who stood behind you.
[Are we going to that school now?]
"Yes," Rosan replied confidently. "After we finish here. Then we'll buy your necessities. Your house will be ready by tomorrow."
***