"Miss Ayesha, aren't we supposed to see Lord Lucas?" Nancy asked, a hint of unease in her voice. Her eyes darted around restlessly; there were simply too many people on these streets. The atmosphere was incredibly lively, with groups of citizens gathered under the shade of roadside trees, chatting and laughing.
"Exactly. We should complete the task Lady Bella assigned us first," Obi added. His head was spinning from the sensory overload.
The streets were spotless, lined with orderly buildings adorned with numerous signboards. The air carried the mouth-watering scent of roasted meat, making his empty stomach stage a full-blown rebellion.
"Don't rush. I'm taking you to eat first; the castle has already passed its mealtime," Ayesha laughed heartily.
As they walked, a passerby had subtly pressed a slip of paper into her palm. While Obi and Nancy were distracted by the sights, she glanced at it. It read: Delay them. Don't let them reach the castle too quickly. Mina needs to finish the inventory.
"No..." Obi started to decline, but his stomach betrayed him with a loud, resonant growl.
Gurgle...
"Then we shall trouble Miss Ayesha," Nancy interjected, taking the lead. She was starving as well. The wheat they had brought from Bella's territory was limited, and they had been rationing strictly, fearing they might not find the city or, having found it, might not be able to buy enough grain.
"Come on, let's have some ramen." Ayesha ducked into a noodle shop. Whenever she was tired from patrolling, she would come here for a hearty bowl of mutton noodles. Ever since Elisa stopped managing the pizza parlor, Ayesha only went there occasionally. With so many options now—and rumors that the Master planned to open even more eateries—she was spoiled for choice.
"Let's go. A small delay won't hurt," Nancy said, chasing after her.
"True enough," Obi patted his stomach and stepped inside.
Freya didn't join them. She had to head to the Market to meet Princess Annie. The Princess was busy today handling a massive shipment; a merchant named Pichu had placed an order for five thousand bolts of cloth.
"Miss Ayesha, your usual spot is reserved," A young shop waiter greeted her respectfully.
The shop had a small private booth for high-status guests. Ayesha, a frequent regular, usually used it, but it was tiny—barely enough for two.
"Find us a different spot. I have friends today," Ayesha waved him off. If it were just girls, three might squeeze in, but with Obi there, it would be far too cramped.
"This way, please." The waiter was sharp and immediately led them to the best table in the main dining area.
"Here, take a look at the menu," Ayesha handed the menus to the somewhat stiff-looking Nancy and Obi.
They were naturally tense; as soon as they sat down, they noticed many patrons looking their way. In reality, people were mostly looking at Ayesha—the cow-girl was incredibly popular in the city, especially among the commoners—and the other two were just caught in the peripheral gaze.
"This is..." Nancy and Obi were dazzled by the variety of noodles listed.
"Bring me two orders of the Roasted Lamb Chops Ramen," Ayesha said, licking her lips. It was one of the shop's premium dishes.
"Understood." The waiter noted it down and looked at the other two.
"Five copper coins per bowl?" Nancy found the Roasted Lamb Chop Ramen on the menu and winced at the price.
"I'll have the Braised Mutton Ramen," Obi said, equally startled. He opted for one of the shop's recommended budget-friendly options.
"I'll have the Braised Mutton Ramen too," Nancy echoed. This one was only one copper coin per bowl.
"Give them five bowls each, normal portions," Ayesha interrupted. She could tell they were trying to save money, but one bowl was never enough to fill a beastkin's stomach.
"Understood. Please wait a moment." The waiter withdrew.
"Miss Ayesha, I never expected Sedona City to be this prosperous, and with so many beastkin living here," Nancy remarked. This place was worlds apart from Bella's territory.
"It's all thanks to the Master. It's only going to get better from here," Ayesha said, flashing a bright grin.
"Miss Ayesha... will you come back with us to see Lady Bella?" Obi asked suddenly.
"I..." Ayesha hesitated. Images of Lucas and Bella flashed through her mind. She felt torn between two worlds. On one side was the Master she admired—perhaps even loved—and on the other was her Big Sister whom she hadn't seen in ages and missed dearly. She had so much to tell her, so much to share.
"Miss Ayesha, Lady Bella has been talking about you constantly. She really wants to see you," Nancy said softly. Seeing that Ayesha held a position of some power here, Nancy's initial anxiety began to fade.
"I..." Ayesha opened her mouth, but the words wouldn't come.
"Don't you want to see the territory Lady Bella has carved out? A place that truly belongs to us?" Obi pressed.
"I want to, but..." Ayesha was conflicted. Being forced to choose so suddenly was agonizing.
Obi frowned. He had a bad feeling. Is she unable to leave this human city?
"Alright, let Miss Ayesha think about it," Nancy said, shaking her head at Obi. She could sense the situation. Ayesha likely had someone she loved here; otherwise, she would have agreed to go back immediately.
"Noodles are here!" The waiter arrived, the steam from the bowls breaking the heavy atmosphere.
"Let's eat," Ayesha said. She chewed on the noodles that usually tasted delicious, but today, she found she had little appetite. She was still struggling with the dilemma. She wanted to see her sister, but she was afraid of what the Master would think. He had been so good to her.
Without her realizing it, her heart had already found a person worth staying for.
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