The Siblings

Shui was now thirteen and was a regular in Cyrus since he started learning how to help with his parents' business. He was still planning on doing the scholar exam, but rather than be forced to work for some aristocrat, he wanted to come back here.

His parents owned a clothes store, but unlike when only his Mom owned it, the store was now one of the biggest companies in Cyrus due to his father's help. This made Shui a respected young master in the town that no one dared to mess with. There used to be rivals to his parents' company, Fairies' Wardrobe, but when he told his parents that he wanted to go to Cyrus and help his Dad with his work, his father immediately worked on either getting rid of, or buying out their rivals so that Shui could feel safe in Cyrus. Those who knew this were even more sure not to trouble Shui.

Since he was the successor to the business, he had to learn a bit of everything. From design to sales, he had to be someone who could take care of it all. Though there were a few stumbles at first, with his knowledge, determination and good looks, Shui eventually got good at his job. Though he wasn't mistaken as a girl as often, Shui's soft features and gentle aura left good impressions on both men and women. And for those who couldn't be won by just a pretty face, his work efficiency spoke for itself.

Shui walked out of the main Fairies' Wardrobe building for a stroll. Since they were beginning procedures to start trading goods outside the town, things were very busy, but even if he wanted to help, his father told him to wait until they reached a critical stage. In other words, he had more free-time than most of the other employees but he didn't want it to be seen slacking in the office so he would aimlessly wander around. Due to his popularity and the staff that was placed all over the town, it was very unlikely for him to be attacked so his father allowed him to go as long as he didn't walk to anywhere dangerous. Additionally, his father was apparently so strong that even the mayor of Cyrus had to give him face.

On his walk, he would wave back and smile at ladies of all ages that would look his way. Sometimes, he would even laugh a little if their fathers or husbands were also watching the scene. Thanks to his face and reputation they only gave him wry smiles but anyone else might have been expecting a beating.

Because of his high favourability, Suiri had started wondering if she should hurry up and get him engaged so he didn't fall into the clutches of some gold-digger. Shui always refused though. Even at this age, he couldn't forget a certain girl.

Kate and Nathan were inner sect disciples in Storm Sky Manor so it was hard for them to visit. This led to Shui feeling lonely lately. Sure, there were people of all ages who wanted to get close to him, but they all either had hidden motives or wouldn't treat him as just himself. And so, Shui got used to treating everyone politely and keeping them at a distance. This was also because of what his parents told him.

"You mustn't get into anything troublesome. You should stay away from danger."

Due to these words, Shui grew up to be someone who tried his best to stay away from annoying relationships and uncertain risks, until today.

While on his stroll, Shui caught sight of a dirty figure sitting in an alleyway. When he got closer, he saw that this figure was a little girl with short hair and hazel eyes. She looked about eight to ten and had thin cheeks and skinny limbs. When he was walking past the alleyway, the little girl glanced at him with dull eyes but he quickly turned away. Shui knew that if he got any closer to her, he would feel obligated to at least start a conversation.

However, his body stopped for a moment. He suddenly lost control of the body that had been his for so long.

'Go to her.'

He had no idea where this thought came from. Even if it came from his sub-conscious, it should have stayed there. The thought shouldn't have been able to reach his conscious mind, but it did. And once that happened, even after he regained control over his body he didn't leave.

The Shui that was left inside him watched as he hesitated. This Shui had used up the last of his control so he would no longer be able to interfere. Whether or not he passed this trial would be on the other Shui's shoulders.

After pausing a few steps away from the little girl, Shui sighed and eventually walked closer to her before crouching to meet her eyes. He didn't know why he had that thought, but since he did, he reluctantly decided to see where it would take him.

"Hey, um, what's your name?"

Surprisingly, despite the way she looked, the girl didn't have a bad smell. Instead of answering him, the girl spent a good two minutes looking at him from up to down. He wondered if he should take it as a sign to leave her alone, but then she stretched out her hand.

"Money."

"Huh?"

"Give me ten bronze if you want my name."

Shui was honestly stunned by this girl's request but he eventually took out a silver from his wallet and put it in her hand.

'She's probably hungry.'

"I don't have any change."

He expected her to show him a look of gratitude, but he only saw her closely examining the coin before turning around. After he heard the jingle of coins, she turned back to him and gave him a fat brown bag with bronze coins.

"My name's Sia. Nine hundred and ninety bronze. Your change."

Shui was perplexed both by how upstanding she was, but also by the amount of bronze coins she gave him.

"Um, can I just talk to you in exchange for the rest of the money."

"...Fine."

When Shui saw her turn around and he heard a jingle once more, he sighed in relief. Though his father might not like how he would waste money like this, partially due to his upbringing, he didn't consider anything below silver as anything but spare change.

"Ah, so, what are you doing here?"

"That's a trade secret. You have to pay two silver for it."

Shui wasn't sure if she realised she could milk him more or if it was actually a trade secret but he didn't want to go down that route.

"Okay then. How's your family?"

"I only have two siblings. Everyone else is dead."

"...Hmm, you hungry?"

Shui quickly gave up on trying to have a normal conversation with her but still wanted to talk to her for a little longer.

"...Are you paying?"

"...Sure."

The little girl then got up and walked to the other side of the alleyway. Shui panicked at this time before he gave up and just followed her. Shui quickly found himself under the gazes of rough men and scantily-clad women, all of which looked at him with greed in their eyes. He wasn't in very expensive clothing but all of them could tell that his family definitely wasn't poor. Shui started to become afraid of these people and slowed down until Sia grabbed his hand and glared back at them.

Shui didn't understand how a little girl could make those buff men step back, but it made him admire this strength of hers.

Sia brought him to a food cart on a desolate street. This place was uncomfortably near the slums, but for some reason Shui didn't get that feeling. It was as if only this place was important enough for everyone to try and act decent. The one manning the food court was a middle-aged man with a few scars on his face and a short black beard. Despite his rough face, the man grilled meat on skewers with an excellent level of skill. Shui didn't think it would be anything good, but the smell of the grilled meat caused doubt to float up in his mind.