The Runaway Girl

The food that was brought to us was absolutely delicious and far more than what three people would normally be able to eat, yet I ended up eating almost all of it. Although I still want to eat more, I'm getting bad looks from Aurelia and Lia so I refrain from saying anything.

"Wow, I'll be honest, I didn't expect you three to finish all that, especially as fast as you did," Liu Mu says.

"Neither did I, but since your done, I want to ask you some questions," Liu Wanjing says.

"Then I'll leave you girls be for now, I only came to help bring the food. I didn't expect it all to be gone as I go to set out another plate though," Liu Mu says as he gets up to leave.

As soon as her father leaves, Wanjing asks, "So what is the outside world like? Can you tell me about where you all come from?"

"For starters, the world is pretty big," I say.

"I don't think that's what she was really asking about," Aurelia says before turning her head towards Wanjing, continuing, "I'll tell you a little about where I'm from, it's actually the continent right beside this one. The Empire of Lausiel dominates the continent and even more land beyond, the Empire is the largest country in the world right now and leads it in terms of technology and military strength."

"We, on the other hand, are from a land far away across the ocean on the other side of the world. On the continent known as Talonia, we are from a union called the Central Alliance of Talonia and in pure landmass, we are the next largest after the Empire of Lausiel. The Alliance is made up of several smaller nations that came together as one, we are from the Dragonoid Khanate, which is a collection of the many nomadic Dragonoid clans under the loose rule of the Khan."

"Fascinating, I would love to talk more about both of these topics later, but would you excuse me for a moment, there is something I need to go check," Wanjing says as she gets up and pokes her head out the door, looking both ways before returning, "good, looks like my father or anyone else isn't listening in, so I can get to the real issue I wanted to speak with you all about."

Hearing this, Aurelia doesn't seem too surprised but considering her ability this makes sense. Lia looks a little surprised at the shift in tone but it isn't too obvious. I'm more concerned over whether or not I can get some more of that delicious food though.

"Let's hear it, your real reasoning for seeking us out," says Aurelia.

"A few days walk from here through the north exit is the provincial capital city of Xinhua. It is also where my family's home is and where our current head, my grandfather lives. My father and I are due to set out in a three days time, once we arrive my grandfather intends to keep me there to officially be named the heir. Can you take me with you when you leave, I don't want to take over as the family head, I want to keep travelling and eventually journey to the outside."

"Before we even think about letting you come with us, what is your father's take on this whole situation? He should already know about your wish to continue travelling," asks Lia.

"Yeah, he knows, but he sides with my grandfather on this matter. He doesn't want me to continue travelling, but I do understand where he's coming from. My father is overly concerned about my safety, especially since my mother liked to travel and it was during her travels that she died. It doesn't help that both my father and grandfather see me as being good at management, thinking that I'm well suited to undergo training to be the next head of the family. But I don't want some desk job where I have to continuously meet and make deals with some old coots. I want to see the world, not just Shengdi, but the world outside as well. Everyone else seems to think that we are so far ahead of everyone outside that there is no point in leaving, but not just us in Shenzhou, but in Samhan and Yamato too, we've hardly made any progress. At this rate, the outside that everyone looks down on will surpass us."

"You have some great foresight, no wonder your father and grandfather are pushing so hard for you to be the next head of your family," I say, "Unfortunately, from what I can see the world outside has already begun to take the next step. It will likely be within one or two hundred years before they eclipse the nations of Shengdi."

"I see where you're coming from, but this is a problem for your family to resolve, is it not? Why should we get involved in the problems of your family, especially since we have only just met?" Lia asks.

"I seem to remember you two assisting me with my problems despite having just met me at the time," Aurelia says.

"The circumstances were different back then."

"So what you're really asking is for me to give a reason to take me along? You can't fully understand the written language right? I can help assist there and not just with the language here in Shenzhou but in Samhan and Yamato if you ever decide to go there," Wanjing says.

"Language isn't a problem since Cory can fully comprehend any language once she comes into contact with it, both verbal and written," Lia says.

"I can guide you around and tell you about all the interesting places to go to."

"A better answer, but we can achieve the same results by asking locals wherever we go."

"Uhh... oh, did you like the food, I made it myself for you all, I can help cook during your travels. You're short on money as well, I can help provide funds. I've collected a decently large sum in secret over the past few years and I'm good at making more money."

"Now this is a good offer, but I'm afraid that--"

Cutting Lia off, I yell, "Sold! It's a pleasure to have you join us."

"Why are you so adamant about her not coming with us?" Aurelia asks, "There are plenty of upsides to bringing her along and I don't think we can't ultimately deal with the downsides."

"It's hard enough to find time to spend alone together with Cory with you around, and it's going to be even harder with another person!"

"Yeah, figured that was the case. But did you really think that I would let you two spend time alone together, not a chance!"

While the two of them are bickering with each other, Wanjing sneaks her way over to me and asks with starry eyes, "so which one do you prefer?"

I didn't take her to be someone who is interested in gossiping over someone else's love life. Whatever so long as she keeps making good food I don't really care.

"That's for me to know, anyway, since your joining us as my chef, can you go make some more food?

"Eh? Out of all the reasons I gave, this is why you accepted me? Actually, this is fine too, at least I can go with you guys now. I'm sure I'll get to learn and see some interesting things in the future."

"Wait! I haven't fully agreed to this yet! Even if she comes along, wouldn't we have to protect her from danger as well? Since both of you are set on her coming along at least make sure she learns how to defend herself and since it's you two who want to bring her along then you two can be the ones to teach her."

"I'm fine with that, it doesn't seem too hard. She has a good head on her shoulders so I'm sure she would learn fast," Aurelia says.

"Yeah, I mean, teaching people used to actually be my job. So long as I get some good food out of this deal then I'm ok with it."

"Fine have it your way, she can come with us," Lia says, finally giving up.

"So when are you guys leaving? Don't worry if it's not before I was due to leave with my father, I made sure to set up places to hide around the city as a contingency measure."

"See, she really does have a good head on her shoulders. But anyway, I think we will probably leave tomorrow, we've seen most of what Sujing has to offer and I want to see more of the continent. It seems like there isn't any sign of the Essence that Cordelia wants either. Are you all set to go, Wanjing? I don't mind delaying another day if you still need to prepare," Aurelia asks.

"No, I could even leave right now. I've got everything I already had everything I need packed away in the spacial ring on my finger, see," Wanjing says as a pile of clothes and other necessities appear and disappear in her hand."

"Good, we will leave through the west exit tomorrow morning. If I recall, I heard the Capital of Shenzhou is in that direction so we will head there first. Now that this has all been taking care of, there are some things I want to ask you about," Aurelia says.

"Same, I also want to ask about the topics we first discussed, about the outside world. The night is still young and we have plenty of time to chat."