004 • No. 460

It was actually much easier to get to the Fú Yùn Sector than I thought it'd be. Literally, all I had to do was flash my little ID card and they just let me in without question. No verifications, no questioning, none. Nada. Zippo. Nein of that. But hey! I'm not questioning anything either, so here I am, waltzing around one of the main planets that Zhang's supposed to reside in planet Jīng Shén of the Yùnqì region. 

Before coming here, I did a bit of homework. That homework is that this Sector's decided interasterally into two regions. One under Zhang's control, and another under a woman's control, Li Fang. In those two regions, they each have eight planets to oversee. I think I'd genuinely pass out from the pure amount of stress having to maintain peace amongst eight planets— But, thankfully I'm not an Arbiter.

The moment I got proper access, imaginary non-paperwork and all, I'm immediately blown away at the sheer architecture of this place. It's... beautiful— well, I'd argue practically breathtaking. The traditional aspect of this place reminds me of home, to some degree, but if I wasn't here trying to find Zhang, I'd do some shopping or something, because Aos fucking damn... I don't know how I can stress this enough. I had to stop myself from drooling everywhere, purely because of how.. rich my surroundings are. 

The towering spires and red-tiled roofs curve elegantly toward the sky, their edges etched with what look like constellations. Golden lanterns hang from intricately carved arches, casting a warm glow against the polished stone streets. Aos, everything's just so... Grand, rich and elegant. Children run free, adults sipping afternoon tea, shopping or just chatting. Only for a moment it all for some reason calmed my senses before I quickly snapped back to reality, remembering why I'm here, and not on some vacation. 

Surprisingly, it's not that hard to locate the guy, since he's a semi-public figure here. How in Ku's name, is he a sort of public figure, and I've never heard of him???? Sure, I'm practically locking in on trying to kill one man, but surely an Acolyte Arbiter overseeing a whole handful of planets in his interastral territory, has gotta have some form of public face, no? Who knows, maybe he's a conservative guy...

I went to chat with any officials that I'm able find wandering around, asking on whether or not I'm able to meet the almighty Hoa Zhang. I'm told that I have to set up a meeting with him, duh. So of course, I do that with the woman aiding me. It'd be hella strange if some rando like me just waltz's into his palace, demanding to know why he's got a Data chip with hundreds of High-Interest Bounty Hunters. Though, I am a bit miffed that I can't really meet him today. But yeah, sure, whatever. I'm sure he's got a whole bunch of meetings or whatever Arbiters have to do, so tomorrow afternoon is really as early as a time he's available. Thankfully, with my fancy little ID card here, that's the earliest I can get as of now.

Interestingly enough, I was told after I left to wander about the plaza, that if I didn't have the ID card that I do, the next Lunis Phase would've been the earliest. Sometimes I'm not sure if I should be proud of my profession or not, but I suppose that just for now, I'm at least appreciative of it. 

I decide to spend the rest of the day waltzing around the town square, visiting some food vendors to try out the food, and let me tell you, it tastes absolutely divine. It almost tastes like home, but with a different traditional spin on it. Ha, so this is what happens when you're well off, and get live in places like this. I think I'd actually go broke living here, considering the prices for food alone was already eye-narrowing. At least for me, but come on! I gal's gotta treat herself with good, tasty food once in a while, right? 

I wander around some more and came across some night markets. The hum of voices blending with music or the sizzling of food stalls, vibrant lanterns casting warm glows on the cobblestone streets, The scent of spices and grilled skewers and street food filling the air. Aos', It's been so, so long since I've ever been to one, so I decided to visit some stalls out of curiosity. I know I shouldn't linger for too long though, and as much as I'd love to lose myself in places like this, I didn't come here for a vacation. Though, next time when I've got better money management, I should. While wandering around, a merchant stall catches my eye, spotting some nice trinkets. Seeing some things that catches my eye, I wave a small hand to catch the merchant's attention. 

"How much for this, sir?" I ask, pointing to some small pair of intricately crafted earrings. The older man turned to me and offered me a polite smile.

"That'd be 5000 credits, Miss!"

I nearly choke. I don't wanna seem rude, so I chuckled politely in response.

"My my, costs quite a pretty coin, yes?" That's my attempt at playing it casual, by the way.

He lets out a hearty belly laugh as he leans on the chair he was sitting in a bit more.

"Sure is! But that's what happens when territories like playing tug-of-war all too often." He states, picking up the earrings I pointed at to look at.

"Tensions between planets here are rising," he explains, his smile faltering for the briefest moment before returning.

"Tug-of-war, you say?" I inquire, not having much knowledge of what he's referring to. He seems somewhat surprised at that fact, giving me a once over, and the warm smile returning to his face as he chuckled.

"You're not from around here, are you?" He asks kindly, to which I shake my head.

"Mmm, thought so. Either way, I'd advise not to stay too long. Strain between some planets in the Qiánghuì territory and here have been rather prominent. Even in older merchants like myself! So, it's harder to get some goods back over here." He explains to me politely, I hum softly as I watched him inspect the earrings I pointed to earlier.

"I see. I'll take your word for it. I do plan not to stay long though. I'm here on a business matter." I explain as he cooes softly with interest.

"Oh, is that so? Well, I won't keep you for long then, young miss!" He replies with another belly laugh, his attention turning to what was in his hands. 

"Say... as for this, I'll make an exception. How does 2500 sound?" He offers. I raise my brow slightly at his new bargain.

"Ah— I can pay full pricing, it's not too big of a deal" I retort, knowing full well 5000 credits for mere jewelry will kick me in the ass sooner or later. He waves his hand dismissively at me, shushing me.

"I insist! I'm sure it will bring you some good luck one day." He proposes, not wanting to budge at all at his backwards bargain. What kind of reverse-haggle is that? Either way, he's been relatively kind to me, so I paid the amount, plus a little extra for him and went on my way. Waving goodbye to the older gentleman. 

Thankfully, finding a somewhat cheap inn around here sin't as difficult as I'd thought it'd be. It's a little late into the night before I can find anything else of interest to me. But on one hand, I'm glad I don't have to go through the hassle of just leaping back into my ship, sleeping there, and leaping back here. I mean, I can technically do that to save money, but that's just too much work, and frankly, I'm a little lazy. 

Even with a cheaper inn like this, the decor is still quite aesthetically pleasing. It makes me wonder how the more high-end hotels or inns would look.

I take time to brush my teeth and shower before flopping onto the bed with a soft sigh.

Hopefully I can sleep tonight...

"Mommy, mommy! Look what I made!" I exclaims, jumping up and down excitedly while holding out a small canvas. She turns her head to look at me, a warm and gentle smile slowly spreading onto her lips as she takes the canvas in my hands, lifting it up high to look with a soft playful hum

"Mmm~ look at what my little artist has done! Is this our garden?" She asks with a knowing look on her face, to which I nod profusely. 

"Yup! It took me a really, really, really long time, but I got it!"

At that moment I feel a pair of arms shift beneath my arms and lift me high into the air.

"Rahh!! The monster's caught you!!" The familiar voice declares, earning a laugh from both myself and my mother. The hands turns me around and I'm met with the very familiar feel of my father. He brings me closer to his body in order go give me a tight and comfortable hug, before carrying me in his arms.

He peaks over to what mama has in her hands, he hums knowingly in the same way she did, before turning to look at me with a smile on his face, pointing playfully at my chest.

"Did you do this??" He asks acting as if he has absolutely no idea. Again, I nod and lean in close against his shoulder, wrapping my arm around his neck for stability. He chuckles in response before swaying back and forth as if getting ready to throw me.

"My my~ it seems like we have an aspiring artist in this household!" He exclaims, pulling my mama closer towards him with his free hand, the sound of tatami mats creaking gently beneath us as he pressed a soft kiss against her cheek, earning a soft chuckle from her.

"I'm sure our daughter has a very promising future before us..." He adds in a calmer manner, holding me tighter in his arms.

Mama hums softly in response, reaching her hand out to pinch my cheek between her fingers, earning a soft giggle from me, then leaning in to kiss my cheek she just pinched.

"Yes... now, why don't we go pray first, Then we can help me prepare dinner for us, hm? It's good to remember to thank Our Mother Goddess Hibiki and her sisters, yes?" She offers, tilting her head slightly to the side as she spoke.

"Oh~ that sounds like a great idea. How 'bout it, Iza?" Father cooes, nudging me with his arms.

"Yes! Let's go!"