Chapter 63

I was more tired than I thought apparently, since by the time I'd opened my eyes both Haruhime and Aisha were gone, and Fen-chan had replaced them as my pillow. Looking outside, the sun was already up and I couldn't even hear the sounds of 'the morning spar'.

I was also hungry. And not just a little either.

"Huh. Well, suppose I'll go see if anyone left me something to eat." I said, giving Fen-chan some scroofles, then getting dressed (in real clothes) for the day.

"Hah! And they said I slept in." Giselle was at the table already, nibbling on some salad and Orario's version of bacon and eggs. Chime and her Kit were there too, but they were just snoozing on the table near the dragon-newt.

"We both had a long day yesterday." I laughed, turning into the kitchen. Again, a little foxfire and a quick rummage and I was making something for myself. "No leftovers?"

"Not my fault!" Giselle called out, "Actually... it's really weird. I don't have that urge to eat so much now."

Since I didn't actually eat last night, I made myself the same thing Giselle had for dinner. I also noted we needed to do a little shopping. "Not a bad thing. You'd be very sorry later if you ate that much at once."

"Yeah..." I just barely heard her sigh, "It's going to take some time to get used to. Sleeping felt really good though!"

There was a little silence, save for the sizzle of fish. After I'd finished cooking though, I stepped back into the dining room and sat across from Giselle. She'd finished most of her food, and was watching Chime and her Kit nibble at some of her salad. She was also very carefully petting them.

"Any ideas on what to do now?" I asked, nibbling at my own food.

"Kinda? I mean, I don't want to freeload." She paused as Chime finished eating and rolled over for belly rubs. "As you wish, tiny critter." Giselle mumbled with a smile, "Oh, you too." As Chime's Kit did the same.

"Well, this is a city of opportunity." I paused for another mouthful, then, "And I can put a good word in for you just about anywhere."

"I'd... actually like to see more of the city. I visited that Ganesha place, with the silly statue building thing. Is the Mama still doing well?"

"Last I checked, yeah. She was playing fetch before I left for that mess on the other side." Again I paused, wondering if I should try adding some of that cilantro next time, "But a tour? No problem. I have lots of things to do in the city today, and I'd be happy to introduce you to people as well."

She smiled, though it was still a little sad, "I hope... I hope I can get along with people here."

"You'll be fine." I waved it off, "Just don't pick a fight with anyone, or commit any crimes."

"The usual things? Stealing, vandalism, murder?"

"See? You already understand." I looked down at my plate, "Lemme wash this. Then we can see if anyone is still around and wants to come with us."

"Oh! Heh... I forgot. A bunch of them went to the Dungeon today."

"It is the place most adventurers go." I called out from the kitchen, "scrubby scrubby..." And onto the drying rack. "Speaking of. You don't mind meeting other Gods do you?"

I walked back into the dining room just fast enough to catch her scrubbing a little nervous look off her face, "Eh... Are they all like the ones here?"

"More or less. Most have a very set... attitude... But they are easy to get along with once you figure them out." I interrupted Chime's tummy rub time and picked her up so I could rub noses with her. "I mean, with Lady Hestia, you just have to be a good guest. You know, clean up after yourself, don't make extra work for others, and get along with everyone in the Manor."

"I kinda got that impression. Nothing like the Gods I know. Except maybe Takemikazuchi?"

"Oh, He's not that bad. Simply conduct yourself with Honour, admit when you've done wrong, and never play around in the Dojo, err, training hall." I set Chime back down after an ear rub and gave the same treatment to her Kit, "Astraea respects hard word, honesty, and standing up for 'the little guy'."

"Eh..." She looked like she wanted to sweat, considering it was her 'job' to suppress 'the little guy' until recently.

"You have seen the error of your old ways?"

"Well... yeah."

"Then you have nothing to worry about. They know, and they respect that. Not everyone in the Manor was always a law abiding citizen, but they are now." I set the floofy Kit down, "Keep watch while we're gone you two."

They both gave me an ear wave and 'aggressive face cleaning'.

"Hehe, scary little critters."

"They are. I can't actually tell you what Chime did, but it was something even I couldn't do." I laughed, "Now, lets see if anyone wants to come with us."

There really weren't many people at the Manor today. The Amazon mothers were of course there. The few orphans we had left (since most had left with Marius), Welf (who was hammering away as usual), the Gods (entertaining the children), Fen-chan, Gros, and Hagane.

Everyone else was out 'doing things'. Dungeon or otherwise. Finding this out saved me from having to go shopping for food, since Lilly, Ouka and Weine (one to carry all the things, one to reach the top shelf, the third to actually remember the list of things we needed) were doing that today.

But, the Gods assured me it was okay to leave the Manor, since a delay in my task would make things more difficult later. They also had communication beads for everyone who was 'above ground'.

That at least made where to start easy.

Giselle, of course, was getting all kinds of looks. Both on the way to the Guild office, and in the lineup for the service desks. To be expected, since only one other adventurer in the entire city had wings, and that was Delly. She was also the only one with horns and a tail like hers, as well as her purple/blue skin colour. But even past that, she was doing her best (almost to the point of being frantic) to wave and smile at everyone who looked her way. She was also standing next to me, and I was dressed 'for business', and that was bound to raise eyebrows.

Eina could tell I was there for 'business', and was already reaching into one of the drawers when Giselle and I stepped up to her desk.

"Not yet." I said as I got to the desk, "But she is staying. Good morning Eina."

Eina closed that drawer, and opened another, "Miss Giselle? I thought you were an important figure over on the other side?" Eina, like her Eastern, was professional.

"I was." Giselle replied, "But my former Goddess and I had a little falling out, see... And now I'm just 'me'."

Eina was important enough to know as much as Royman did about the world on the other side of the Gate, so I was sure she caught on, "I see. So you're going to live here now, in Orario?"

"I'm hoping to." Giselle said, "Is that..."

"Not at all. Kodori? You know this woman?" Eina asked me.

"I do." I nodded, accepting the form. Since Giselle couldn't write, or read yet, I started filling it out.

While I did, Eina explained, "This is basically for our records, and since 'we' do not know you, Kodori is saying that you are who you say you are."

The record sheet was a very simple version of something from 'modern day'. Name, eye and hair colour, race, current residence, Familia, occupation, and lastly, 'relations'. Since she had no relatives in this world, I signed my name and 'Hestia Familia' on that line.

"Now, Miss Giselle, I suggest you learn to read and write the local language, Kione. And if you acquire a home, or join a Familia, return so we can update this." Eina accepted the paperwork, "Did you have any plans?"

"Kodori is going to take me on a tour first I think." Giselle said, "I mean, if I'm going to stay..."

"A good idea. Was there anything else?" Eina asked.

"Is Royman available?" I asked.

And everyone in the room, went silent.

Sometimes I hated being famous.

Eina was unruffled, and simply 'Ahem'ed the room back into motion again, "I will check." And she tapped one of the glass beads she was wearing on her wrist. "Mr. Royman? Front Desk speaking."

A pause, then a quiet, "This is Royman."

"Kodori of Hestia Familia is requesting to meet with you."

And to show the rest of the room I was simply 'Kodori' to the Guild, the reply was, "I'm in a meeting. If she's on the city crystal network, I will call when I'm done here."

Eina game me a look, and I showed her my 'city crystal'. "She is."

"Excellent." And with a quiet buzz from Eina's crystal, it went silent.

"You will get a call when he has time." Eina said, "Thank you for bringing her, and welcome to Orario Miss Giselle. Is that all for today?"

"For now. If there's something else aside from that, I'll get back in line." I put a hand on Giselle's shoulder and the two of us waved as Eina gave us her well practised smile.

On the way to our next destination, out of earshot of the Guild hall doors, Giselle asked, "What was that about?"

"Usually when I ask for Royman, it's really important. And the reason why I'm the strongest in the city, is because I've had to deal with really important things as only an Adventurer can." I replied, capturing a tail and giving it a 'you are a good tail' scritch. Yup, back to normal there, just feels nice. Not...

"But... you're the strongest. So wouldn't they..."

"I think I have enough time before we get to our next stop. So lemme tell you about the Guild, and why even I have to wait in line."

We put my lesson on 'the Guild and why they matter A LOT' on hold as we got within sight of the Hostess of Fertility. I mean, if I was going to show off my new friend, who better than my 'Mom' and my 'siblings'.

"Nyaa? Oh, hello Kodori!" Arnya, the brown haired cat-folk who was the slightly more air headed of the two who worked here, was being this afternoon's 'greeter'. "And... um... ohhhhh..."

"Giselle." She waved, but didn't continue since Arnya didn't speak Eastern, but was clearly trying to remember her.

"She's migrating." I said, "So I figured I'd bring her home and get her to meet my family."

"Well don't let me stop you!" She gave the two of us a friendly wave, then swished a hand through my tails just because she could.

Just as I remembered it, the Hostess had an almost timeless air to it. I don't ever recall the place getting damaged, even with all the wild parties that had come through it. Even Loki Familia had only ever spilled a bit of beer!

Of course, one of the reasons why was standing behind the counter. Tall and wide of shoulder, Mia Grande was a very imposing woman. Even retired, not even Ottar would skip paying his tab if she asked him to settle it. (Though, Ottar didn't keep a tab. He never used his status for 'petty' things like that).

"Oh, I remember you. Oh, ahem." And she switched to Eastern, kinda. Her accent was like Maki's, with most of the crisp formality tossed out., "Giselle, right?"

"That's me! Pleased to meet you Miss Grande."

Mia gave me a bit of a glare, but replied with, "Just Mama is fine. Visiting again? How do you like the city?" Then to me, "Menu?"

Before I could reply, there was a tiny little grunt, and a little plate was put up on the counter. "Can she try this?" It was May, all 1.3 meters of her. The adorable cat-folk Chef of the Hostess, while young, was still full grown.

I looked at the little slice of cake, to Giselle, then to Mia, "Could you cut that in half please?" It looked like cheesecake, but it wasn't quite the right colour. A very light brown instead of off-white.

Mia was helpful, and not only cut it in half, but gave Giselle a second tiny spoon and her own plate. Never one to turn down food, even if she now had to watch how much she ate, Giselle accepted, and we both took a bite.

Giselle's reaction could be summed up in one word: Sparkles. Yes she did all those other things, like holding her cheek, had a little tip-of-tail twitch, and went 'mmmmm!' But really she just Sparkled.

I on the other hand knew why May had given me some, for free, personally. Vanilla cheesecake. And she'd done an amazing job! (Yes, one of my ears was now twitching happily) But, "Just a tiny bit less, or, make it a tiny bit sweeter."

And from under the counter, "I thought so!" Followed by a very tiny thump as May kicked the back of the counter in a literal angry kitten way. "ow."

"But it's still amazing." I added, "If you can make it like this every time, or close enough, it can go with almost everything. This flavour is almost like wearing black. It goes with everything."

"I'll try some more! The Rakia Man brought lots!" And with a few tiny footsteps, May had retreated. No, we hadn't seen her face. She was just that shy.

"I wonder why we don't grow that locally..." Mama looked at me.

"Because Rakia has so much empty land, they needed to do something with it? It's also not really 'food', so Lady Demeter would have to choose to grow less." I smiled and finished the little slice, "This way, it can be sold much cheaper."

"Good food is meant to be shared." Mia agreed. She then looked to Giselle, "I've never seen someone... so enthusiastic about food before. Drink, sure, but not food."

"The world on the other side of the Gate very bland." I said, "Marius timed his visit perfectly, and I'm hoping that some of those seeds went across. Might make it more interesting in a few years."

"Hmm."

Giselle's word on the matter was, "This is so tasty! I'm... almost happy I got kicked out now..."

Mia raised an eyebrow, "She and her God had a bit of an argument. She was divested, and now she's staying here." I gave Mia the simple version of the story, since there were still people here eating, and whenever I wanted to start a rumour, I started here. I was purposefully keeping the information sparse.

Mia put it together easily enough, since the 'Apostles' were similar to us Children. "Well, if she needs a job, I can always use another dishwasher. Might have a bit of a problem with the uniform..."

Giselle put her fork down, "I might do that." She replied, "I even kept my old uniform, since no one else has my shape." She looked behind her, her wings and tail twitching a little.

Mama, like all the other 'strays' she brought in, gave Giselle a headpat. Her big hand even avoided Giselle's horns, "Finish your tour first. You're in good hands."

"Only because I was taught so well." I smiled, getting a headpat of my own.

We visited many places in the next couple of hours. Giselle wasn't part of the 'official' tour, and only really saw things from the driver's seat of the wagon of eggs she was riding when she crossed over with the stuff my team and I had earned on the other side.

Since we were close to the tower, we visited Hephaestus. Poor Giselle had to hide from Tsubaki, who wanted to see if she could pluck a scale or two from the ex-apostle's tail. This earned the Cyclops a Karate Chop of Justice from the God of the Forge, and it seemed we'd all get along famously.

Next was Nazza. Before the 'reorganization' of power in the city, she'd have been last on the list since the edge of the Daedalus Maze was near the outer wall. But now the Blue Pharmacy was in the 'rich' district. Again, Giselle had to hide behind me, but Nazza was too lazy to do more than ask if Giselle could do things other dragons could do. You know, like breath fire, resist elements, that kind of thing.

Nazza wasn't apologetic, but did give Giselle a little jar of skin cream meant for people with dry or literally scaly skin. Like Weine, or some of the other Xenos.

Odds and Puuf didn't ask if Giselle wanted to donate bits of herself to research. No, one asked nice (so didn't kick her shin) if she could hold her tail so it wouldn't get caught on anything, and the other gave her a headpat and called her 'sky-kin'. A side note, Odds said she had to talk to the JSDF outpost on our side of the Gate for a little work order they'd asked for.

We visited the Soma Brewery. Chandra instantly approved of Giselle, because she did in fact like beer. Also, he told me Welf's order of brandy would be ready tomorrow, and little Momiji's next batch of Sake looked promising.

We passed by a few of the smaller Familia homes, like Enki, Jamil, and the Rhibus. Each gave Giselle a friendly wave upon introduction, and all three were eager to arrange some kind of story time with her. Not surprising, since entertainment was what they were all down here for, and the Special Region was a place they had nearly no idea about. Oh, Enki's best cook, the one who figured out Flan by himself, had managed to make something very close to modern day caramel. He then hid behind Enki Himself when Giselle sparkled at him after trying a little.

Oh, and Giselle made friends with one of Jamil's bees, and managed to give it a noseboop somehow. To be fair, some of his larger bees were the size of ping pong balls, and had the intelligence of a dog. But that was Orario for you.

I was starting to wonder which direction to take, either going to the train yard, or I AM GANESHA, when my 'public network' crystal buzzed. "This is the Guild, looking for Kodori of Hestia Familia."

"Aha." I said before tapping my crystal, "This is Kodori."

"You and your guest are expected at I AM GANESHA, courtesy of Royman, of the Guild." The voice replied, "Is that a problem?"

"Not at all. Please tell him I'll be there soon."

"Message has been relayed. End call." And the bead went silent.

"Those are so neat! Like those ray-dee-oh's." Giselle commented.

"They aren't as versatile yet. But soon I think." I smiled, "Having fun?"

"Yeah." She said, though she didn't sound excited. "This is a wonderful place, and all your friends seem really great." She hugged her tail, "Even the ones who want my tail."

"What's wrong?" I asked, "I mean, aside from the tail thing. It looks better on you than it would anywhere else, by the way."

She laughed, "I dunno... It seems too good to be true." She sighed, her cheer turning off like a switch, "I don't feel like I deserve to be here."

I almost felt dirty when I said, "Then you don't deserve it. But you are here, and my word will only make you welcome for so long." I gave her shoulder a pat, "It's up to you to earn your place here. But, there IS a place for you." Yes, reverse psychology. A marvel for children and slightly bubble headed dragon-newts alike. "No one will kick you out unless you deserve it."

"Thanks." She sighed, but I could see her starting to rev back into her usual cheerful self, kind of like a wind up toy. "Say, since we're going to that silly I AM GANESHA place, can I visit the dragons?"

"That was the plan." I let her shoulder go and gave it a little tap with my knuckles, "We'll just be discussing some business too."

"Neat."

We arrived at I AM GANESHA, and I nearly walked right past Royman. One of my tails swished at him as we walked by and I had to stop (and possibly apologize) and get it off whomever it visited.

Except it was Royman. In actual adventurer gear. Hardened leather plate, metal banded helm, short sword and belt of potion loops. "Ha." He smiled, "If it almost fools you, then my disguise is a success." He then took my visiting tail and gave it a pat, before professionally shooing it away, "Good afternoon, Lady Kodori, Lady Giselle."

"Is it a disguise though?" I asked, grinning, "And does Eina know?"

"ahem well yes." He looked a little uncomfortable, "Moving on though? It sounded important."

Giselle was giggling a little at the byplay, "Well, I'm a lady, but... not worth a title."

"I didn't know that was possible with Apostles. Though..." He looked at me.

"I didn't know either until it happened in front of me." Literally, with my hand, but not my will, around her throat.

"Well, as of today, I'm a citizen?" Giselle looked to me, then Royman, "I mean, there was paperwork. That's important, right?"

"Well... Kind of." Royman, obviously more aware of the laws, got into that 'official' tone of his, "Right now, you're simply visiting with the intent to stay." He held up a finger, "You have no limit on your visit, but you have two options to be a permanent resident. Gain employment, or join a Familia."

We paused our conversation as a small family of Citizen's walked by, making their way past the nearby guards and towards I AM GANESHA. "Let's tour the zoo." I suggested, "An open street is less conductive to business."

"Very well." He nodded.

Considering what he looked like when I met him, Royman didn't get a second glance from anyone as we made our way to the Zoo, paid the fee to enter, and went from exhibit to exhibit. As he was, he was treated and seen as just another adventurer. I felt a little pride at that. So did he I'd bet, considering who he was now engaged to. He'd rebuilt himself almost from the ground up. Anyhow, business.

"I heard all about this 'citizen' and 'adventurer' thing, when I got the talk about how to act here. Before I brought the eggs over." Giselle said, "But, aside from one having this falna stuff, and the other not, what's the difference?"

"Well, some laws apply to one or the other. Citizens are protected by guild law more aggressively. If an adventurer harms another adventurer, the fallout is usually handled by the Familia involved. But if an adventurer harms a citizen, then the Guild deals with the adventurer and their Familia." He tried for a comparison she'd likely know, "Like your Emperor chastising a noble and his entire house."

"But as a visitor?" Giselle nodded, seeming to understand.

"It would depend on who you were protected by. If you are staying with Kodori, for an extreme example since I know she wouldn't do this. She could protect you, or abandon you. If she protected you, it would be fall under 'adventurer vs adventurer' law. If not, you'd be on your own to find a Guild representative or Guard, and seek protection." Royman stopped at one exhibit, "Ah, your 'old mother' is napping it seems."

Yes, the old land dragon matron was napping like a kitten who'd suddenly switched off, belly and chin to the ground, all her legs pointed back towards her tail, and snoring.

"Makes me feel better actually." Giselle laughed quietly, "She's used to people, but she also feels safe here." She looked to me, "Since I'm here... can I check on the eggs?"

"I'll ask the guard." Since yes, since this was a 'rented cage' the Ganesha Familia was 100 percent responsible for the contents, and thus had it guarded.

The guard knew me, recognized Giselle, and with a thumbs up let her into the enclosure.

"So... While she does that." Royman said, "You're planning something, aren't you?"

"And it's big. The world over there has a titanic problem. On one hand, they have an Empire similar to how Rakia used to operate. You served, submitted, or were slaughtered."

"Ah, this JSDF stopped that, didn't they?"

"Old wounds. Like the Elves and magic swords." I shook my head, "The Empire is mostly human, and almost all the other races have at one point or another been put to the chain, or torch by them."

"I see where this is going." He nodded, "The other races are banding together, resisting, and are hoping to overthrow this Empire. And your history lesson on them suggests they see the JSDF softening the Empire as an opportunity."

"They managed to get their hands on some of the JSDF's weapons, and have started to figure out primitive versions. If the JSDF were still connected to their world, there would be less of an issue, but it will end up as a war of attrition, and everyone will lose. The JSDF will eventually lose, but not before a lot of collateral damage."

"I would say this seems impossible to avoid." He gave me an upwards look and a raised eyebrow, "But it's you asking."

"I haven't asked anything yet. There isn't a prayer of me doing this alone."

"Well, I have the rest of the day off."

So I told him. While we watched Giselle give all the eggs a listen, the sleeping Mama a pat, and generally do what ever it was she did when checking the eggs, I laid out my initial idea.

He didn't kick me in the shin, but he had a frown that even Mama could take lessons from.

"So you want to invite a bunch of criminals, here, to Orario, show them around, then send them back. Then hope they bring all of their criminal friends, and settle along the rail line by the river delta."

"Their families too. But yeah, basically."

"I think this is the most thoughtless plan you've ever had."

I wasn't offended, even mock offended at his accusation towards me. The people I was trying to save though, "They're a bunch of different races who've been oppressed and slaughtered for generations. They're criminals, but towards something that's been unjust." I then added, "And I am open to suggestions. I've got some ideas, but I won't step over the guild."

"I'm glad you still have faith in us."

"Trust. Faith is for my Goddess."

He laughed, covering his mouth when he saw a few people looking our way, "Even better. Oh boy... How much time do you have before our new friends on the other side gather the initial wave of dissidents?"

"Week or so."

He put on that frown again, and I could almost imagine some rookie adventurer trying to hide like a turtle in his new armour. "I'll work on this idea with a few of our managers. If we can't come up with something, then we'll have to refuse. If we can, it will be on you for any special materials. This includes any large money requirements." He looked up at me, "I will visit tomorrow after breakfast."

"Or at breakfast, if you want."

He looked like he might refuse, "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to bribe me. But I do know better. At breakfast then, though, maybe a little later than usual for your house." He gave his middle a pat, even though he was quite firmly 'middle aged' he'd reduced his overweight self to a respectable 'soft around the edges'. "I've been working hard, but I suspect this will end up a late night."

I bowed, "Thank you. I'll try and think up some ideas too. And maybe find a more permanent place for what I hope to be our first immigrant."

"Excellent. Suppose now I have work to do. Lady Kodori." He turned and started walking off, and I could hear him start talking into a crystal, "This is Royman, calling all team leads..."

I turned my attention back to Giselle, and when she saw me alone, she decided to stop (much to the sad noises of the Mama Dragon) giving headpats and eye ridge rubs, and came back over. Once back by my side again, she asked, "How did it go?"

"He didn't say no, OR kick me in the shin." I sighed, "So it's a firm 'maybe'."

"Better than a flat no." It was Giselle's turn to give my shoulder a pat, "Hey... Where's that Ganesha guy? Or Miss Shakti? Going to have some very hungry babies in about a moon or so."

"Oh?" I did indeed feel better at the news.

"Yup, all of them are in perfect condition! Except maybe one, but it has twins! They might both survive here too!" She was quite excited. "In the wild twins are usually runts, and get ignored, or eaten by brood mates.

"Well, it's times like these where this crystal thing is most useful." I grinned, "This is Kodori of Hestia Famlia."

"Go ahead, Kodori of Hestia Familia."

"I'm looking for either Shakti of Ganesha Familia, or Lord Ganesha Himself."

"Do you have a message?"

"I'm at the zoo for another half hour." They were both smart cookies, and while the communication network was run by the guild, it wasn't the most secure. So I kept things short, simple, and as vague as possible.

"Understood." Pause... ... "Lady Shakti of Ganesha Familia has received your message." Pause, "Her reply is: Don't leave yet."

"Understood. Last message: We won't."

"Relayed. End call."

"Let's go see the petting zoo." I said.

"Oooo, I didn't get a chance last time. They don't bite do they? I mean... I have to worry about that now."

Shakti was thrilled at the news. I'd never seen her do more than smile, or laugh a little, so I wasn't expecting much. But I could tell she was pleased.

This however brought up the usual questions. What do they eat, how much do they ear, and who's going to pay for it all? The answers to that were, almost everything, as much as they can, and me. It was about here, that I dropped a brick-subtle hint for Giselle.

"I'm sure that Ganesha Familia would love to have you here as a dragon trainer." I said, "Personally, I only brought them over for their scales. But I'm sure they'd be popular for the mail service, and beasts of burden."

Shakti gave Giselle a curious look, "You're staying in Orario?"

Giselle nodded, "I think the simplest explanation is my Goddess kicked me out of her Familia."

"I've already got her registered at the Guild, but she needs either a job or Familia to be a true resident." I added.

Shakti took the hint, but didn't offer anything, just nodded, "It's not a simple choice, but we are always looking for skilled handlers, citizen or not."

Giselle smiled, "Well, you don't need anyone just yet for them. But I'll keep that in mind."

Someplace on Shakti's person, there was a little 'hmm' noise. "Ah, I'm needed somewhere it seems."

"We've got work to do as well." I was about to put a hand on Giselle's shoulder, but a tail beat me to it. "Maybe start dinner or something too... Not sure if it's my turn to cook."

It wasn't, so I spent some time with the children. Not just that, I got Giselle involved with story time, since she would need to learn her letters and the like here in Orario. Amani arrived a part way in, and she'd already been broken out of the habit of 'being 100 percent all the time', and slipped into story time with hardly a word.

It made things a little tricky, since Giselle knew Eastern, but not Kione, and Amani knew Kione, but not Eastern. But, my children were helping by translating for them. It was a little more chaotic than usual, but quite fun. Sadly, when Haruhime joined us, I'd run out of tails for her to hug, since everyone else had one already.

But she had news, so we gave everyone a hug (including Giselle who was just as surprised as I was), and told them to go play until dinner.

"Oh, a moment, Giselle-chan." Haruhime said, "If you can find Lilly-chan, she has some things for you. Clothes and the like. And while you stay, you may keep the room you used last night."

Giselle, again, seemed to be at a loss at the show of kindness. "Um... thank you." She managed after a moment, "uwu?" Then got a headpat from Haruhime.

"The Manor agrees with Ko-san. You are far more likeable than Rory." Haruhime said with her best smile, "But if I recall, you are 'It'."

"Oh yeah!" And like a switch, Giselle forgot her gloomy mood and walked (not ran) after the children.

Haruhime turned to me and gave me one of her 'out in public' hugs, but kept hold of a tail afterwards and gave it the exact kind of attention it wanted. "We are all wondering how it went." She said quietly, "Did Royman-san agree?"

"He is coming over for breakfast tomorrow with his answer. I was also told to work with the rest of you to come up with ideas as well." One of my ears was twitching, and I was getting a little tingle up my spine now. "And, the bulk of the cost will be on us."

"Oh dear... Are you sure we can absorb such a cost?" She was smiling just a tiny by, that hidden naughty smile maybe three people in the Manor knew about.

"Your wife is the strongest in Orario." My bold words were ruined by the little hitch in my breathing and a mild purr noise that I couldn't quite lock down, "I am sure there is some way I can make-" I started to get that urge to twitch my leg, and just knelt down in front of her, "enough money for any task we set ourselves to."

She let my poor overstimulated tail go, and hugged me tight, my ears suddenly hearing the beat of her heart as my face pressed against her bosom, "Good." She said, not letting go, "I am looking forward to going with you as well."

Unseen by her, I went a little wide eyed. It had been over a year since the two of us went into the dungeon together. We'd always have one or the other stay behind to watch the children, or teach, or do errands... "I look forward to it. The dungeon has many things you've yet to see." And since I was stuck there for the moment, I hugged her back.

She let go, but I didn't, " I think it's Aisha-san's turn to stay home a day or two, don't you think?" Again, that almost naughty smile.

Unwilling to let go, I simply stood up with my arms around her. Not for long, just long enough to earn a little 'eep' from her. "Yes, just this once I think she should stay home." I set her down, sighed happily, then asked, "We also need to brainstorm a little... But after dinner. Mikoto's turn?" I sniffed the air.

"Yes, she learned a little from Italica, and wanted to share."

Dinner was... well not a failure, but not near our usual 'rousing success' when we tried something new. Sadly, Mikoto's attempt to mimic the Special Region's cooking went too well, and it was kind of like trying military food from Rakia. You know, before Marius and Asfi figured out how to make their land produce stuff. She promised to go with her intuition next time and add her own touches.

Weine however salvaged it with her newest idea, small peach pies.

After dinner, we got everyone into the living room for our meeting, and I told them the news.

And finished up with, "So, aside from the cost, we have to come up with a way to get those people here without leaving people out."

"What do you mean?" Welf asked, "I get that they're not seeing eye to eye with the local guards, but are you're not worried too many people will come over?"

"That area by the rivers isn't small!" Lilly said, "But... it does seem backwards?"

Maki was the one to answer, "The reason for a soldier to fight is usually left behind. Right?"

I nodded, as did Astraea and Takemikazuchi. "If we only get a bunch of random people, it won't really help them live here. Sure, they'll show up, not get executed one way or another, and live to old age. But this isn't about surviving, but thriving. Families. I want them to bring themselves, and their families with them."

"But you want a way to identify them? Why not just take them all in anyhow? A family is a family." Ouka said, "Right?"

Considering the mixed bag of people we had at the Manor, he wasn't wrong. We were all family, blood relation, marriage or not.

"Not every family member will get to Alnus." Shinkage said, "If this is an effort to remove the victims from the fighting, then a way to mark 'priority' is needed." Calm as always, she saw what I was aiming for.

But to save her from the raised eyebrows (pfft she didn't need saving from anything but her super fluffy bed), I clarified, "If the JSDF have a way to identify the family of a criminal, they can prioritize their safety. Not all law is like that of Orario. And someone may seek 'justice' from the innocent. The JSDF will have limited supplies as well, and those who are running will have less with them."

"Wait... supplies? Why would they need supplies?" Kaede asked, "Aren't they coming through when they get there?"

I shook my head, "No. Soon, at least by estimation of Lelei and the records the JSDF have, the Apocrypha may start happening." I said, "So, if the Guild says 'yes', I plan to get the prisoners we captured over here for a tour, sent them back with some kind of way to invite their families or closest friends, then close the Gate for a little while. Part of a season maybe?"

"Ah, travel takes time, and that is something our worlds may not have with the Gate connecting us." Takemikazuchi said.

"What do you plan on doing while we wait?" Hestia asked.

"Make money, gather resources, clean the place up a little, advertise." I said, "I hardly think picking them up and dropping them in an open field without any kind of foundation would be very nice of us."

"It's not very wild out there, but there are monsters outside the walls." Mikoto said, "They would be defenceless without some form of initial aid."

"And if they are camping near Alnus while they wait, the JSDF will need some supplies from us too." Aisha said, "The weather is nice over there, but not that nice."

"Some kind of token?" Bell said, "A coin? I've been saving my 1 Valis coins for a while."

"Not a bad idea. But a simple coin can be mimicked." Asuka said, "But 'small' is a good start?"

We all nodded, yes, something small, unassuming, but in some way unique.

"Can it be enchanted?" Chigusa asked quietly, "Aren't all the sound crystals unique?"

"They are still just glass, but..." I hmm'ed, wondering if I could pull off 'tempered glass' on a large scale.

"Why not both?" Astraea suggested.

Welf and I both perked up, and someone very quietly said, 'Anvilheads'.

"You worked with the three mages, didn't you come up with that weird glowing glass thing? Hardly needed any power at all." Maki said.

Haruhime already knew I was thinking on something, and just said, "Do not be late for bed, Ko-san." And gave me a pat on the same tail she had in her hands earlier.

Welf and I shared a nod, "Yeah, you thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?"

So long as it doesn't look like a Valis, there's no law against making coins." I nodded, "And we can dip them in glass, and add a simple glowing enchantment to it!" I paused, "Oh.. better idea... Lilly?"

"Lilly is here!"

"We're going to need your services for some shopping tomorrow, so long as Royman agrees."

"Lilly will support!" She giggled, "It's our job after all, but her apprentice should come too."

Momiji nodded, "Of course."

"Let's go design a magic coin." I said, standing up, "But aside from breakfast tomorrow being a tiny bit more formal, be ready for some serious dungeon time."

Making a coin stamp was really simple. Make a little dish of something that is harder than the something you want to stamp. Carve one of the 'faces' into the bottom of the dish. Then, do the same on something that fits into the little dish. You can even sculpt the head of a hammer if you want. Them you pour in some molten something, let it cool a little, then press your hammer into the dish. The something will form to both the bottom of the cup and the head of the hammer, and there! Coin.

Welf and I weren't at that stage right away though. He had something in the furnace while we drew up a coin idea.

"How about this..." He said, scribbling with a pencil (wrapped stick of charcoal).

"I like the tower, I mean, it IS the most obvious thing about the city. But I do not want to have my face on a coin. You were probably going to call it a 'silver fox' too."

"damn..." He sighed.

I laughed, "How about this on the other side?" And I drew a teardrop. "And we can meet half way on the name, and call it a Silver Spire."

He perked up, "Okay, yeah. I see the symbolism there. Oh, since we're dipping it in glass..." He added a little circle on either side of the tower, "It will help the glass hold to the coin, and make it easier to get out of the stamp."

I nodded, "Okay. Let's get the stamp set up then."

We got into the 'hot' side of the shop, and Welf sat down on his usual stool. He plucked out the bit of stuff from the furnace, and started doing a thing with it. I looked around for a moment, paused, then...

"Sister?"

I was stone still, and felt... confused. Like I was trying to recall the name of a person I only remembered the face of. I moved a little and picked up a hammer. It felt awkward. Clumsy in my hand. Unfamiliar.

"I... I don't remember how." I said, "The colour the thing is supposed to be before hammering... This hammer... what m...materials to use..." I set the hammer down and looked at the other side of the workshop, "These tools, I know them but... I can't think about how to use them!" The weird lack of connection between me and the items in the room was making my knees weak and eyes unfocused.

I knew why of course.

"But that's your best hammer... You've spent almost as much time in here as me!" Welf said, putting the thing on his forging block back in the heat.

"Hardy..." I said, my eyes trying to put names to all the stuff in the room, "I..." The mental feedback was making my vision blurry, and my tears weren't helping either.

"Come on, lets get you back into the Manor, have lil'Hestia look at you."

NOTES

What? You thought Kodori got out of that without a hitch?"

See you next update.

Thank you for reading! And if you want to see any full colour art, join the discord!

aKAQg4bnYu for the discord!

And my actual book, Were Too? is on Inkitt.

Daeore on Ko-fi etc etc.