Chapter 75 – Ina

Chapter 75

Ina

Date : Day 5 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.

Ina finished her food first. She then stood from the bench. The motion was quick but graceful. The empty packaging was discarded in a nearby bin. Her tail swished behind her. The energy was returning.

"Hyoren, you already paid for the food, so let me buy your drink!"

She turned around, asking him. The offer was genuine. The reciprocity was natural. The cat ears perked forward. Waiting for his response.

"Any preferences?"

Hyoren smiled. He appreciated her. The gesture was kind. The balance was fair. The company was pleasant despite the flirtatious undercurrent.

"Thanks, Ina. I'm fine with anything."

Ina nodded. The acceptance was noted. The choice was hers. The opportunity was seized.

"Okay, wait a bit!"

Hyoren saw her off walking through the crowd. Her tail swished with every motion. The movement was rhythmic. Her pleated dress and cardigan flowed. Her figure receded into the mass of people.

She went to a stall nearby, which sold beverages. The distance was not far. The wait would be short. The moment was brief.

Hyoren scanned the surroundings. To Ina. To the crowds nearby. To a family of three beastkin which were eating on the nearby bench. To some stall owner, who was also another beastkin. The observation was casual. But the pattern emerged. The realization grew.

He noticed there were many beastkin like Ina. Elise did say they loved freedom and were everywhere. But the amount of beastkin in this town still surprised him.

Ina, Yelan, Roric, Dandi. Four beastkin already became his acquaintance. And there would be more. The number was growing.

He also noticed the beastkin he met. They never said their full name when introducing themselves.

Was it a tradition? Like their family name was too sacred. And only spoken in private?

He was curious. The question lingered. The mystery was present.

Not long after, when he put his last karaage to his mouth, Ina came back. With two containers. The figure emerged from the crowd. The smile was bright. The tail was swishing. The return was swift.

"Here, Hyoren, I bought red-berry juice!"

He took one of the containers from Ina. The weight was light. The temperature was cool. Condensation dotted the surface.

"Thank you, Ina."

He thanked Ina, and she plopped down on the bench. The distance was maintained. The boundary was respected. The position was same.

"Don't mention it. Don't mention it. Fufu."

He then examined the container and the content. The container was almost square. It was definitely not plastic. Or paper. The material was unfamiliar.

But it was equivalent. Sturdy enough, but disposable. Might be made from monster material, or another magic material he didn't know. The possibilities were endless.

His curiosity was piqued, but he shelved it for now. There was no end to them if he kept wanting to know behind everything. The questions could wait. The answers would come later. The present was for enjoyment.

He decided to just enjoy the convenience, and sip the drink. The liquid was cool. Refreshing. The taste was immediate.

"This is delicious, Ina. So refreshing."

The taste was similar to strawberry juice. It was more astringent. But not by far. The difference was subtle. The flavor was unique. He liked it. The sweetness was balanced. The tartness was present. The refreshment was real.

Ina sipped her drinks too. The motion was similar. The enjoyment was shared.

"Yes. This is my favorite juice. Fufu."

She then turned her face, gazing at Hyoren's face. The amber eyes focused. The pupils dilated slightly. The attention was fixed.

He noticed her gaze, and turned around too. The movement was reflexive. The response was automatic.

"Hmm? What's wrong, Ina?"

Ina smiled. The expression was knowing. Perceptive. The observation was keen.

"I noticed your serious face when I was waiting for the drinks to be prepared."

Her cat ears perked. Curious. The question was forming. The inquiry was coming.

"What is in your mind, Hyoren?"

Hyoren smiled wryly. Ina actually noticed. She really was observant. The perception was sharp. The attention was constant. Nothing escaped her notice.

"Well. Nothing much. I was just curious. In my home village, everyone is human. So it's my first time seeing another race such as beastkin like you."

Ina nodded. The understanding was immediate. The context was clear.

"I see, your village will definitely be reclusive if there is no other race there."

She tilted her head. The pose was inquisitive. The question was forming.

"So, what makes you curious? You want to touch my ears? Or tail? Fufu."

She moved her cat tail forward. Offering it. The fluffy appendage swayed. The fur was thick. Soft-looking. The temptation was deliberate.

Hyoren frantically waved his hands. The panic was immediate. The refusal was emphatic.

 He remembered Elise saying touching beastkin tails and ears might lead him to be taken to Knight Barracks. The warning was clear. The consequence was severe.

"No! No Ina. Not that..."

He was curious. Her ears and tail looked fluffy and pleasant to touch. But he swallowed it. He didn't want to be arrested. The desire was present. The reason prevailed.

Ina giggled. She put down her tail back. The offering was withdrawn. The tease was complete.

"A shame, I would freely let you touch if you want though."

She smiled mischievously. Still offering. Still flirting. The game continued. The boundary was tested.

Hyoren gulped. But he kept his stand. He would hold back—for now. The temptation was real. The resolve was firm.

"It's about Beastkin's name, Ina. I met Humans, Elves, and Dwarves. And most of them introduced themselves with their full name. But I never saw a Beastkin introduce themselves with their full name."

He then put his hands on his chin. Thinking. The question was articulated. The curiosity was expressed.

"Is Beastkin's full name a sacred thing? A secret only close ones can pry?"

Ina giggled. Her voice was amused. The question was unexpected. The inquiry was novel.

"Oh that. Fufu... No. Not like that."

She smiled. She faced Hyoren, her large amber eyes locked into him. And then said the reason. Matter of fact.

"We simply don't have a full name."

Hyoren widened his eyes. Surprised to the revelation. The information was new. It seemed Beastkin had a different culture. They were not tied down to family names like Humans. Or a clan like Dwarves. Or place of birth like Elves. The distinction was clear.

"Our culture is about freedom. We have a family. We have a clan of sub-race. We love our father, mother, siblings, and communities. But rarely for beastkin to settle in a single settlement for life."

She looked up. To the sky. Reminiscing about memories.

"That's why. We simply don't have a full name. At most, beastkin will only introduce themselves by their sub-race. Like for example, me. My 'official' name would be Ina from Cat-clan. But most of the time, I would just say 'Ina.'"

Hyoren nodded in understanding. Parts of world culture revealed to him. The insight was valuable. The knowledge was gained. The world was larger than he thought.

"I see. That was a really distinct culture."

Ina nodded. The agreement was mutual. The explanation was accepted.

"Fufu. Don't mention it! I would gladly answer any of your questions."

She leaned forward. The motion was deliberate. The intent was clear. The distance closed slightly.

"Even more private ones. Like my three sizes for example? Fufu."

She giggled. Her mischievous and flirtatious streak continued. The game never stopped. The hunt never ended.

Hyoren was embarrassed. The flush was visible. The discomfort was evident.

"Ina, I would not ask such a question!"

Both of them then laughed. The sound was shared. The moment was light. The tension was broken.

***

Hyoren and Ina stood. The moment of respite was over. They discarded their trash to the bin nearby. The empty containers fell into the receptacle with soft thuds. The meal was finished. The break was concluded. The day continued.

Hyoren then stepped forward. And started walking. The direction was clear. The destination was set.

"Let's go, Ina?"

Ina nodded. And followed closely behind him. Her steps were light. Her tail swished with each movement. The energy was still present. The enthusiasm was undiminished.

Their steps were muffled in the middle of crowds, but they were steady and purposeful. Weaving through crowds. Overtaking slow wagons. The rhythm was established. The pace was comfortable. The navigation was natural.

Vendors, stalls, shops, passed in a blur. The colors merged. The sounds blended. The faces became indistinct. The focus was on movement towards their destination.

Not long after, they arrived at Adventurer's Guild HQ. The familiar two-story building made from Ironwood and Grey stone. The structure was imposing. The architecture was consistent with the rest of the district. This was the hub. The center. The heart of adventurer activity.

Both climbed the stairs, and Hyoren pushed the door open. The wood was heavy. The hinges were smooth. The entrance was welcoming.

The Main Hall greeted them. The atmosphere was serene. It was still afternoon. The hall was sparse. Only one or two adventurers loitering near the quest board. The rest of them were still in the middle of their quest outside. The emptiness was expected. The quiet was unusual.

The counter was mostly empty. The clerk did their paperwork behind the counter. Unbothered by anyone trying to process their quest. The pens scratched against paper. The occasional cough. The rustle of documents. The ambient noise was minimal. The focus was internal.

Ina stepped forward, gesturing Hyoren to follow her. The motion was confident. She knew this place. She belonged here.

"Let's go, Hyoren. The reference room is on the second floor. Follow me."

Hyoren nodded. The instruction was clear. The guide was reliable.

"Okay, Ina. Lead the way."

Ina then walked to the stairs. Hyoren followed closely behind her. The stairs were wide. Well-maintained. The wood creaked slightly under their weight. The ascent was easy. The path was clear.

On the way, they met a young clerk Hyoren didn't recognize. The spectacled clerk bowed to Ina respectfully. The gesture was automatic. Immediate. The recognition was instant.

"Senior Ina. I thought you were on your day off?"

Ina giggled. The amusement was evident. The surprise was pleasant.

"Oh. I came here to accompany Hyoren to the reference room. Please think I'm not here. Fufu."

The young clerk nodded. The understanding was immediate. The acknowledgment was brief. Then she bid them farewell, and went over the counter. Her workplace. Her duty.

Hyoren was kind of awed. How Ina behaved in the workplace. Everyone respected her. Before it was Sherly and Fern. Now another young clerk also showed the evidence. The professionalism was clear. The authority was recognized. The seniority was acknowledged.

It was a stark contrast to her flirtatious and man-eater side. The duality of her. Both of them existed. Both sides were her. The professional clerk. The playful seductress. The contrast was striking. The integration was seamless. The whole was complex.

Ina peeked from her shoulder in the middle of the stairs. Her tail stood still. Confused. The pause was unexpected. The stop was unexplained.

"Hyoren, why are you standing still there? Let's go?"

Hyoren shook his head. He only realized he was frozen over. The observation had consumed him. The reflection had paused him. He hurriedly caught up to Ina. The steps were quick. The recovery was immediate.

"Sorry Ina..."

Ina giggled. The sound was light and teasing.

"Weird Hyoren. Fufu."

Both of them then quickly climbed the stairs. The pace resumed. The journey continued. The destination awaited.

On the second floor, Hyoren scanned the surroundings. The place was as big as the first floor. But there was no hall. Only a corridor which led to a few big rooms. The layout was different. The purpose was distinct. The space was divided.

Hyoren saw the sign on top of the door. Three smaller ones on the left side of the stairs. Guild Master Office, Vice Guild Master Office, and Document Room. The labels were clear. The functions were obvious. The organization was logical.

Then he looked on the right side of the stairs. There were only two rooms. But from the looks of it, they were big. One of them was called the Reference Room. And the other was the Audience Room. The size was substantial. The purpose was evident.

The sign was self-explanatory for each room. Practical.

Ina turned to Hyoren. Her tail swished. The motion was eager. The direction was set.

"That's the Reference Room, Hyoren. Let's go."

She pointed at the room. Then crossed the corridor to go there. Her steps were confident. Her path was clear.

Hyoren nodded. Followed her closely. The distance was maintained. The pace was matched.

Ina opened the door. It was not locked. The handle turned easily. The door swung open. She then went in. Hyoren also entered. The transition was smooth. The entry was seamless.

Inside, he was greeted with the familiar scent of books. Smell of well-maintained parchment and paper mixed in, entering his nostrils. The smell was comforting.  

There was no dust or mold that could be seen or smelled. The maintenance was evident. The care was obvious. The preservation was thorough.

Rows and rows of bookshelves stacked high to the ceiling. The shelves were organized. Labeled. Categorized. The collection was vast. The variety was extensive. And there were multiple tables and chairs for reading in the middle. The furniture was sturdy. The space was designed for study.

It was a welcome sight for Hyoren who loved books.

***

Ina turned around. And leaned forward. Smiled. Her expression was earnest, with a hint of playfulness which never truly gone. Her cat tail swished behind her. The motion was rhythmic. Calm.

"Well, Hyoren. What kind of information do you need?"

Hyoren put his fingers on his chin. The question was broad. The possibilities were vast. The reference room was full of knowledge.

"Hmm. There are a lot of things I want to know..."

He thought about the choice.

Firstly, he wanted to know more about monsters. All his knowledge was from half-baked knowledge from fantasy stories and games. Supplemented by his own experiment when he tried to survive in the Forest of no Return. The understanding was practical, but limited.

He then wanted to know about the geography around Akela. The important villages or towns. Harvestable material. Interesting places to visit.

About how to become strong efficiently. A skill which could help him or Elise efficiently kill monsters. Or anything to help him level up faster. The progression was necessary. To reach their goal.

There were many things he wanted to know other than these, but he decided, for now, it would be these three. The priorities were set

"Hmm. I think I want to start with geography and about monsters. Then if time is good, I also want to know how to become strong efficiently."

Ina's cat ears perked. The task was understood.

"Noted. I know some books which are perfect for you. Please sit on one of the chairs. I will fetch the books for you."

Hyoren did as she said. Sat on one of the chairs and tables set. The wooden furniture was sturdy. Well-maintained. Each table had four sets of chairs. The arrangement made it easier to do group discussion too. The design was thoughtful and functional

The reference room was quiet. The silence was comfortable. The atmosphere was conducive to study. The shelves stood like sentinels. Guardians of knowledge. Keepers of wisdom. The smell of paper and parchment filled the air. The scent was familiar. The environment was designed for learning.

Not long after, Ina was back holding three books and a rolled parchment. She put everything down on the tables. The books landed with soft thuds. The parchment was placed with care. Then she sat in front of Hyoren.

Flickers of confusion appeared in his eyes. But he managed to hold it. He was expecting Ina to sit on his side. And continuing her flirting. The proximity. The teasing. But it seemed she truly wanted to help him learn. The duality was striking.

This side of Ina kept surprising him. He couldn't predict when she was going to get serious. When she was going to be flirtatious. The switches were unpredictable. The transitions were seamless. The whole was complex. Both side are the true.

"Okay, Hyoren. I think this is a good collection to start with."

She then set aside the three books, then unrolled the parchment. Spread it across the table. The map was revealed. The territory was displayed. The geography was laid out before him.

"This is the map of Baron Akela territory."

Hyoren looked at the detailed map. The marking. The topography. The contour lines. The legends. The craftsmanship was excellent. The detail was comprehensive. He already knew rough geography from Elise’s description. But seeing them in map format made his understanding of the region better. The scale was visible. The distances were measurable.

Ina started tracing her fingers on the map. Her trimmed nail followed the lines. The paths were illuminated. The directions were shown.

"Akela is basically surrounded by three mountains. In the North. It's called Akela Mountain range. There's an Old Stone Quarry and Lake Akela there."

She explained the geography. Provided context. Old Stone Quarry. Hint of where all the stones which made Akela come from.

She traced to another direction. To the east. The finger moved smoothly across the parchment.

"Akela Mountain will meet with Dragon's Tooth Mountain Range in the east."

She pointed at the south.

"Then stand alone on the south, past Forest of no Return. Southern Mountain Range. The village of yours should be in this direction."

Hyoren nodded. Ina believing he was from there. The lie was established. The fiction was maintained. He was not going to correct the established lie.

Ina then continued. Knowing Hyoren already understood. The lesson progressed. The information expanded.

"And in the west. There are vast plains after Fort Heljen. Home town of the Cat-clan of Beastkin. My hometown. Part of Theriarchic Union."

Ina concluded. Slight hints of nostalgic things in her voice when she talked about her hometown. The tone shifted. The memory surfaced. But it didn't last long. For her, a Beastkin who loved freedom, it seemed hometown was not something which brought too much sentimental reaction.

Hyoren looked at the map. Slowly understanding the geography. The villages and town. The King's Highway. The river. The lake. The forest. The fort. The picture formed.

"I see. This territory is quite vast..."

He then looked up at Ina. The question was forming. The clarification was needed.

"I can see this map freely right, Ina?"

He needed to make sure. If he couldn't, he might need to copy them to his journal. The preparation was necessary. The backup was prudent.

Ina smiled. Her tail swished behind the chair. The motion was content.

"You can't bring this map outside. But as long as you only look at it in this room. You can see it anytime."

She pointed at one shelf, marked with "Map Archive." The section was designated. The location was clear. The organization was logical.

"It will be on those shelves. You can find other regional maps too."

Hyoren nodded in understanding. The rules were clear. The restrictions were reasonable. The access was available.

"Okay Ina. That's good."

He then continued studying the map. Trying to etch the geography and key locations on his mind. Noting if there was some place where he wanted to visit. The mental map was forming.

Ina let him be. She sat on the chair. Both of her hands supported her chin. Her large amber eyes watched his every movement. Every mumble. Every hand trace.

Her head tilted to the left and right with slow rhythm, matching Hyoren's movement. The observation was keen. The attention was focused. The interest was genuine.

She was amused. Her interest in him kept soaring. She rarely found men, especially adventurers, who were as earnest and as studious as him. The combination was unusual. The dedication was rare. The contrast was refreshing. The predator found her prey is worth more than she originally thought.

***

After a while, Hyoren looked up. He was done studying the map. The geography was etched into his mind. The locations were memorized. The mental picture was complete.

"I think I already understand and memorized most of the important things, Ina. Thanks for the help."

He rolled the parchment. And set aside the map. The motion was careful. The edges aligned perfectly. Its purpose was done. The knowledge was absorbed.

Ina nodded. Removing her head from her own hand supports. The posture shifted. The attention returned. The session moved forward.

"Good. So what's next? These are the books I picked just for you."

She took the books from the side of the table, and spread them in the middle. The three books were arranged. The choices were curated. She pointed at them one by one. The introduction began.

"First. This is a basic monster encyclopedia. Then this is a book which lists most known skills, written by the Central Guild themselves."

Then she pointed at the leather-bound parchment. The book looked older. But still sturdy. The wear was visible. The age was apparent. But the binding was intact. The pages were preserved.

"And lastly. A copy of a journal from a past Platinum Rank Adventurer named Gregorius Altaria. He lived around 700 years ago. And his journal became some kind of guide for many adventurers who try to reach the top."

The name raised Hyoren's eyebrows. The recognition was immediate. Altaria. The kingdom's name.

Ina giggled. Knowing. The amusement was present. The revelation was intentional.

"Oh, you noticed. Fufu... Yes, Gregorius was prince of this kingdom, but before he took the crown to become King, he decided to become adventurer first. His coronation and Platinum rank ascension were given to him after he successfully repelled a brutal invasion of the Demon Army during the time he was active."

Ina looked up.The question was forming. The choice was offered.

"So, which one do you want to read first?"

Hyoren's hands automatically reached the leather-bound journal. The motion was instinctive.  The Story of a Hero.

By reading his journal, he might follow his path. The wisdom was preserved. The experience was recorded. The lessons were waiting.

Ina smiled mischievously. The expression was knowing. The anticipation was confirmed.

She looked at him with amused eyes. She knew Hyoren would reach that journal instantly. She picked the other books as extra. They would be forgotten the instant he found the journal.

"Ina, I think I will read about this first."

Ina giggled. The sound was satisfied. Vindicated. The prediction was correct.

"Fufu. I knew it. Okay, Hyoren. Enjoy it. Many people have similar reactions as yours when they found this book. Fufu."

Hyoren scratched his cheek. The reaction was understandable.  Heroic stories would always catch many people's attention.

He then took the journal. The leather-bound book felt good in his hand.

But before he could flip the cover. Someone knocked on the door to the reference room. And quickly entered. The sound was sharp. The intrusion was sudden. The moment was broken.

***

The door of the reference room opened to reveal the same bespectacled clerk Hyoren saw on the stairs. She was holding documents. Clutched to her chest. The grip was tight. The papers were pressed against her uniform.

She hurriedly went to Ina's side. The steps were quick.  The interruption was unavoidable.

Ina raised her eyebrows. Her head tilted. Her cat ears perked. She was confused about what happened. The relaxation was broken.

The young clerk leaned forward to Ina. Still clutching the documents. The proximity was close. The whisper was needed. The confidentiality was implied.

"Vice Guild Master..."

Ina shot a glance at the young clerk. Her eyes were sharp. The warning was clear. The correction was immediate. The clerk flinched.

"I mean... Senior Ina. Sorry for intruding on your rest day. But I need help for these documents."

The revelation shocked Hyoren. Ina was not only a senior clerk. But she was actually a Vice Guild Master of this Akela Guild Branch. The title was significant. The position was high. The authority was substantial.

Understanding dawned over him. It was no wonder every clerk respected her. No wonder she was so knowledgeable. She was second in command in the whole guild.

And it seemed she was humble enough to not let her own position blind her. From their interaction, she deliberately hid it. Forcing everyone to not call her by her official title. The humility was genuine. The contrast to her flirtatious nature was unexpected.

The young clerk slipped up unintended. The secret was revealed. The facade was cracked.

Ina sighed. Her cat ears deflated a little. The resignation was evident. The annoyance was present. But then she nodded. Her expression turned professional. The transformation was immediate.

"What happened, Rinne? Why not go to Guild Master if you need documents to be approved quickly?"

The young clerk—Rinne—bowed a bit. The explanation was needed.

"Guild Master suddenly went missing..."

Ina shook her head in exasperation. The frustration was familiar. The situation was recurring. The pattern was established.

"Again? Sigh... I wish Guild Master was more responsible... so I don't need to be burdened on my days off like this."

Hyoren watched their interaction with amused eyes. So many revelations which piqued his interest. The Guild Master was unreliable. The Vice Guild Master was burdened. The responsibility fell on those who shouldered it. The dynamic was clear.

Ina then nodded. The decision was made. The duty was accepted.

"Oh well, fine. I will review and sign them here."

Rinne then put the documents in front of Ina. The papers were arranged. The organization was methodical. She also gave her pens to write and sign. The tools were provided. The work was ready.

Ina looked up to Hyoren. Her face was apologetic. Upturned large amber eyes. Deflated cat ears. The expression was genuine. The regret was sincere.

"Sorry, Hyoren. Can you read by yourself for a bit? Thanks to someone being unreasonable, I need to work on my days off. I will try to do these documents quickly so we can continue chatting."

Hyoren smiled. Understanding. The situation was clear. The necessity was accepted.

"Don't worry, Vice Guild Master..."

Ina scowled. Her cat ears deflated even more. The reaction was immediate. The protest was evident.

"Stop calling me that... just call me Ina like you did before…"

Hyoren chuckled. The tease was intentional. The correction was natural.

"Haha. Sorry. Sorry, Ina."

He gestured to the leather-bound journal. The book was waiting. The content was ready. The time was available.

"Go do your work, Ina. And I will read this journal by myself while waiting."

Ina's expression softened. The gratitude was present. The appreciation was clear.

"Thanks, Hyoren."

Ina then quickly went over the documents which she needed to review. Rinne pulled a nearby chair to sit. The support was ready. Helping Ina switch documents and paper. Bringing her the point. Noting which part needed to be reviewed in detail. The collaboration was smooth and professional.

Ina's atmosphere was completely changed. There was no more playful and flirtatious cat. No man-eater. No predator. She was transformed.

In their place, there was a dedicated and professional Vice Guild Master. Stern face. Focused large amber eyes. Deflated cat ears. Tail which stopped swishing. The contrast was absolute. The difference was stark.

Hyoren watched her in the corner of his eyes. He tried to focus on the journal which made him so interested before, but he couldn't. The distraction was present. The observation was compelling.

The new sight of Ina actually made him awed. It was the first time he saw her like this. The contrast to her usual playful side was stark. But both actually blended perfectly. Creating a complex personality. The duality was not contradictory. The facets were complementary. The flirtatious cat-clan was more than she appeared. The professional was as real as the playful.

And something changed in his mind—a bud of interest started to grow.