The weekend had finally arrived. Saturday was here. Sona yawned and slowly sat up. Deltune and him had stayed up late last night planning their date. They ended up talking until the sun rose. Rubbing his eyes sleepily, Sona looked over to once again find Deltune and Saphira in his bed. 'Well, I suppose I'm getting used to this, so whatever.' He thought to himself and carefully climbed over Deltune. Today was the day Konotsune had asked Sona for that date. He needed to get ready. This was going to be another first for him. Sona grabbed his clothes from the closet and laid them across the desk in his room.
He picked out a purple, cotton button up and a pair of black khakis. He grabbed a pair of boxers from the drawer and laid them out before jumping in the shower. He took a quick wash and jumped out when he finished. Sona slipped into his clothes with regal elegance. He walked over to the bed and smiled at the two sleeping beauties. "I'm heading out," He whispered softly. Before he left, Sona kissed the cheeks of both Deltune and Saphira and exited the room.
Konotsune was waiting by the door outside Sona's room. "Casual greeting. Good morning, Sona," She called to him. Sona smiled sweetly at her.
"Kono, morning to you, too," He replied with a yawn. "I meant to ask, why do you do that?" Sona questioned. He took this chance to give her a once over. She had on a teal, short sleeved blouse, a black skirt that stopped below here thighs, and black over the knee socks.
"Query. Why do I do what?" She responded.
"When you say query, and obvious statement. Things like that," He asked a more specific question. "By the way, you um, you look very lovely," He complemented and scratched his cheek nervously.
"Gratitude. Thank you, Sona. You look very handsome yourself." She returned the compliment. "Apologies. Big Sis Ellie told me to do so, because I am unfamiliar with emotions. Sadness. She told me stating my emotions and my thoughts like this would help people understand me," She looked down at the ground as they started walking towards the exit. "Worry. Does that make you not like me?"
Even though she rarely showed emotion, Sona could feel her fear. "You're scared that I won't like you because you can't express your emotions?" Kono nodded in response to his question. "That's not it, Konotsune," He tried to assure her of his answer. He took her hand into his own as they walked. "All you need to learn is what each emotion feels like, and learn how to express them. I could teach you," He offered as the two of them descended down the stairs.
"Confirmation. Would you really be willing to teach me more?" Kono asked after some time had passed. They exited the dorms and began making their way to the Academy.
"Of course. On the condition you tell me where we are going," He joked back as the two of them pushed through the forest.
"Drasphia, Capital of the Brunfar Empire," She stated as the two of them exited the forest.
"The capital is miles away, though, right? How are we going to get there?" Sona asked as they made their way into the Academy Building.
"Gate." Kono stated simply.
"Gate?" Sona asked in confusion.
"Magic is used to create a Gate connecting two points, allowing for near instant movement between them. It costs a small fee for the use, but nothing to over the top," She explained as they passed by the Headmaster's office.
"Ah, Sona, my boy, is that you?" A wise voice echoed from the office. "Come in for a moment, if you wouldn't mind," Hawthorne extended an invitation to Sona. Kono and he walked into the room hand in hand. "Forgive me, I didn't realize you two were on a date," He half chuckled as he reached into his desk.
"Please think nothing of it, Headmaster. Any chance I get to speak with you is an honor. I actually wish to speak with you in private the next chance we get," Sona gave Kono's hand a gentle squeeze.
"Of course, of course. I'm always willing to be an ear for my students, but please don't waste your time. I forgot to give you and your roommate your allowances for this month," Hawthorne pulled out a bag that jingled with each movement of his hands. "As students, we assign you an allowance based on your abilities and your standing. Completing requests from the bounty board not only grants money upon completion, some even offer special items as a reward. The more jobs you complete, the higher your standing and the greater your allowance," Hawthorne pushed the bag towards Sona. "Ten Gold pieces each for you and Deltune. Now, I've kept you here long enough. Go, enjoy your date," Hawthorne laughed as the two of them left his office. "Ah, to be young once more," Hawthorne sighed as the door shut behind them.
"Is this a lot?" Sona looked at the bag in his hand as they walked.
"It's a decent amount. Ten Gold pieces equals ten thousand silver pieces. You can get most anything you want with silver," Kono explained as they reached the reception desk leading to the gate. "Imperial Capital Drasphia," Konotsune told the woman their destination.
"12 Copper for two people. Thank you, enjoy your travel," The woman took the silver piece from Kono and returned her copper in change. A dark doorway opened up behind her, brimming with mana. Inside the gate, Sona could see a magnificent city, with people going about their day. "Please proceed. Next," The receptionist returned to her work as the two students passed through the gate.
"So, how does money work in this world?" Sona questioned as he watched the exchange.
"Copper and Silver are the most common currency exchanged. One hundred Copper is the equivalent of one silver piece, and one hundred silver pieces is equivalent to one gold," Kono explained as the two walked towards the gate.
"Ah, it's just like those RPG's," Sona muttered to himself.
"RPG?" Kono questioned.
"It's nothing. So, I guess we just walk through?" He stood in front of the gate and touched it with his finger.
"Sona, you are cute," Kono giggled softly as she stepped through the gate.
"Did she...just laugh?" Sona was intrigued. It seemed like hanging around him was starting to have an effect. Whether this change would persist was another matter. Sona stepped through behind her.
The gate was sure enough almost instant. The area they were in quickly faded and was replaced immediately by the town they had viewed. "Whoa," Sona looked behind him as the gate closed. The area around them looked like a transit station. People waiting in line to use the gate, receptionists around to collect the fee. "It's almost like waiting for the trains in Okinawa," He whispered as he quickly followed after Konotsune.
"This is Drasphia," Kono pointed towards the center of town. "That giant wall separates the Noble Quarter from the Lower Quarter. Beyond that is the Royal Palace. The King of Brunfar and his wife live there. It's only on rare exceptions that commoners like us would even be allowed access to the Noble Quarter," She explained everything to Sona as they walked.
'She isn't explaining her thoughts anymore. Maybe she thinks I can comprehend her meanings now?' He pondered to himself.
Kono reached her hand back towards Sona. "Can we do that again? It felt...nice," She whispered back to him. Sona chuckled softly and took hold of her hand once more. "It's warm," She commented as they walked through the streets. It was packed full of people and vendors alike. "This is the vending district. Most anything from basic necessities to restaurants are located here," They walked past several places and Sona's stomach rumbled.
"Sorry," Sona chuckled as he scratched the back of his head, embarrassment evident on his face. "I skipped breakfast this morning," Sona explained as they stopped in front of a smoking shop.
"This place has the best grilled squid," Kono informed him. "Hi, two squid skewers, please," Konotsune placed their order.
"Coming right up. It's not everyday we see such a cute couple," The man laughed and threw down two skewers on the grill. "Since you guys look cute together, I'll even throw you a discount. 2 silver for both," He grinned ear to ear. Konotsune dug into her wallet but Sona beat her to the punch.
"Sorry this is all I have," Sona fished a gold piece and handed it to the man. He looked it over for a moment before biting into the gold.
"S'real alright, boy. Here's your change, 98 silver," He slid the money across the table. Sona took back most of it and left five on the counter.
"Keep that, sir. As a token of friendship. If these are as good as she says, I'll definitely be a repeat customer," Sona smiled and the man behind the counter burst into laughter.
"I like ya already, kid. Here," He handed the two skewers to Sona and gave them a free dessert. He leaned in closely to Sona. "Be sure and split it with that lovely lass over there. She's a keeper, my boy," The man said and moved on with his business.
"You are to kind, sir," Sona thanked the man and bowed before returning to Konotsune. He handed her one of the squid skewers and they took a seat on a nearby bench.
"This was supposed to my treat," Konotsune grumbled and puffed up her cheeks.
"Consider it payment for helping me learn more about this world. You can get the next one," Sona chuckled as he bit the skewer. The juices, mixed with the vegetables flooded his mouth. "Oh, man. That's good," Sona continued to dig into his skewer.
Konotsune's lips curled upwards a little as she dug into hers, as well. They ate in silence for a time. Once they were finished, Sona pulled out the dessert he was handed. "Sona, why did you buy this?" Kono gasped and looked up at Sona.
"The man gave it to me for free. Why is it not tasty?" Sona asked and looked at the small bowl in his hand.
"No, it isn't that," Kono started twiddling her fingers together.
"Then what's wrong?" He asked and watched her nervously.
"Well, um, this a dessert shared between lovers," She managed to get these words out and chewed on her lip nervously. "If you eat this with your partner, it's supposed to bless your union and um," Kono buried her face into her hands. "And help you conceive a child," Konotsune managed to blurt out the rest of her explanation.
Sona froze for a moment. 'Bless our union?' Sona's face lit up like a cherry and he nearly dropped the dessert. 'They have such superstitions here? But, it's a new world. What if it isn't merely a superstition?' Sona questioned as he grabbed a spoon and scooped up a little bit. "He was kind enough to give it to us. It would be wrong to waste such a favor, right?" Sona admitted shyly and watched Konotsune peek out from behind her hands. Her face was red like his, but she probably wasn't aware of that.
"That is..true," She whispered in her usual voice. "Then, Sona..." She leaned over and opened her mouth slightly.
Sona gulped and stared for a moment. 'This is actually happening. This can't be real, can it?' Sona was trembling as he slowly moved the spoon closer to her mouth. "Then, here, Konotsune," He smiled shyly.
"Ahhh," She said as she leaned forward and took a bite. "Mmm. It's so sweet," She placed her hands on both sides of her face.
"Really? Okay," Sona scooped up a spoonful for himself and lifted it to his lips. 'You know, if I wasn't a full grown man in a teenagers body, I would be embarrassed about this. It's almost like an indirect kiss.' He thought to himself and paused. 'Kiss?' His mind wandered to the kiss he shared with Ellie, Del, and Saphira. He looked over to Konotsune and she was staring at him. 'I can't back out now.' Sona thought and stuffed the spoon into his mouth. "Mm!" Sona's face lit up with glee. 'This is...ice cream!'
"Well, how was it? Eating from the same spoon?" She whispered softly. It was almost like she was embarrassed. 'I hope he doesn't think bad thoughts about eating after a devil-kin.' She thought to herself.
"I think it's cute that we are sharing one. This stuff is amazing! It's sweet and it tastes like something from my world," He said excitedly and took another bite. 'Man, this is wonderful. Sharing a bowl of ice cream with a beautiful woman.' He grinned happily as he offered Kono another bite. They shared the rest of the dessert and Sona sighed happily. "That was good. It sure was nice of him to give us that for free," He stood up and stretched his arms above his head. "What about blacksmiths and artisans? Do they exist here?"
"Blacksmiths do exist, but why would you need to buy a weapon? Can't you summon your own?" Konostune asked in confusion.
"Summon...my own?" Sona was now the one confused.
"Oh, right. You wouldn't have learned this since you weren't born here. Every mage forms a pact with a weapon when they are young. If the weapon accepts you as it's master, you can call on it whenever you have need," Konotsune explained and stood up, too. "Then, maybe ask the Headmaster? He could probably help," Konotsune offered and grabbed Sona's hand again. "Anyway, let's continue our date while I still have you all to myself," She assumed her normal expression again.
"Alright, alright. Well, let's find a jewel smith, first," Sona smiled as the two of them walked hand in hand down the street again.
Raised voices could be heard getting louder as they neared the center of town. "What's going on?" Sona asked as they grew closer.
"People Of Drasphia! Hear my words!" A demanding voice resounded over the crowd. The murmurs of the crowd died down quickly. Sona stepped through the crowd to the front.
Standing in the middle was a man dressed in robes. Sona figured he was some sort of religious leader. "Bring out the accused!" The man barked and two knights walked to the center, chains in hand. Following behind them was a little girl who couldn't be older than ten years old.
"What in the hell?" Sona blurted out and clenched his fists.
"Sona, don't," She grabbed his balled up fist and tried to calm him down.
"On two counts of theft, and one count of arson. By the power vested in me by the king of Drasphia, we hereby condemn the accused to death," The man spoke with malice in his voice. His eyes held disgust when he looked at the child. She definitely wasn't human. Two small ears rested on her head and a tail followed behind her.
"She's just a child." One whispered to a nearby man.
"Isn't death to extreme for someone so young?" Another person nearby grumbled.
'Then do something!' Sona shouted in his mind. 'None of you agree with this, and yet none of you can speak up?! What's wrong with you!!' Sona started trembling as the Knights put the girl under the guillotine.
"Look at her, though. She isn't a human. Disgusting," Another man spat out these words nearby.
"No, no! Please! I'll pay! Just give me some time! I don't want to die!" The girl begged, pleaded and struggled but she was helpless against two grown men.
The crowd had become antsy but still nobody spoke up. 'If nobody does something, she'll be killed.' Sona's body started trembling. 'Should I step in? What can I do? Is it right to interfere?' Sona's internal struggle against his morals and his logic was being waged.
"We shall now commence with the execution! Guards, ready the guillotine!" The man barked out more orders.
'I can't! I won't!' The battle was over. Sona rushed into the center of the group.
"Sona!' Konotsune called out, but it was to late. Sona was now the center of attention.
"STTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPP!" Sona screamed at the top of his lungs. The crowd went silent and the man stared at Sona with cold eyes.