"Syr? What a coincidence! A friend of mine has a friend with that same name!"
Upon hearing the grey-haired girl's name, Sushang couldn't help but widen her eyes.
"Is that so?" Syr also looked surprised, but that surprise quickly melted into a smile. "If we're to become friends too, you'll have to think of a nickname for me, guest~"
"Oh, that shouldn't be necessary... I'm not actually that close to the other Syr; I've only heard about her through a friend. Besides, you don't need to call me 'guest.' Just call me Sushang."
"Then I won't stand on ceremony."
Syr reached out, took Sushang's right hand, and led her toward a seat at the bar. "Let's start here, Sushang."
There was quite a noticeable height difference between the two. Compared to Syr's 162 centimeters, Sushang's 150-centimeter stature made her look like a little sister being led by the hand. Even with her heels, Sushang only reached about 155 centimeters.
(A/N: I am genuinely stunned seeing Li Sushang's height. Sister, you look like you'd be nearly six feet tall—how are you so short? The image of the legendary swordswoman in my heart has taken a massive blow.)
Behind the bar, a tall, sturdy Dwarf woman standing at a full 180 centimeters watched Syr's movements and the girl she was pulling along with a stoic expression.
She didn't stop what she was doing until Sushang sat down at the bar.
"Yo! A new face. You just get to town?"
She looked to be in her forties and was on the heavier side, but the tension and elasticity of the muscles visible in her movements suggested she was far more than just a simple tavern owner.
That, combined with her hearty, resonant voice and straightforward way of speaking, instantly earned her a great deal of favor in Li Sushang's eyes.
Thinking that this was a rather specific plot point, she didn't feel the need to be evasive; after all, there was nothing secretive about what she was there to do.
"Yes, and if I may be honest with the proprietor, I'm here to find someone."
"Looking for someone, eh..."
Hearing this, Mia looked thoughtful, her eyes drifting toward Syr, who had just emerged from the back kitchen.
"Are you looking for a friend, or perhaps a relative of a client?" Syr asked with curiosity and warmth.
Seeing her demeanor, Mia confirmed her intentions.
After casting a complex look at Syr that she quickly withdrew, she said in a calm, measured tone, "If you can provide some information, we could help you post a commission."
This wasn't strictly according to the rules. Everyone had, to some degree, bypassed the Guild to post commissions, but it was usually kept under wraps.
However, Mia certainly wasn't a fool. Calling it a "commission" was just a veiled code; the specifics would still have to be discussed in private.
"That would be a huge help! I can't believe you'd do so much for me when we've only just met!"
Even though this was a well-known spot from the original story, Sushang didn't think this hospitality was extended to just anyone. Was there something special about her? Her outfit? That seemed highly unlikely.
She glanced at the smiling Syr. The proprietor seemed to care deeply about the grey-haired girl's actions. Perhaps Mia's warmth was simply because Syr was showing her such kindness?
Sushang didn't know the source of this goodwill, but regardless, since they had extended it to her first, she would make a note of it.
As for the hidden price of this kindness, she would decide on that when the time came.
"We aren't friends, and I haven't met her before—I've been entrusted to protect her," Sushang said.
"She's a human. As for her features... she has fluffy white hair with blue highlights, heterochromatic eyes in deep and light blue, wears a deep blue top hat, and is dressed in a formal gown of the same color. There is a lot of gold jewelry on both her dress and her hat."
The description was so detailed that it sounded less like she was looking for an adventurer and more like a young lady who had recently run away from home.
Coincidentally, both Mia and Syr knew exactly who she was talking about.
"You mean that little girl named Furina, don't you?" Mia asked.
"Do you know her, ma'am?"
Sushang hadn't expected to get a lead so quickly. Even though Furina's attire was anything but low-profile, surely someone with her wit wouldn't be acting too conspicuously?
"I wouldn't call it 'knowing' her, but she's certainly been the talk of the town the last couple of days. She's been performing as a singer at the Central Plaza fountain in the First District."
"I've heard many deities are trying to invite her to join their Familias, and our customers mention her constantly—some even claim her voice rivals that of Hathor."
Mia explained, "Although I haven't heard her myself, that is already an incredibly high standard of praise."
A voice capable of rivaling the gods even while housed in a mortal body was indeed a high compliment.
"At this hour, she should still be at the Central Plaza fountain," Syr said, tapping her cheek in thought.
"Then I need to get there as soon as possible!" Upon hearing this, Sushang jumped up, feeling anxious.
If it had been anyone else who ordered food and then ran off without even eating—even if it was a treat from the shop owner herself—Mia would have made sure that person learned the rules of her tavern.
But... this was a guest brought in by Syr.
Moreover, the girl didn't seem to view the person named Furina as just a "target," but appeared genuinely concerned that the girl might be in danger.
Even Mia hadn't seen many creatures as rare as that.
"Don't worry. It's a special menu item, so many people ordered it today anyway," Syr said with a smile, putting Sushang at ease. "So, it won't go to waste."
"Thank you, Syr! I am so sorry for letting you down!" Sushang pressed her palms together, her face filled with guilt. "I will definitely find a way to make it up to you!"
"It's fine, really. Don't worry about it."
Syr waved her hand dismissively. "Besides, you'd better go take care of what's important, Sushang."
"Yes... I must take my leave! I'm truly sorry!"
After apologizing once more to Syr and Mia, Sushang asked for directions to the First District and the Central Plaza.
She hurried out of the tavern, and under the watchful eyes of the two women, she tapped the ground with her toes and leaped into the air.
Neither of them could see how high or how far she jumped, but both knew that anyone capable of such power without the blessing of a god was no simple person.
Mia took one last look at Syr, noted her bright, joyful smile, shook her head, and pulled her gaze away.
With a target in mind, Sushang moved in a straight line toward the directions they had given.
While she was simply leaping across the rooftops, it was enough to take in the city's layout, and the Central Plaza in the First District was easily visible.
At the fountain, a girl stood waiting. That distinctively elaborate outfit and the highly recognizable, fluffy white hair allowed Sushang to lock onto her target immediately.
Thank goodness. It looked like she hadn't gotten into any real trouble yet.
--+--
T/N: If you want advance chapters, you can find it at [email protected]/AspenTL