Ghost explained that we were heading to the main part of the territory, specifically, to the home of a high-ranking creature.
After a moment of thought, he added that we were going to the home of Lion's boss.
When we finally arrived, the building left me speechless.
It looked like a gigantic net, but instead of holes, there were glass panes that flying creatures passed straight through. In the center, a massive chimney emitted glittery smoke.
Ghost looked like he was about to say something when Pinky suddenly tried to back away. Ghost attempted to hold him, but it was no use.. Pinky wouldn't stop struggling.
In the end, we decided to leave him outside.
Ghost admitted he had never been inside before. It turns out Lion's boss is a powerful magic user who tends to absorb stray amounts of magic.
No wonder Pinky was so terrified of going in.
.....
Inside, the building was even stranger than it had been on the outside.
Clouds of smoke drifted everywhere and creatures flew about carrying various items while unsupervised machines moved on their own.
I saw liquid flowing right out of thin air, with one creature busy trying to change its color.
Nearby, lights blinked like Christmas decorations, except they sprayed confetti every time they flashed.
Whatever Pinky had given me was the only thing keeping me sane.
There were portals everywhere and even Ghost was starting to look nauseous from all the flickering lights.
Suddenly, a plume of smoke appeared and out stepped a creature so massive its heads reached the ceiling.
It looked like a chimera straight out of a fantasy novel from Earth, except each of its three heads had only a single eye. It let out a hiss and the surrounding chaos instantly ground to a halt.
Thank goodness.
I heard footsteps and turned to see a miniature version of the giant chimera approaching me.
This one had two eyes on each head instead of one. It grunted, explaining that its vision had been distorted ever since it tried to grow those extra eyes.
I thought for a moment before sketching a pair of specialized eyeglasses in my notebook.
When they materialized, I sprinkled some of Lion's magic powder over them and voilà!
Eyeglasses with cylindrical lenses.
The miniature creature put them on and all its heads began to purr like cats, their voices blending into a wonderful harmony.
The little chimera looked thrilled with its new look. Seeing this, the gigantic chimera floated several blue and green jewels toward Ghost, who happily tucked them into his pouch.
I waved goodbye to the chimeras as Ghost and I exited the building.
Behind us, the internal chaos immediately resumed.
Once outside, I told Ghost that I thought the boss's offspring was adorable and that I'd wanted to carry it.
Ghost looked horrified. He hurriedly explained that the miniature chimera was Lion's boss and the giant one was actually the offspring.
Oh... I see..
Obviously, I didn't know!
But I still think the boss is cute.
....
We walked around for several minutes looking for Pinky.
As we searched, Ghost asked me why Lion hadn't been acting like himself lately.
Should I tell him? Can I actually trust him?
After a brief internal debate, I decided to change the subject.
I asked him where he had been the other night, the night when the moons, stars and the planet shone more brilliantly than usual.
He looked embarrassed and explained that the night was part of a local tradition where creatures attempt to form a bond with someone they are interested in.
Say what?
I asked suspiciously, pressing Ghost for more details.
In this world, people are very straightforward about their feelings, but they follow a specific step-by-step process to ensure both parties agree freely.
On that specific night, a creature shows affection by caressing the object of their desire.
Allowing the caress signifies trust and an openness to affection. It doesn't mean you've returned their feelings yet, they still have to win you over.
However, refusing to let them touch you indicates a lack of interest or trust.
I obviously hadn't known that!
I told Ghost that in my world, caressing usually leads to kissing. He looked shocked and told me that kissing doesn't happen for a long time. Establishing trust and security is the mandatory first step.
He told me there's a step even before that.
Now that I understood, I thought about all the times I had played with Lion's hair and how he always reciprocated.
I felt a wave of guilt. I liked him, but I wasn't ready for a relationship and I realized I had been overthinking things. I had enjoyed his attention without understanding the weight of my own actions.
According to Ghost, the second step is for the pursuer to do everything they can to impress the object of their desire. This could mean helping them constantly or increasing their displays of affection. You show your consent by reciprocating.
I see.
We had definitely done that, even if we hadn't technically started the first step on that specific night.
Ghost explained that the third step involves words of affirmation. The goal of this gradual process is to understand each other's needs and how they prefer to receive love.
That's why bonding is established first.
I understood the logic.
As I listened, I learned that receiving gifts and spending quality time are the final stages of the bond.
Even then, mating isn't guaranteed, it's still just a process of getting to know one another.
They value mates deeply. While some have more than one, most spend their entire lives together.
Only death ends a bond.
Hugging and kissing are only guaranteed once a couple agrees to mate in the future.
I had a hard time imagining some of these creatures hugging, but I also remembered that some species here don't need mates at all and can produce offspring on their own.
This world never ceases to amaze me.
Then it hit me. Lion and I had done almost every step... just not in the right order.
The only thing missing was words of affirmation.
I think.
No wonder Lion is so protective of me.