Chapter 5
113.
As the discussion continues, Kita's group begins to tell their journey. Since they are proud of their recent achievement, the group presented the Mystical Runekey first. Everyone can barely believe their eyes, the artifact is truly outstanding yet frightening.
Proceeding to the next topic, the mood entirely changed when the group presented the documents that they found. The odd reactions of the Rodent Kemis when Catgirls cross their realm, strongly suggest that they were not the first foreign Kemi who visited the land. The pieces of evidence in the dungeon also tell that whoever made the hidden room, is not a resident of BijouTerra. If so, then it should have been a smaller room in terms of height. Everything interconnects as it all points to a strong theory; there's already something that's happening beyond their knowledge, and they are evidently behind the curve.
While the group was explaining their theories, Queen Grace was evidently bothered by the conversation. Eve noticed it and signaled Kita's group about the Queen.
"Aaaa… Ano… Queen Grace, is everything alright?" Hana politely asked.
Queen Grace was shocked when she heard her name, it looked like she had been spacing out. "Ha-hai. I'm sorry, something just came up. Please excuse me." She replied as she immediately ended the video call. At that moment, a short silence occurred, they were all worried about Queen Grace.
"Being a Queen is surely tough, should we continue the discussion?" Rubi asked.
"Maybe it's better to continue the rest of the conversation at the Royal Castle. We are already done with this island anyway." Kita suggested.
"I agree, it looks like Queen Grace is in no condition to participate in our discussion as of now," Maiko replied.
"If everyone agrees, then I'll gather our troops and prepare our leave," Raven said.
"Haaaaiii." They all responded.
Since everyone agreed to the suggestion, the meeting was adjourned for now. Kita's group assisted Ridsae and Raccus back to BijouTerra while Furo remained in the UniPaws. Afterward, the gate closed as the Kemis on the island packed up everything and headed back to Kemitopia.
As of now, everyone is quite tired from all of the hard work that they exerted. They all know that a ride from the King of the Sea will be problematic due to too much speed, plus they cannot hold tight in their current state. On the flip side, cruising only by ship will take them days. To solve the dilemma, Lulu summoned the Century Turtle to lift their ships. This Giant Beast is definitely slower than the King of the Sea but faster than an ordinary ship, making him the perfect option according to what they wanted. This time, Lulu named the Giant Beast "Centy", she loves putting "i" or "y" at the end of the name of her pets.
The two ships are preparing for the journey; the first one that they all board, and the second one that was supposedly on the Zenshin but was pulled back by Thirdy. As everything is finally set, Centy lifts the ships, perfectly fitting at the back of the Giant Beast, after all, Centy is way smaller than Thirdy. Without further ado, off to the Kemitopia, they go.
Thirdy could have crossed that distance in half a day, but with Centy, the voyage took a whole day. Eventually, they land at the dock of Kemitopia. The Royal Guards with the help of the scientists check their resources and equipment, making sure that everything is prepared for the next mission. On the other hand, the group made their way to the Royal Castle, hoping that Queen Grace is in a better state now.
As they set foot at the front gates, the Royal Guards in the vicinity escorted the group toward the Queen. When they entered the meeting room, they saw the Queen reading tons of papers while Rin and Lisa were helping. Queen Grace looks way worse than yesterday, she has been restless after hearing the discoveries.
"Queen Grace, what's happening to nyu?" Hana worriedly asked as they all approached her.
"I'm fine… Don't worry about me." Queen Grace answered.
"We've been telling her to get some rest but she won't take our advice," Rin said.
"Since when did she start working like this?" Raven asked.
"I saw her last night working here when I delivered an order and when I came back early this morning, she was still here working. That's when I called nee-san." Lisa replied.
"Why are nyu suddenly searching the archives non-stop?" Kita questioned.
"Because that Kemi nyu hypothesized that went to that realm," Queen Grace said as she stood up, "He… He could be King Luke… My father." She emotionally added while looking at Kita. Everyone was shocked by what they heard.
"But there's still a chance that it could be someone else, right?" Yuna argued.
"I feel like Queen Grace is right. Hana and I secretly talked while we were in BijouTerra. Both of us thought that the timing fit perfectly. That's why we wanted to ask Queen Grace when exactly King Luke disappeared. But it looks like Queen Grace already connected the dots." Kita replied to Yuna.
"When exactly did your father disappear?" Rubi asked.
"It's been a decade since he vanished, along with his followers." Queen Grace answered.
"We can do age-dating or carbon dating, to know exactly how old those documents are. Usually, papers in Kemitopia were made in the same year as they used it, right?" Rubi suggested.
"That process may take a while but I think it's worth trying. At least it can tell us whether it belongs to the same timeline when King Luke disappeared." Eve replied to Rubi.
"That's a great idea! While they are studying the documents, we can go to the next realm." Kita said.
"That means the Queen doesn't have to work so much, we can just wait for the results," Rin added.
After hearing the opinions of the group, Queen Grace finally came back to her senses. "I-I'm sorry, I was just caught up by the moment. I acted impatiently, wanting to know more in that instant. Those suggestions are indeed better than overthinking." Queen Grace apologized as she calmed down.
Queen Grace may have a strong image as the young ruler, but she is evidently sensitive whenever her father is involved in the equation. Oftentimes, her personal sentiments may affect her rationale, but it's understandable since Queen Grace carries the responsibility of bringing King Luke back, including his followers.
114.
With pending tasks for everyone, the Catgirls are divided for now. The maids went back to their cafe. Eve, Rubi, and Celeste made their way to the laboratory in Kemitopia, a research facility made months ago, solely for them. Raven and Maiko went back to the ship that they boarded earlier, the two of them will monitor the restocking process of their team. Whereas the group that explored the dungeon in BijuoTerra was given a room for them to rest.
"This place is truly amazing, everything is huge! It is also refreshing to see other fellow Rodent-type Kemis here." Furo said.
"If this place is mind-blowing for nyu, wait until nyu see Zenshin," Yuna responded.
"What about Zenshin?" Furo curiously asked.
"It's like the future. Imagine FeLinE but as a place." Lulu answered.
"That's a bit weird comparison but I do get where you are coming going…" Furo responded.
While the three of them are randomly chatting, Kita is just by the window, looking far away. Hana approached her and asked, "Is it still bothering nyu? Nyu can share your thoughts with us, I'm sure that might help."
"It's not like we don't know what's happening, just free your mind," Yuna added.
Kita looks at them as she deeply sighs. "It's just that, I remember the time when Queen Grace kneeled in front of me, asking me to help her find King Luke. When I saw her react like that earlier, I realized how heavy the situation is for her," she said.
"I do remember that moment, Queen Grace was determined to find the missing Kemis since day 1," Hana replied.
"Then we should not let her efforts go to waste, I mean we found something connected to King Luke while searching the realms. We already got 1 out of 7 Mystical Runekeys, we could find more clues along the way, right?" Yuna said, trying to lighten the mood and boost their spirits.
"FeLinE is already ready to go to the next one," FeLinE:1000X stated.
"Let's go right now!" Lulu shouted.
"The ship is not yet ready," Furo replied.
"Then let's go when the ship is ready!" Lulu immediately changed her statement.
"Chuu~ more shiny objects, more fun," Pily commented.
"Thanks, everyone, I do feel better now," Kita said as she finally smiled.
"What if we visit the cafe? I miss Trio Brews and Sweets." Hana suggested.
"Oh, I miss being a maid! Let's do it!" Lulu excitedly replied.
"I have an idea! Maybe FeLinE will look good in those uniforms." Kita said.
"Don't mock FeLinE. FeLinE looks good on everything." FeLinE:1000X responded.
"Ho, FeLinE is really fired up lately. Let's get things going then!" Yuna commented.
Since the group has a lot of time to spare, they swiftly head to Trio Brews and Sweets. From a distance, the maid cafe is evidently busy, the place is not yet full but customers keep on coming one after the other. The group excitedly proceeded to the cafe, and as soon as they entered the door, 2 familiar voices greeted them.
"Irasshaimase~" Mae and Mittsy warmly welcomed them. They then realized that it was Kita's group. "IT'S THEM!" Mittsy loudly said. "I'm so happy to see nyu all!" Mae added.
"Hallooo! How's everyone doing?" Kita replied.
"We're doing great! The cafe is now a famous place here in Kemitopia!" Mae proudly said.
"Lulu!" Coco shouted from the kitchen as she immediately came out to hug Lulu.
"I missed nyu Coco!" Lulu said as she also embraced Coco.
A few seconds later, Mae realizes that Kita's group is still a customer. "Oh wait, right this way. I'll assist nyu to the table," she added.
"Don't worry about it, we are not here as customers, we are here for something else," Yuna responded.
Mae and Mittsy tilt their heads to the right, confused by the statement. In the next instant, Aoi came out of her room, casually checking the main hall.
"There she is!" Lulu excitedly said.
"Hello, Rin and Lisa are in the office right now. Should I call them?" Aoi asked.
"We already met Rin and Lisa earlier at the castle. We are here for nyu! We have a request if nyu don't mind." Kita answered.
"Sure, I'm free today, what can I help nyu with?" Aoi gladly asked.
The group told Aoi about their plan, they wanted to be part of the cafe for the whole day. Furo and Pily can be the butlers assisting from the front door, while the rest of them will be maids in the cafe. Rin approved their request without a second thought, giving Aoi the go signal to create uniforms for Furo, Pily, and FeLine for free. After all, the group is no stranger to them.
Since Aoi is working in Francois, the most famous clothing line in Kemitopia, she now has new sewing equipment and machinery in her room. Aoi can work in the office or in her room, but it's obvious where she prefers to do her craft. Because of the upgraded equipment, creating new uniforms did not take that much time. A bowtie for Pily, a casual butler suit for Furo, and a maid dress similar to what they are wearing for FeLinE. Kita and the others changed into their uniforms first, and then FeLinE was the last one to do so. While they were waiting in the hallway, Rin and Lisa joined them.
Eventually, FeLinE finally comes out of the room. Aside from the pool party that they celebrated, this is the first time that the Catgirls saw FeLinE wear something different from her white theme. Usually, FeLinE will only wear white clothes, but now that she is wearing a black maid dress, her facial features are highlighted even more, especially her yellow eyes.
"She's cool…" Yuna commented.
"This is the first time I saw a maid but with a strong presence. Maids are usually passive in nature." Rin added.
"This is great! A new image for the maids. Nee-san, this can be a special day for the cafe!" Aoi excitedly said.
"FeLinE told nyu, FeLinE looks good on anything." FeLinE:1000X confidently said.
"At this point, her monotone voice doesn't surprise me anymore. It all makes sense, especially because of her character." Lisa mentioned.
"What are we waiting for? Let's start serving!" Kita energetically initiated.
"Hai!" The rest responded.
115.
The Catgirls follow Aoi's sudden idea, Mae and Mittsy write "Special-day" on the blackboard by the entrance of the cafe, while the rest get to their corresponding positions. The theme for the Special-day event is customers can request a specific maid that they want to serve them, a twist on the usual service in Kemitopia. This one-time event spread to the town like wildfire, which resulted in a fully loaded cafe.
"Rasshaimaseyn!" Furo greeted the long line of customers.
"Chuu~ do you mean irasshaimase?" Pily questioned Furo.
"That's what I said, samurai-mase!" Furo greeted again, trying to mimic the proper greetings for the customers.
Meanwhile, the Catgirls are incredibly busy inside the cafe. To make it a competition, they earn a point whenever someone requests their service, and the winner will get a simple reward. Kita is with Lisa making beverages, Lulu helps Coco in the kitchen, Rin is the one who supervises everyone, and the rest are service maids competing for the prize. They thought that it would be a close one, but it seems like FeLinE is winning by a landslide. Customers are even willing to wait just to be served by her.
"Nyu should prepare her reward by now…" Kita said as they watched FeLinE serve.
"At this point, we are kinda the reserve maids for customers that can't wait for FeLinE…" Yuna added.
"I told nyu, her cold, emotionless, and monotone voice is something new! Nyu can see the customers chill to their spines after talking to FeLinE." Aoi proudly said.
"At least FeLinE is having fun, I think…" Hana responded.
"That means, we have to bake more, back to the kitchen!" Lulu said while leading the charge.
"Hai!" Coco replied as she followed Lulu.
Time quickly passes by and later on, the working hours come to an end. The last batch of customers left as the maids closed the cafe, it was indeed an overwhelming service. While they are resting, Rin shows up and gives FeLinE the reward that was promised to the winner, a new white sweater made by Aoi. FeLinE may look good in a black dress, but wearing white clothes is what FeLinE prefers. Now she has something cozy to wear at night.
As the day ended, Kita's group left the premises and headed back to the Royal Castle. Doing something else besides their mission is actually a good way for them to chill out a bit and not overthink, helping the group rinse off some pressures on their shoulders.
The next morning rises, and it's time for the group to continue their quest. Queen Grace and the maids went to the dock to wish the group the best of luck on their journey. For now, Eve and Rubi will stay at Kemitopia since they are not yet done with carbon dating, the two of them will follow after gaining the result. This time, Thirdy was summoned to bring their ship to the next island, though Lulu told him to slow down a bit for the sake of the crew.
Eventually, the team reached the island where another Ruin was located, it was pretty close to the first island they'd been through. When everything is settled, Kita, Hana, Yuna, Lulu, and Furo stand in front of the Ruin as FeLinE uses the Runekey to open the gates. The circle in the middle glows as a portal begins to widen. On their second quest, the next realm is the Noctambulist Land.
"Be back soon!" Kita shouted as their group entered the portal.
Looking around the place, it seems like they are in the middle of the forest. Luckily, it is still daytime, they can still explore the place and look for the nearest village or town in the area. With that, they immediately start crossing the forest with the lead of FeLinE and her Relic.
While they are walking, Yuna randomly says, "The forest is kinda weird, don't nyu think?"
"Yeah, the trees are tall!" Furo answered.
"Trees are naturally tall Furo," Hana replied.
"Oh yeah, I forgot that I came from a small realm," Furo responded.
"What do nyu mean by kinda weird?" Kita asked Yuna for clarification.
"Well, all of the flowers aren't blossoming, I haven't spotted one since we got here," Yuna answered.
"That's true! There are no beautiful flowers here, all of them are closed." Lulu added.
"They are Night-blooming plants," FeLinE:1000X responded.
"I guess that explains why," Yuna replied.
"Wait, there are plants that bloom at night? Are they the enemy of Dayflowers?" Kita raised some questions.
"Why not? If Kemis are allowed to wake up at night, flowers should too. Freedom for flowers!" Lulu said. She used to take care of flowers in the Central tribe, but this was the first time that their group encountered Night-blooming plants.
The group continues to seek through the forest. As of now, they managed to cross half of the distance towards the nearest village, meaning the civilization is quite far from the Ruin. After a couple of short breaks, drinking water, and eating some fruits, the daylight is slowly diminishing. Fortunately, they found a dirt pathway with night lamps on the side relatively close to each other.
"Look, that means we are close to a town, or city, or village. At this point, I'm not sure what type of civilization exists here," Kita mentioned as she pointed at the night lamps.
"That's a relief, the day is also almost over. We can finally rest there," Hana said.
Following the dirt pathway led them to the village. In plain sight, there are different styles of houses, some are in caves, while others are treehouses. It looks like Kemis in this realm use nature itself as the foundation of their homes. The houses are also built with a mixture of modern styles, using cement but mostly wood for the rest. As the group wanders, the place is somewhat lifeless even though it is just late afternoon.
"Where are the Kemis?" Kita questioned.
"The Relic shows that they are inside their houses," FeLinE:1000X answered.
"All of them at this time? It's quite early for them to go inside." Kita replied.
"Wait, maybe it's a precaution about something… Maybe something bad comes out during this hour, that's why they are all already inside their houses!" Furo hypothesized.
With a convincing point, Kita, Hana, Yuna, and Lulu put their guards up, though it looks like FeLinE does not care about the scenario at all.
End of Chapter 5