OfficalJNES

Anyway, I created a group chat called Hololive Fanfic Study. I set it up so I can encourage people to write Hololive fanfics as well as bounce ideas off them. I hope to make it a fun experience for those want to join.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26391508

Ran stewed after sleeping in his bed for a couple of days. 

It was getting old only being able to slightly rotate his body in bed. This was getting tiring. 

Who knows how long Anak has gotten far ahead of him now? Ran won’t allow it. Ran tried getting up for the 20th time today, but his body won’t let him. 

What was the alternative…. 

Maybe Ran could think of other things that weren’t so bothersome as Anak. 

Like his victory against Inieta. If he could work on surviving longer in battles against foes like Inieta, then he won’t have to rest so longer after these battles. 

Floor 77th of the Tower, home to the Wolhaiksong organization. 

While most regulars would make sure to get up to the next floor as soon as possible, there were two regulars who chose to stay behind after their team had already left.

Wangnan and Miseng. If you had met them on the 20th floor, you would think they were the type of Regulars to stay on that floor, never to venture up.

But against all odds they were up here. Adminst the thuds of the grass they were walking on, they have made way to their destination. A nearby forest.

Blueberry was sitting at the entrance to the forest. He was playing his Gameboy. “Hey there” Miseng introduces herself. 

Blueberry didn’t pay her much mind, which is either because Miseng wasn’t worth the attention she deserved or that the game is more immersive.

Rather than lose his patience, Wangnan took out the Wolhaiksong insignia and put it in front of Blueberry’s face. 

A game over sound played a few seconds later.

“Ok, you can go in,” Blueberry said. He pointed them through, then went away to start a new file. Wangnan and Miseng shrugged at the odd behaviorist then went deep into the forest. 

It didn’t take long until they discovered the reason they stayed on this floor. It was Baam standing in a clearing. Baam turned his head, only to light up upon Wangnan and Miseng arriving. 

“Wangnan, and Miseng!” Baam said, walking over to give each of them a welcoming hug. 

Wangnan let a gasp by how much Baam had grown. It gave him almost the same feeling of dread when he met Jinsung for the first time. 

“It’s good to see you again” Miseng bowed politically. 

“You don’t need to bow to me, I have enough of that from my FUG admirers” Baam chuckled, allowing Miseng to lift up her head. 

“But I might say you two grown up so much” Baam commented, crossing both of his arms with a light smile.

“Climbing the Tower does that to me, I still haven’t found my parents through” Miseng said, disappointed. 

Baam paused in thought. “I’m sure if you survive to be a Ranker, you’ll be able to wish for the location of your parents” he said. 

“Baam, Yiwha told me to tell you she’s not pleased with you that you haven’t came back to help her when she was in prison,” Wangnan said. 

“I don’t blame her. I was tied up in the war against Zahard, I had to keep climbing, and I’m just hiding out here training. I’m thankful that you were able to rescue her from the prison” Baam said. 

“Oh, one last thing, Yiwha said she’ll forgive if you meet her in person. “ Wangnan said. 

“Is she on this floor then?” Baam asked. 

“No, last time I was in contact with Yiwha, she said she’s going to meet up with Khun” Wangnan said. 

“That’s great, then I’ll be able to meet with her then soon.” Baam said. 

Wangnan could spot Hwa Ryun hiding away in the trees. 

Baam noticed the direction of Wangnan’s eyes to Hwa Ryun’s hiding spot. He could only shake his head. 

After rescuing his master and gaining momentum from curious FUG Elders, Baam went to the ship where Androssi had kept Traveller captive.  

“Hey Traveller,” Baam said, examining his beaten condition. 

“Oh, Viole, I don’t suppose you could get me out of here” Traveller said, weakly grasping against the ropes holding him. 

“I can’t do that yet. I know you have travelled with Rachel for some time, I want to know what you know” Baam said. 

“You think I would know anything you don’t. Rachel just talks about wanting to see the stars, and using people for her goals” Traveller said. 

“Baam, I know you’re not a fan of it, but we’re going to have to do something drastic if we’re going to get information out of him” Androssi said. 

“Drastic?!” Traveller said. 

“Traveller, I’m going to ask you one more time, is there anything you know about Rachel that I don’t know?” Baam asked. 

“I don’t think so. It’s bad enough Androssi is torturing me, please don’t sink to her level” Traveller said, shaking around in his confinement. 

“I’m sorry, but if I’m going to prevent Rachel from hurting more people, I need to know what she has been doing,” Baam said. He applied shinsu pressure onto Traveller. Traveller resisted at first, but the pressure was too much and he begged for release. 

“Are you going to talk now!” Androssi said, grabbing the back of Traveller’s hair.

“Yes, I don’t know if you already know this, but this was when she was on the Hell Train.” Traveller said. 

“Ok, go on” Baam said. 

“Rachel was engaging Wangnan and his two of his friends died because of Rachel.” Traveller said, catching his breath. Androssi let go after Traveller’s confession.

“Wait, can you remember their names?” Baam inquired, leaning in. 

Traveller took a minute to think. “I can remember afterwards that it was Arkraptor and Prince,” he said. 

“Arkraptor and Prince…” Baam said the names out aloud. At first the names didn’t register, then the memories bounced back when he submitted to the name of Jue Viole Grace. He thought he wouldn’t be able to have friends, but was able to find companionship in team Sweet and Sour. 

The shinsu pressure was acting off Baam at an increased rate, so much so that the Shinsu density caused Traveller to faint out of shock. 

“Baam?!” Androssi said, taken aback. 

“How?! Rachel, no no, I didn’t know…” Baam bit his lower lip, released a loud sigh, and started clawing at his face. . 

“Stop!” Androssi rushes over, grabbing both of Baam’s hands before he could cause facial injuries to himself. 

“Now of all times, I found out about this! How was I not informed of this?!” Baam cried, despair evident on his face. 

“I’m not sure, just contain yourself, it’s going to be ok” Androssi said, she hugged him despite her body trembling from his aura. 

The shinsu pressure eventually died down as Baam let out a few shaky tears. 

“It’s ok” Androssi smoothed Baam, her fingers caressed Baam’s hair.

“I just wished I was there with them,” Baam said. 

“We can’t be everywhere at once, that’s the way this tower works” Androssi said. 

“If that’s so, then I’m going to change the way this tower functions” Baam said. 

“If that’s what you want, promise me you won’t become a monster in the process” Androssi said. 

“I’m sorry, I already became one,” Baam said, letting go of Androssi. He materialized the blue horn and red horn. 

Androssi closed the distance to hug him tighter. “You’re too self aware to be a monster yet, don’t hold yourself down. If you get closer to becoming that, I’ll drag you away from becoming one, whether Zahard, FUG, or even yourself” she said, gently holding him closer. 

After a short while, they let go. Baam looked at her, and smiled, drying his tears. He took a deep breath. “Thank you, I needed that,” he sighed. 

“No problem. You had me scared for a minute” Androssi smiled, letting out an awkward chuckle.

“I’m sorry, Androssi. If I had known-” 

“Then what, you would bottle them inside for me. Baam, I realized for a while, there wasn’t any way you’re going to make it up the tower without it affecting you. So I want to do the best I can to help you” Androssi said, putting one hand on Baam’s shoulder. 

“So, about apprehending Rachel?” Androssi asked in expectation of either a strong no or a hesitant yes.

“Can we please have that discussion for another day?” Baam responded. 

Just to give a quick warning, this is a chapter from a fanfic I already wrote called Beneath the Surface. I can’t come up with anything besides the beach (which is the generic option), so I figured it would be better to use this for today. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

FLOOOSH!

A group of regulars plus an irregular appeared on an open plain via teleportation.

After adjusting, Khun gazed around to assess the environment, ‘there’s got to be a trap from all these repeated floor designs recently.’

Now that the situation had been assessed, Khun turned around to also assess his group.

Boro, Sachi, Bero Bero, Cherry La, and Yiwha seem to be alright, but there are a few people missing.

Baam and Rak sneaked out again. Khun sighed, ‘at least they could have said something.’ Old habits do die hard.

A pink light appeared in the sky and was headed in the direction of the town.

‘What’s gotten Androssi all excited now?’ The thought entered Khun’s mind, but it wasn’t worth dwelling on for too long. She’s just the next person on the list after Baam, Rak, and Hwa Ryun to disappear on him without him knowing most of the time.

Ran and Anak are missing as well. They either gone training on their own, or Androssi must have taken them to tour the town.

“Look at the time, I got to go talk to Miseng. She’s calling me pretty soon. You know how it is with teammates.” Wangnan clapped before walking to the town as well.

As a matter of routine, the group dispersed to the town up ahead to do their own thing.

‘A town as small as this should have a few places open for us’ Khun started to walk towards the town as well out of his own volition

“Hey, do you mind if I spend some time with you?” a voice rang out besides Khun.

He turned to the side and saw Yiwha as the source of the question. Khun considered it for a moment. Isn’t it odd that someone who probably could find as much entertainment in a town as Androssi, would want to spend that time with someone who wouldn’t be much fun in the first place.

“Aren’t you going to go along with Wangnan?” Khun asked.

Yiwha shook her head, smiling as well.

“I already talked to her earlier. From what I heard, she’s going well in her training. Though, I don’t know if she’s ready enough to catch up to us at the rate we’re passing these floors” Yiwha expressed herself openly.

“If she wants it this badly, we might meet her soon. Though, I expect a delay once we get up to more floors. Based on my experience, usually when you’re experiencing an easier time compared to normal, there’s something bad about to happen” Yiwha hummed thoughtfully to Khun’s provoking statement.

“I suppose. But still, wouldn’t it be better to worry about the future under a roof and dinner in your stomach” Yiwha suggested.

Kuhn gave out an amusing smile. “When you say it like that, it looks like renting a house is going to be much easier this time.”

“They’re all rented out….” Khun mumbled, walking alongside Yiwha in the outskirts of the town.

It was no good, every single house and apartment had been rented out due to a local festival. You wouldn’t think this was the case if you looked at the town from the distance. Androssi must have known if she was in a rush all of a sudden.

“It’s ok, these things happen sometimes.” Yiwha said out of assurance.

“It’s not good enough. What am I supposed to say to the team?” Khun turned to Yiwha, confused on what to do next.

“Well, I wouldn’t be the first person to go for it, but we could do some camping” Yiwha suggested.

“You and I don’t seem like the type of people to go camping.” Khun rebutted, pointing out the obvious.

“Well for someone who spent over a decade climbing the tower, how come you never camped!” Yiwha responded.

“I never needed to camp. What’s your excuse?” Khun asked.

“There wasn’t any dire circumstances that would force me to camp in the outdoors, besides I’m a fire hazard anyway, who knows what natural ecosystems I could destroy.” Yiwha said.

‘That’s a bit of exaggeration.’ Khun was dumbfounded. How can one regular be that dangerous?

“I suppose I’ll look for a campsite, how about-“

“Khun, it’s ok, I’m fine with helping you.” Yiwha put a hand on Khun’s shoulder as a sign of reassurance.

“If you say so.” Khun mumbled, which Yiwha took as a sign to take her hand off his shoulder. “However, there might be a few campsites scattered in that nearby forest.” Khun said.

Yiwha resisted the urge to let her body shiver at the possibility of encountering any creepy crawlies in the undergrowth of that forest.

Everybody’s going to have to make sacrifices every now and again.

Hwa Ryun walked through the countryside, the night lighting her way as her light footsteps thud against the ground.

‘It seems the night sky looks good tonight. Shame that there’s no stars here. I’m wondering how Rachel is currently doing, how close is she to making my god complete his transition. This must be done for the good of the tower.’ Hwa Ryun thought as she continued her merry stroll.

“Hey! Mrs Hwa Ryun” Baam called out from up ahead.

Hwa Ryun stopped in her tracks at the sight of Baam coming up to meet her.

“Viole, what’s the manner?” Hwa Ryun asked, alert but from the looks on Viole’s face, it didn’t seem all that urgent.

“Oh, nothing. I thought you could use some company.” Baam said.

‘First Khun, then Wangnan, and now Baam. Are they seriously afraid of their futures that they would try to befriend me in the attempts of not having to listen to me anymore. I honestly don’t blame them.’ Hwa Ryun thought in her mind.

Only a guide like her can comprehend how the tower changes someone. Besides, it’s not like Viole is going to be attached to his friendly personality forever, so it’s best to enjoy it before it disappears forever.

“You do me more then the honours. I suppose training isn’t enough for you?” Hwa Ryun asked.

“It’s not that, Rak prefers his time for solitary training. I’ve been worrying Mr Khun for more then I would have liked. So, I want to make amends for it.” Viole said.

“That’s nice, but if you don’t keep training, how else are you going to protect them from Zahard” Hwa Ryun suggested to Viole.

Hwa Ryun’s statement threw Viole off but it didn’t stop him from offering his response.

“I don’t know, that’s what I been thinking about recently. I want to help my friends in the best possible light, but is this actually working out…” Baam said, downtrodden.

“Hmmm… That is unfortunate, but I can at least assure you when you achieve your divine ship, perhaps a few will survive to see a new era in the tower.” Hwa Ryun said.

“I want to least change that few to many. But I don’t think Mr Khun will like me as a god” the dreaded topic slowed Viole’s enthusiasm enough to match Hwa Ryun’s melancholic

“He’s someone worth listening to, but again, so am I.” Hwa Ryun said.

Viole’s inquisitive look reminds her that he does have a hard time comprehending her, as it goes for most people she talks to.

“Regardless of whether you listened to him or me, I would still believe you will arrive at the same conclusion. It’s a matter of choosing a path at a crossroads, that doesn’t really offer you any differences.” Hwa Ryun said.

“So it’s all subjective…” Baam mumbled. “Enough about me already, I’m glad to see you…” Baam fumbled for a bit. “Taking care of your health.”

Hwa Ryun shrugged. “That’s the least anyone would do, definitely such a long way up into the tower. I’m interested to see how long your friends can keep their heads above the water.”

“I believe they’re pulled their own weight already.” Viole responded, his confidence made no room for rebuttal.

“If you say so, Viole.” Hwa Ryun sighed, continuing to walk alongside Viole.

They came across a vacant space that hosts several small ovals, surrounding a small circle.

“Oh, this must be one of the empty campsites I saw on the brochure.” Baam said. “Look there’s even a fire pit.”

“Viole, it’s good we still have time to train you in this aspect. You see this taking place the more we get up, the less floors we’ll come across that has a lesser quantity of settlements” Hwa Ryun explained in depth as she entered the vacant campsite.

Viole followed her. “Huh, I thought since Zahard conquered what he could of the tower, that there would be towns and cities on every floor of the tower.”

“There’s not enough population for all of the floors of the tower. Even back before the king invaded, there were some floors that had fewer settlements then the other floors. It’s a matter of which resources could sustain them the most.” Hwa Ryun elaborated. “That’s why guides have an easier time travelling between floors. We can live on relatively nothing, and be satisfied with what blessings we can get.”

Viole’s eyes opened a bit more then usual.

“That’s actually fascinating, I would like to learn how to do that. It’ll help with me not being a burden on the team.” Viole looked around eagerly, his joy lighting up the atmosphere around him.

Hwa Ryun composed herself to not smile at the sight of her god being happy discovering something which people take for granted. ‘Does Khun get that same feeling?’

“That kind of lifestyle is for me, not someone who needs his energy to eventually fight high rankers.” Hwa Ryun responded, standing besides Viole at the fire pit. “But I suppose, a few tips wouldn’t hurt when you get in a rough spot.”

Before Hwa Ryun can think about what she can teach Baam first, they heard a rustling in the bushes.

Thankfully, they saw blue lighthouses floating above the bushes, they have a pretty good guess on who it is.

Khun and Yiwha emerged from the bushes.

Baam and Hwa Ryun was tensed as it could have been anyone with blue lighthouses, but relaxed their stances when they saw Khun and Yiwha.

“You two are already here. Perfect timing, we could use some help setting up the tents.” Khun reached into his lighthouses to remove the tent setups and dropped them onto the ground.

“Sure!” Baam’s face lights up, now he can definitely be off immediate help to his best friend.

“Aren’t you going to help as well?” Khun asked of Hwa Ryun.

A gust of wind blew through the campsite; Hwa Ryun saw Viole setting up the first tent with Yiwha.

“I don’t see why not. It’ll be good to help my god with how to set up a tent probably” Hwa Ryun squinted at Khun as she walked back, the sight of Khun smirking tempted her to hit him with her staff, but it’s not worth risking getting on her god’s bad side.

“Ok, so for our camping setup, we’ll have Androssi and Anak sleeping together. Boro and Sachi can sleep as well, Bero Bero and Cherry La as well. Rak will have to decompress, so he’ll be able to squeeze in with me and Baam. I was also thinking of putting you, Hwa Ryun, with Yiwha, do you mind?” Khun asked.

“I suppose not.” Hwa Ryun shrugged,

Yiwha casted a wary stare at Hwa Ryun. In the effort of establishing a cheerily atmosphere, Yiwha motioned to Khun to get something else out of his lighthouse.

Baam caught sign of this sign language, waited eagerly for what’s coming up next, only to be disappointed by the sight of marshmallow bags being taken out of Khun’s lighthouse.

“Ahh, Mrs Yiwha, I don’t think this is the right time for sweets?” Baam asked.

“Oh no, we won’t be eating them as raw. Come on, I’ll show you.”

Yiwha gave the marshmallow bags on the ground, and then she lights the fire pit with her shinsu.

Such control seemed impossible to her at the 20th floor, imagine how far she had improved.

Baam sat on a nearby log and sticked a marshmallow at the end of his stick and rolled it close to the fire.

“Baam, not so close!” Before Yiwha could give out any further warnings, the marshmallow melted and felled out of Baam’s stick into the fire.

“Oh, guess I need to be more careful” Baam chuckled as he got a new marshmallow out.

“Indeed, I don’t often care for these rituals, so I suppose a live demonstration” Hwa Ryun said as she picked out her own marshmallow on the other side of the fire pit.

‘Every time I got to interact with Hwa Ryun, it always ends up with new questions about her.’ Khun thought.

Khun stared at Hwa Ryun and before he could think of looking at something else, Hwa Ryun caught him staring.

“Is something the matter?” Hwa Ryun asked while putting the marshmallow on the end of her stick.

“Nothing.” Khun looked away, then he pushed a marshmallow on the end of his stick and sticked it out in front of the campfire.

“Say, Yiwha, I see you have been able to control your flames quite nicely” Khun smiled unevenly. How does Baam and Wangnan encourage others so easily?

“Yeah! That was pretty cool” Baam said, congratulating Yiwha on a simple task.

“It was nothing… It’s quite simple once you learn how to limit it in size” Yiwha fumbled around, sitting down on a nearby log next to Khun.

“Hmm, perhaps your goal is not so far fleshed, we’ll have to see what your diplomatic skills are like in the future” Hwa Ryun said.

“That’ll be a bit of a problem” Yiwha concentrated on the now blooming fire.

“It won’t be easy getting a big family like the Yeon to change their ways. But, I would like to help you out in the future.” Yiwha looked at Khun in surprise.

“I know a thing or two about family relations. It’ll be easier once we become rankers. Then, once I become the head of the Khun family, the Yeon family won’t have no choice but to rely on its head to deal with us.” Khun rambled on as Yiwha became flustered by his statement.

“Won’t that make your ascension more difficult for you?” Yeon asked. “The high rankers will most likely to resist you at every turn. I wouldn’t bear it if you get killed because of it.” Yiwha was back to looking at the fire, it was at a downward angle this time.

Baam was torn about seeing Yiwha concerned, yet could relate to her in that moment.

“That’s the risks we have to take if we are going to change things in the tower. If I wanted my climb to go more smoothly, I wouldn’t have become friends with Baam in the first place.” Khun said.

“That’s right, I know Hwa Ryun speaks of dark times up ahead, but I believe in your dream. I want the tower to be a place where you can legitimately get your wish granted if you work hard for it.” Baam rambled on. “So please, don’t give up for Khun’s sake or my sake.”

“I…” Yiwha was stunned, and sure to be blushing as well.

“Careful, Baam. You don’t want your second marshmallow to melt off, do you?” Hwa Ryun asked already on her third marshmallow.

“Right!” Baam said as he ate the cooked marshmallow. His face light up, his eyes wide open.

“Whoa! It’s… I can’t believe you can have something so simple yet delicious” Baam chewed a bit to get every last bit of nourishment out of the marshmallow he previously chewed.

“Ha-ha, I’m glad you liked it” Yiwha laughed, now pleased with yourself.

“Heh, still there are things that surprised you. I wonder what’s that like” Khun said, a bit nostalgic for his early youth before he was forced to compete in his family.

“It’s alright, though maybe I don’t enjoy convenience food as much” Hwa Ryun shrugged, already on her fifth marshmallow.

‘Speak for yourself’ Khun and Yiwha thought at the same time.

“I hope the others can experience this. If you want to have an early night, you can go right ahead.” Baam said.

“I think I’ll have to do that, tomorrow’s the big day for figuring out what the floor test is and how we can prepare for that” Khun said.

“If you say so, I’ll stay up a bit late. This just feels so right to stay up” Yiwha said, smiling.

“I’ve nothing better to do, though don’t expect me to say much” Hwa Ryun said, finished with her marshmallow, she rested her hand on her leg, holding her head up with her palm.

“Ok. Feel free to pipe in when you have something interesting to say” Baam said. “So Yiwha, how’s Miseng goin-“

As Khun walked away from the fireplace, he looked back and locked eyes with Hwa Ryun for that one moment.

This is what would happen if the end of season 1 didn’t happened. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baam wasn’t sure of the special occasion. When he told Khun and Rak earlier he was going on a date with Androssi, they reacted oddly.

While Rak was cheerily, Khun took Baam to a private room and sat him down.

“Khun, how come you’re giving me that look?” Baam asked. It was the same look Khun gave to him when he didn’t understand a common thing everyone in the Tower took for granted.

“Do you know what a date means?” Khun asked,

“It’s either a time, or a meeting” Baam said simply.

“You were right on the first definition, but there’s more to the second definition. A date is a meeting between two people in the interest of romantic compatibility” Khun said.

Baam shifted. “Romantic? Oh, didn’t Androssi said she wasn’t allowed to date because of Zahard?” Baam asked.

“Androssi did say that, but why would she pick you if she intends to go behind the king’s back…” Khun said.

“I’m honored, but if it’s Androssi, I feel like it’s too early for me,” Baam said.

“Regardless of whatever motivation she has, this would be a good experience for you,” Khun said.

“In what way?” Baam asked.

“Trust me, as someone who came from a Great Family, you’re going to need that skill of courting someone” Khun said.

Baam shifted himself on the bed. “If you say so, but I don’t want to make trouble for Androssi later on” Baam said.

“If Androssi wants to go on a date with you, then I’m sure she’s aware of the risks. Now, I’m going to get you ready” Khun said.

Later on, the date was organized at the place Baam was staying at, but it was dressed up nicely thanks to Khun asking Shibisu for a favor.

Baam tugged his collar. It was the first time he had worn such expensive clothing. He wondered how Rachel couldn’t get something like this before, but it might be that Rachel couldn’t avoid it either.

Baam shifted at noticing the attention to detail of Androssi’s appearance. “Those clothes suit you” he complimented.

Androssi glowed. “It’s not much, I was able to find this last minute” she gloated.

They both sat down at the table prepared for them.

Androssi reached out to gently grab Baam’s hands. “I see you’re doing well,” she said.

Baam blinked, then smiled. He felt warmth from Androssi’s hands, a comforting kind. “I am, Khun has been patient with teaching me so many things about the Tower. I hope I can learn something new from you tonight” Baam said.

“That sounds lovely, do you have any preferences about the food?” Androssi asked, picking up the menu in front of her.

“I’m not a picky eater, oh, I made sure to specify to the cook about your diet” Baam said.

“Thank you, Baam” Androssi said.

Androssi and Baam ordered their meals.

“Androssi, why did you ask me out on a date?” Baam asked.

“Because my curiosity about you exceeded my expectations. I want to spend time knowing you, and what better way to do that then on a date” Androssi answered.

“Does this date have any romantic implications?” Baam asked, his eyes can’t help but appreciate how much detail Androssi put onto her appearance, including her makeup. She does look how he would imagine a princess would look out of the fairy tales Rachel told him.

“It slightly does, it happens that I have just the slightest crush on you, and I want to know if those are valid or if it’s temporary” Androssi said.

“That’s understandable. So, is there anything you want to learn about me?” Baam asked.

“I do. Would you say you have any romantic interest in me?” Androssi asked.

“I wouldn’t say the same as you, but I’m open to any chance of experiencing intimate love. After all, I got the amazing chance to have friends, what better to have a romantic partner as well” Baam said.

“Fair enough, how long have you known Rachel?” Androssi asked.

“Oh Rachel, I think it was a couple of years if the time measurements she showed me were accurate. I don’t know how long I was stuck in the cave before Rachel found me” Baam said.

“I see,” Androssi said.

Their meals arrived cooked and fresh.

As they ate their meals, Baam began his side of the questioning.

“If you do actually develop feelings for me, would you be willing to disobey the king to stay true to them?” Baam asked.

“It depends on how I feel about you, Baam. At the moment no, it’s too convenient for me to be a Zahard princess, and I worked too hard to gain this power just to throw my privilege away because of a fling” Androssi said.

“That’s a reasonable answer. I hope I can get to know you better” Baam said.