First Encounter
I had some time to kill before our meeting, so I was wandering around the plaza.
Then I spotted Lyn, the Journey member I was supposed to meet, walking in the distance with a little girl.
Mmm! The cotton candy's so sweet. It's yummy!
Fufu, do you like it?
Uh-huh! It's like a cloud that melts in my mouth.
Hehe... thanks, Mommy!
...Mommy?
For a moment, my mind went blank.
Right. As long as you're qualified, anyone can join the Journey.
It doesn't matter where you're from, your race, or your job—if you're qualified enough, even having a child wouldn't stop you from joining the Journey.
I nodded, trying to take it in, when...
Fufu, you should call me Ms. Lyn, not Mommy.
Oh, right! I forgot!
So that's how it is!
By the way, Ms. Lyn.
Do you know that man? He's been staring over here for a while.
Hmm?
Sorry for keeping you waiting, Captain.
I was looking after her for as part of a quest. It took a while to escort her back.
Since this is our first time meeting, let me introduce myself.
I'm Lyn.
I'm a disciple of the Wind Moon Sect and an instructor of the children's class.
Children's class?
Yes. The Wind Moon Sect of the Eastern Continent children are taught martial arts and proper etiquette.
That's why I'm good with children. It happens to fit my temperament, too.
But...
Wait a moment. You've got something on your face.
Fufu, good thing I brought my handkerchief.
Let's see if there's anything else... Now, give me a little twirl!
A little... twirl?
Oh! I'm sorry. I accidently used my teacher voice.
I forgot that you're not one of my students. Hehe, my mistake.
So, would you mind turning around once for me?
I turned around anyway, though I didn't feel any different.
Alright! Looks good. All clean!
Here's a praise pat for you!
Um...
Oh no, I did it again...! I'm sorry, Captain...!
But it's strange...
Whenever I look at you, I feel like helping you, protecting you.
Almost like when I care for children.
I wonder why...
I'm not sure either...
Hehe, right? It's odd, isn't it?
Oops, I got sidetracked.
The reason I joined the Journey is...
For the sake of the children.
The children?
Hehe, yes.
Children are the future.
Just like we were cared for when we were young...
As adults now, it's our turn to protect them.
Because that's what it means to be an adult.
The present and the past. Children. The future yet to grow. An adult's responsibilities...
It only took a few words to see what kind of person Lyn was, and why she became a children's instructor.
That's all for my introduction.
Now it's your turn, Captain.
Me?
Yes. It's our first time meeting, isn't it?
Let's give each other a brief introduction.
Relax, no pressure. Now then, how about three claps to ease the tension?
My sudden self-introduction started as a mess and ended in total disaster.
Still, Lyn listened earnestly all the way through, then handed me a piece of candy with a warm smile and applause.