Chapter 116: Sisters

Chapter 116: Sisters

Chapter 116 - Sisters

Kai wanted to smack himself for not realizing it sooner. When did it happen?

Exploring the underwater cave gave me the last push I needed, Ele beamed proudly.

Even counting a day to rest and prepare, she must have already enhanced her race yesterday. Damn idiot.

As usual, Kai and Kea had sucked all the worry and attention, while Ele waited politely by the side.

We need to celebrate. Orange at seventeen was an impressive achievement. The most exceptional islanders didnt manage it before twenty. For those who only focused on their profession, they were usually closer to their thirties.

Come on, we need to tell everybody. Kai grabbed his sisters hand, but Ele remained rooted in place. They were in the same grade now.

I think Mom and Moui already know.

Oh right. Of course, they did. He was the only one too swept up in his own problems to notice.

To be fair, the last two days had been incredibly stressful. The talk with his mother and dealing with Kea monopolized his every thought. In any other circumstances, he would have realized sooner.

But I didnt, and now Im making up excuses. She had told me she was close.

We should go buy something fancy to eat, what would you like?

Lets buy her love with money. Just great. What type of cake does she prefer? Damn, Im the worst brother!

We've already bought everything for lunch and dinner. Ele plucked a blade of grass from his hair. Just go get cleaned up before Mom sees you, youre covered in mud.

You only reach Orange once.

Yeah, and you did too. Theres no need for a special celebration.

Thats different, I was away at the time, you couldnt have known. Kai crossed his arms. Tell me you wouldnt have done anything if I was home?

Ele diverted her eyes. Finding that cave was already a huge help. I dont need anything else.

I also put you in danger of a giant greedy clam.

Okay, Kai temporarily backed down. There was no way hed change her mind like this.

Ill ask Mom what she likes, Ele cant complain after Ive al

And dont buy me anything. I already feel bad keeping all the money from those pearls.

His sister could be quite pigheaded sometimes. The mana pearl was worth more than all those put together. He was the one who should have felt bad for keeping it.

She cant complain if its something I craft myself, right? She must not be far from upgrading her profession too.

Kai took off his shoes to avoid making a mud trail and headed for the bathroom. When he turned the knob, the door didnt budge.

Pass later. Keas voice called from inside together with the sound of running water.

Try to hurry up. I need to clean up. He sat on the floor to wait.

Any pity Kai felt for breaking Keas worldview was quickly swept away as minutes ticked by. Even Meditation could only do so much when she took over the bathroom for over half an hour.

With a metallic clack, the door unlocked, and Kea came with dry and combed hair. Oh, youre still here.

Were the last three knocks not clear?

Kai stood up, fuming. His lips pressed into a thin line; several irritated remarks flew through his mind. It had been a complicated day. While she was technically older, Kai had always considered it his duty to look after her.

This is the last freebie you get.

Kai slipped past her and closed the door behind him.

He was the guy who swooped down in her life and complicated things. Having a younger sibling who beat you at everything would annoy everybody, but he had to draw a line somewhere.

His patience was running thin. It wasnt just about the stupid bathroom, though that really irked him. Kai had been trying to help her for years, but she needed to put in some effort too.

Getting out of his dirty clothes, Kai froze at the sight before him. Half the floor was covered in water, a towel was thrown in a corner and the sink was filled with long hazel hair.

Kai gritted his teeth. A lifetime in here and she left with this mess. The memory of the spotless, spacious rooms at the estate flashed in his mind. He should have appreciated them more.

Living with his family was nice, but going from several private rooms to sharing his spaces with four people was a challenge. He had to make do when he was a child. Now there were other options.

He had also floated the idea of going back to the underwater cave. There were mollusks to harvest, and the cavern continued past Mama Clam. If he had time to plan, Kai was confident he could deal with her. Preparation was everything for an alchemist.

I think I need a bit of pause from adventure.

What if someone else finds the cave?

The pond is in the middle of my area this season, no one will come anywhere close.

To avoid quarrels the pearl hunters divided the sea closer to shore amongst themselves. More general areas than hard lines, but Ele said conflicts were rare. Kai wasnt as confident in other peoples integrity.

Won't people be curious about where we found that mana pearl?

The only two people who know are Sabe and the chief supervisor, Ele waved him off. Sabe isnt the type to spread rumors and the supervisor doesnt care enough to.

What if someone else overheard?

Its easy to spot people on the sea if they follow me to my area. People dont break the rules when they know theyre going to be discovered.

What if they go out with a fair tide?

In that case, it would be a nightmare to find the right pond among hundreds. And the entrance isn't immediately visible even if you were to choose the right one. Anything else? Ele patiently smiled.

Nope, we can wait a little. Lets say two or three weeks?

Lets say after I evolve my profession, Ele closed the conversation.

It wasnt a precise time frame, but she couldnt rush such an important decision.

I can always go alone

***

The next day, Kai went out to scout for potential locations for his laboratory.

There were two possible paths. Either going to poshtown, the best-guarded area by far, where he would only have to worry about the Republic. Or go in the opposite direction and pick a place in the outskirts. The enforcers rarely patrolled there, so hed have to worry about everyone but the government. A choice between the lesser of two evils.

Finding a middle ground wasnt that easy. The separation between neighborhoods was stark. Either you had the enforcers patrolling regularly or you never saw a dark uniform until something big happened.

Maybe Im too paranoid.

Ignoring the safety concerns, poshtown was more appealing and expensive. The whole town was built around it. All the best shops, merchants and taverns readily available within just a short walk.

The tourists were annoying but easy to ignore. The streets were always clean, the buildings better constructed, and the mana density slightly higher. That would come in handy. It burned to admit it was a pleasant area.

Cost was the true hurdle for most people. It would take most of his silver, but it was within his budgetespecially if he sold the pearl.

Still, he hesitated. It would be like giving in to the Republic, becoming part of their big circus. Not that choosing to set up shop in a worse neighborhood would change anything, except for him being in a worse place.

Undecided, Kai headed back home. He had so many things to deal with, the sooner he settled down the better.

Should I just go with it?

Hello, sir. Are you the esteemed alchemist Kai Tylenn?

Kai turned to see a kid even younger than him. He was trying hard to maintain a professional air, with a ridiculously straight posture and stiff movements.

What do they teach children these days?

Whos asking?

Dont look at me like that. You started this nonsense.

The boy stared at his feet with a pitiful expression.

Yes, thats me. Just call me Kai, please. Why were you looking for me?

Oh, I was told to inform you that Master Reishi has returned from his journey. The kid said with a rehearsed tone, standing there.

Does he expect to get paid or something?

Kai found a handful of chips in his pockets. Here, for you. Tell Reishi Ill stop by him in twono three hours. Can you do that, right? That should give him enough time to cook lunch.

Yes, sir. It will be done. The kid did a half bow and hurried away.

Time to sell my precious.