Esper Story: Xiao Yin

Is it an emergency? It's so early.

It's not a mission. I wanted to ask for your advice.

The weather's getting warmer. We're not very busy lately. So I was thinking of taking you, Ren Si, and Zora out on an extended trip.

But I haven't decided on a destination. Thoughts?

If you're taking everyone... I suggest we can discuss it together?

The solution of the lazy. I've asked. They have no ideas.

Gyrate's a nice place. It's got everything we could want.

I've been there plenty of times. Not much in the way of novelty.

But it's a big city. Who knows what else is going on? Maybe there's something new that could pique your interest.

Do you remember the champion of last year's Grandis Cake Contest?

The "fondant master"?

Yep! He's since opened a new shop in Gyrate.

...There is also the ShrimpWay Kebab Shop, the no.1 food stop according to the week's "Best Eateries". Two hours' queue just to get in.

That popular, huh? ...Interesting.

We could also consider Tangton... Quite a nice place too!

There are some new observation platforms in Radiant Peak, I heard. I've always wanted to visit again.

If I recall correctly, there's a new botanical garden around the Black Bamboo Garden. It's filled with many rare plants and herbs.

I'm no expert on herbs, but I'm sure Ren Si would like it.

Then again, there is Debia...

Ahem. So... what do you think?

I was right about you. You're a walking "Travelpedia".

How ironic. And yet you stayed in an orphanage for many years. Receiving medical care for your cardiac issues.

That's exactly why I need to travel, whenever I get the chance.

I suppose you must be thankful for your Transformation.

Yes. And seeing all these wonderful places is ten times better than reading about it in some book.

I've been "traveling" for 7-8 years, ever since I left the orphanage. Well, sort of.

I've seen the ruins of Geran, the forests of Woodsville, and the expansive deserts around Debia...

And that's all thanks to the powers within, which have been keeping me alive.

Aren't you worried about the risks?

I'm more afraid of losing the ability to travel one day.

Besides, I wouldn't be here, working for you, if I was afraid of a little danger here and there.

Believe it or not, I used to be called...

Hm?

"The Wanderer."

So, at the end of the day, where do you suggest we go?

Why don't we go to all these places? We've working too hard for too long. I think it's high time we take some days off.

What, are you planning to take half a year?

I wouldn't dare... Hahaha...

Don't get any ideas because of this conversation. Just... don't.

Zora, are you okay? You look a bit stressed.

We've been here an hour already.

So. When are we going?

We're just relaxing. And I haven't finished this comic book yet.

We're only here in Gyrate for a job.

Don't you remember? That Triki sent us to talk to Evening Sounds about a potential partnership deal?

Certainly not! I just need relax a bit before the negotiations.

You said the same thing while you were looking for a restaurant in Gyrate this morning.

Then, after we ate, you said you needed a cup of coffee in case you got tired.

Well, coffee will help the negotiation, won't it? Keep us sharp...

Then we went to an ice cream shop for afternoon tea. Now we're at a bookstore.

You're making excuses. To slack off.

I'm not slacking off! I'm cherishing my every moment here.

See this comic book? It's a very rare edition, and the only one in the store. Wouldn't have found it anywhere else, I'm sure.

You will take full responsibility for all this if it affects our work.

The "Evening Sounds" office isn't even open yet. Going there now is pointless. Gosh. Just enjoy yourself?

Zora, you... enjoyed that ice cream, right? Don't think I didn't see you swipe a few spoonfuls from my cup.

And you stared at the bunny dessert plate for a while.

Hey, you...

They're all sold out?

Sorry, we don't have any more in stock. The last one went an hour ago.

"My Crush Girl"? But I've been waiting for it for 2 months...

("My Crush Girl"? That's what I'm reading right now...)

Hey there, handsome. You're a fan as well?

Yeah, and it's a rare one. I didn't expect to find it here.

Not many guys I know enjoy this series.

It's rare, but I'd say the next one is even more spicy...

You mean "Five Leaf Clover"?

Yes! It's not very well-known. How did you guess?!

Didn't expect a handsome guy like you to know so much... Heh.

I'm Xiao Yin, my friend here is Zora. Feel free to sit down and join us.

Oh, cool! I'm Melanie.

Have you seen this section...

What? You've done some fan fiction? Can I see it?

Absolutely. But I'm not a very good writer. Please don't laugh.

!

...It's very fun to read! Great job!

It's a shame I didn't end up getting this book. But, you know, it turned out alright in the end 'coz I met you.

If you really want it. I'll give it to you for free, as a gift.

Whoa! Thanks so much! Hmm... what can I give you in return...?

Oh, how about I invite you to our show tomorrow night?

I work at "Evening Sounds". It's not easy to get a ticket to one of our shows, let me tell you.

Amazing! We'll text you when we arrive.

See you tomorrow. Looking forward to it!

I think we left a good impression. Guess we won't need to worry about our partnership deal now.

...Did you know someone from Evening Sounds would come here?

Not at all! Just a lucky coincidence.

I did check out the personal details and hobbies of their staff in advance, though.

The coffee shop, the ice cream store, and this bookstore are places that Melanie frequently visits.

But it wasn't intentional. I just wanted to check them out since we had time and nothing better to do. I got lucky.

...You're smarter than you look.

Where's our next destination?

Well... I vote for the ShrimpWay Kebab Shop!

I wonder which member of the "Evening Sounds" group we'll run into there next.

Uh, this is definitely just because I want to eat there.

Ah. You finally came.

Did something happen?

Could you mind my kid for a bit?

What? You have a kid?! Since when?

Oh, you misunderstand, heh. The kid's parents are also from the Guild. Close friends of mine. They've asked me to look after their boy while they're out on a business trip.

But the kid's a bit much, to be honest...

You alright?

Xiao Cheng! You can't throw things at people!

......

I'm fine. Do what you need to do. I can handle the kid.

But...

...What happened after that? Did he catch the bad guy?... Uncle Ren, you're back!

Can you show me your powers?

...What's going on?

I've been telling him about some of your valiant deeds. He's become a bit of a fan of yours, I think.

You've done some amazing things, Uncle Ren! I loved "Havoc in Graywater", the "Showdown with Triki", and...

Hey Brother Xiao, what's the title of that story you were just telling?

("Brother Xiao"?)

"Graywater's Lieutenant and His Band of Brothers".

Yes! You haven't finished.

But it's getting late. You'd better head to bed soon. Be good. And I'll tell you the rest of the story tomorrow...

Okay then!

...What did you do to him?

The kid just loves stories of heroes and villains. I told him some of your greatest hits, with some minor changes here and there.

That's all? I tried telling him one before. He wasn't interested at all.

Maybe it's storytelling skills.

At first, we tried playing jump rope, hide and seek, and a few other games...

He didn't win a single game. It tired him out. Finally we just decided to sit down for a while and have a rest.

So, I thought it was a good time for some stories. He was hooked.

What's the story with the herbs?

I was telling him how much herbs mean to you. He got interested.

You know, he's really interested. Maybe you could teach him, take him on as an apprentice.

...You're the "King of the Kids" as far as I'm concerned.

Will you come back tomorrow? For your unfinished story?

Yep. I gave him my word.

I feel quite relaxed... hanging out with kids.

I can't have you taking care of him every day though. You need to teach me a few tricks.

Everyone's different.

But boys aren't that hard to figure out. You just gotta be a hero in his eyes.

Since he already thinks of you as a hero, I guess it should be easy for you for at least a couple of days!

Right, "Lieutenant"?

Crap. Trail's gone cold.

Guess we have no choice but to ask around. Get some leads...

Excuse me, can I...

Mind your own business!

Excuse me, have you seen this person in the pho...

No, I haven't. Leave me alone! I gotta enough problems buying groceries.

......

Is everyone here this unfriendly? What do we do?

Maybe I can try some kids...

You think kids might know something?

Never underestimate their curiosity.

They often know as much as we do... And can be easier to talk to.

Alright. I'll leave that to you. I'll look at other options.

No problem. Let's meet back here in 2 hours.

Hi. You from around here? I ain't seen you before.

Yeah. I'm here to...

I know! You're one of the guys looking for someone. I heard 'bout you.

Have you seen the person in this photo?

And what's in it for me?

Don't eat too much. Or your teeth will go bad.

Will you tell me now?

I seen him.

And?

That's all. But...

He came here a couple nights ago. Stayed in the town.

And where did he stay?

......

If you want this...

You're gonna tell me where he stayed, and for how long.

I won't give it to you if you don't tell me everything.

*Sigh* okay... He stayed in the mayor's house and left the next morning before dawn.

Got up early. That's how I seen him.

Did you say anything to him?

Nothing?

Oh, no. On the contrary...

You don't like the way you gave away all your candy so easily?

It's not about that. I'd prepared it specifically for this trip.

Which flavors on what days... The number per day... I put a lot of thought into it!

I don't mind giving it away, but not for a silly job!

You're a "candyholic", just like a kid. Like that kid, actually.

Xiao Yin, I think that kid was telling the truth... You did great. What is it?

I've been all over this rotten town...

...And got nothing? Don't worry. It happens. Your candy got us this far at least.

The target's also been spotted at a post office up north. We can maybe catch up with him if we leave first thing tomorrow morning.

No. I don't care about that. I've been looking all over town... for a store that sells candy...

Huh?

This town is just way, way too remote. It could take months for shops to restock... Wait. Hold on...

What's that sweet smell?!

Ren Si, what did you just eat?

I've developed a little cough since yesterday. So I whipped something up to clear my throat.

It's made with herbs from loquat, mint, and bellflower. So it's got a kind of sickly sweet smell.

Sounds like a very healthy sweet!

Could you please... give me some?

I'll treat you to a nice meal when we get back. Good trade, don't you think?