to love to be loved ( Xiao x Lumine )

Chapter 1: Our First Encounter

It was a very sunny morning. Lumine has completed all her recent quests and so she went to see Katheryne, the receptionist, to claim her daily commission reward.

"Oh wait, actually I have another commission coming in. Since it's still early, would you like to do it today?" Katheryne explained.

"You will receive your reward of course! Alongside a bonus, as this commission seems a bit different from usual" she added.

"She's right! It's still early and this commission sounds fun. Let's go!" Lumine can't help but agree with Paimon since maybe, there might be more clues to finding her brother even if it means that she had to do so many more commissions and dangerous quests.

—————-

Surprisingly, it wasn't too far for them. They were told to head to Wangshu Inn to meet this person called Verr Goldet.

They've never been inside of Wangshu Inn although they've passed by it countless times. What makes this place even more mesmerizing is the numerous amount of bouquet-like silk flowers by the sides of the path.

The architecture of Wangshu Inn is really impressive. Such a huge tree that envelopes parts of the inn. They even included a lift! The concept is pretty simple yet stunning. No wonder Wangshu Inn is known for being reputable.

Lumine and Paimon took the lift and head upstairs. As soon as they've alighted, they looked around and to their shock, there was barely anyone. Both of them went towards what may seem like the entrance of the Inn.

"It seems like we're on the second floor." Said Paimon. "Ah look! Someone's there. Let's ask where's Verr Goldet." Paimon continued.

Both Lumine and Paimon head downstairs when the person standing behind the desk asserted "Good morning customer!"

"G—Good morning. May I know where Verr Goldet might be?" Lumine asked awkwardly.

"That's me! My name is Verr Goldet. I am the owner of Wangshu Inn. I worked with my Husband, Huai'an who is the innkeeper. I believe that you're the one that Katheryne sent?" Verr Goldet guessed.

Lumine nodded confidently; reminding herself that she is the honorary knight thus she shouldn't show any sense of weakness when dealing with commissions.

"Hmm, I see. Alright! So there have been monsters—"
Verr Goldet explained the whole situation. "I have another request. I would like you to work with this person. He's rather odd and not much of a talker. Although, I'm sure he will help you out! He's right upstairs, don't worry you will know when you see him." She emphasized.

"Odd? Oddball?" Lumine thought to herself.

"How bad could it be?" Paimon asked.

Lumine heads upstairs, waving goodbye to Verr Goldet.

—————

Such a breathtaking view. It seems so peaceful.

Although Lumine goes through a lot of adventuring, doing commissions and quests with Paimon. She never really has the time to appreciate her surroundings. All she can think of is completing quests given, ways to handle enemies, and lastly, clues to finding her brother. She didn't want to burden anyone else with her problems thus she never asked nor talked about it.

"Will things really get better?" Lumine mumbles

"As far as I know, it doesn't." A random voice appears.

Both Paimon and Lumine turned around quickly towards the sound of the voice.

~

A young man. He's rather short. He has dark medium hair length with teal undertones. Pale skin, amber eyes.

Lumine was loss for words. She couldn't explain how alluring his looks are. Even better, his voice wasn't too deep nor too high. It felt soothing.

"Are you the one who is going to join us on the commission?" Paimon broke the ice.

Lumine's thoughts disappears.

He took a glance at both of them and proceed to look into the scenery. He scoffs.

"....Xiao. That's my name."