My Sister Is the Protagonist

Chapter 8: The New Normal

Lise's trio was off on a distant training mission. Left on my own again, I fell back into the quiet life I had gotten used to. I felt I had hit the best spot I could with my cushy desk work. No dangerous quests set before me; I was on my way to being a well-behaved NPC. Since Reign's branch didn't often get first dibs on new recruits. I had no other newbies to be grouped with for the kind of test mission's Lise was leveling up with.

The little feathered trouble maker also returned sneaking its way into my routine. While at work every so often it would come sit with me. I began telling it about my favorite video games and novels that I had started to miss. It almost seemed invested as I delved into my D&D characters backstories and their campaigns. One day I even missed the diner hour from trying to sloppily draw my multitude of characters to show it.

One morning a rather ornate looking letter was waiting for me. Its fancy parchment catches my eye the moment I step into my office. To my surprise it's a letter from Jaunvei's leader. I know the clerks of the branch seem to get along with me well enough but I've never come face to face with anyone from the branch none the less their boss. Why the head of the branch felt the need to write to me sends my anxious brain into overdrive. I try to drown the thoughts out as I unfold the letter. Its short and to the point.

Sir Orion

I have heard great things of your work ethic. To save time when giving and receiving clarification. One of our staff will be sent to work directly with you. So that our records may grow at an even more efficient rate.

Salutations Liaud

I read and re-read the brief note a few times. The capitalist work horse part of my brain sparks a moment of joy for having my efforts acknowledged. Then the dread of having to adjust to a new person in my comfortable isolation. A small part of me whines in despair. I don't have time to think further as a knock comes at my door.

The Jaunvei branch clearly spares no time. A man who seems to be around my age stands at the door. A bit taller than me his sunset-coloured eyes meet mine. He curtly nods my way showing me his branch badge without a word. It's not like I've much to gain from looking at the leather equivalent to and id card. His name is Xian, that's something, I guess. I move out of the way gesturing for him to come in. If neither of us are the type to speak first this will be a quiet partnership.

He sets up a small space to work from, he goes to my desk finding the files I would have sent out today. He moves around my small office with ease, seemingly knowing where to find everything he needs. Perhaps my organization style is that predictable. I shrug it off and get to my own work.

At least I try to, but coupled with a page that seems to have seen endless wind and rain smudged to all heavens. And a stranger who hasn't spoken a word or looked my way once. I can't help sneaking a few glances trying to size up the broad-shouldered body now taking up a chunk of my office.

His appearance doesn't suit a scholar. Most of the Division uniforms are in shades of green. His orange robes stand out, with leaves woven into intricate design's. Perhaps the scholar branch has a hierarchy I'm not familiar with. His uniform seems more suited for travel then stagnant work. I'd sooner think he was a returned adventurer from my own branch. His shoulder length hair is neatly half tied back. The hair clasp is a rather sharp looking point peaking out from behind his head. His dark hair faintly lightens at the tips. There are even traces of makeup at the edges of his eyes. This Xian's appearance is hard to make heads or tails of. Is he an assassin or a prince that joined the Division to gain merit.

I'm so busy trying to figure out what character trope's he fits. I don't notice when his own work pauses. His dagger shaped eyebrows begin to meet, his mouth scrunching up.