Chapter 5:Acquaintance

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June in Tingen is not the hottest time of the year, but the sun was particularly strong today. Even the ethereal sound of bells from the cathedral in the distance could not dispel the heat generated by the sunlight. The rays pierced through the thin curtains, casting golden patterns on the floor.

Shin lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. The events of the previous day replayed in her mind like a surreal montage. "So it's not a dream..." she muttered to herself. The weight of reality settled in her chest.

"Of course, it's not," she continued, her voice tinged with a mix of resignation and determination. "Everything that happened yesterday feels like a dream or a novel because it's so absurd."

She sighed in defeat, letting the truth sink in. "So all I need to do is get strong, control fate, and find a way home." The enormity of her task was overwhelming, but she had no other choice.

She lay there a moment longer, staring blankly at the ceiling before finally pushing herself up to stretch. Her body felt stiff, a physical manifestation of the mental exhaustion she carried. With another sigh, she made her way to the bathroom.

Standing before the mirror, she splashed cold water on her face, the refreshing sensation helping to clear the lingering fog of sleep. She stared at her reflection—white long hair, crimson eyes, red lips. "This is too scary. I can't even resist myself... this face is cheating." Shin shuddered, the absurdity of her situation bringing a wry smile to her lips.

Leaving the bathroom, she glanced toward the kitchen. Her stomach growled, reminding her that she needed to eat. However, the sight of the bare kitchen offered no solutions. "The next step is to solve the stomach problem and explore the situation around the residence," she mused. Thanks to the memories she had inherited, she knew that Shin Everhart rarely cooked at home, preferring to eat out or order in.

"Talk about laziness," Shin thought with a wry smile. "Well, I can't complain since I'm not exactly a culinary genius myself."as she also preferred the convenience of ready-made food.

One name surfaced in her mind: Smyrin Bakery. Shin Everhart's favorite place to get fresh bread, cakes, and snacks. She recalled the taste of Tingen biscuits and lemon cakes, and her mouth watered at the memory. "Oh, the lemon cakes she bakes are very delicious..." Shin swallowed hard, a small smile playing on her lips. Smyrin Bakery was a regular haunt for Shin Everhart, and now it would be for her too.

Shin headed to her room to change clothes. She selected a white blouse with long sleeves and a black ribbon at the neck, pairing it with a loose skirt. The outfit was simple but elegant, suitable for a stroll through Tingen

Shin Everhart's opulent lifestyle was evident in the drawer she opened, revealing a substantial amount of gold pounds—more than 500. She knew that her work with the Nighthawks must have been lucrative, allowing her to accumulate such wealth. With a practical decision in mind, Shin took 10 pounds and slipped them into her pocket. "Maybe this is enough," she said, feeling a sense of security as she prepared for her day out.

Before leaving, Shin fashioned a makeshift holster from old bed sheets. It was a crude but functional solution, allowing her to secure her revolver to her right thigh discreetly. She adjusted her loose skirt to ensure the weapon was concealed, feeling a mix of satisfaction and practicality.

Shin exited through the back door and navigated the sparsely populated back alley. The narrow, shadowed passageway was a stark contrast to the bustling main street she was about to re-enter. As she emerged onto the main street, the vibrant chaos of Tingen greeted her.

The clock had just struck eight o'clock in the morning, and the city was alive with activity. Hawkers lined the streets, their voices rising above the din as they advertised their wares. Shops displayed their signs, eager for customers to enter and browse. The air was thick with a medley of scents—the rich aroma of freshly baked bread, the savory smell of frying oil, and the sharp tang of spices.

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