Chapter 93: Make Yourself Known!


    ?


    [Yuna''s POV]


    As the sun rose, Kisara finally loosened her embrace, setting me free. I couldn''t help but gaze at her with a mix of curiosity and confusion, but Kisara seemed unfazed. With a carefree smile, she turned her attention to the food I had brought, happily indulging in it as if nothing unusual had transpired.


    "By the way, Yuna, now that we''re free. What will we do?" she asked and took a big gulp of


    water.


    "Well, I took some money from the ve traders, so I think we should go to a city first." I replied, "Thankfully, we got a horse, so it shouldn''t take too long."


    Kisara nodded in agreement, finishing thest bite of her breakfast before effortlessly climbing onto the horse. The journey ahead was calm and uneventful as we rode quietly across the desert sands. To pass the time, we engaged in lighthearted conversations, chatting about anything and everything, even if the topics were trivial.


    What made the ride truly enjoyable was the simple pleasure of having someone to talk to. For reasons I couldn''t quite exin, I felt an unusual sense offort around Kisara. Her presence put my heart at ease, making our seemingly meaningless banter feel meaningful in its own way.


    Eventually, after a few hours of travelling, we arrived at a vige along a river. Entering the vige, we were able to purchase some information and secure a rough map. As swiftly as we arrived, we left the vige and continued our journey to reach the city.


    "So the capital is called Memphis..." Kisara muttered and stared at the hieroglyphics on the papyrus."


    "Kisara, you can read?" I uttered in shock while examining the unintelligible symbols, "I couldn''t even understand a single word..."


    "Fu fu fu," Kisaraughed, and her nose twitched, "So even Yuna have something she can''t do."


    Suppressing my urge to pinch her cheeks, I smiled nonchntly, "Besides that, when did Kisara learn to read anyway?"


    "Well, an old grandpa taught me when I was extremely young..." She exined with a hint of nostalgia in her voice, "I can''t remember much about him, but the old grandpa said that it''s a prettymon skill, so I should at least know this much."


    "I don''t think it''smon at all..." I muttered nkly, recalling that only a handful of people can count, let alone read, in this day and age...


    "But still, that must be very impressive!" I praised wholeheartedly, and Kisara blushed at my flurry ofpliments, "Kisara is really a genius!"


    Of... Of course!" she said with a mischievous grin. "Praise me more!" Ourughter filled the air as we rode off, Kisara''s enthusiasm propelling us forward. "Now, where were we? There''s no time to waste!!" With that, she urged the horse into a swift trot, and we continued our journey with haste.


    Three dayster...


    As we reached the top of a hill, Kisara''s eyes widened in amazement. "Wow... So that''s Memphis..." she breathed, taking in the vast cityscape that unfolded in front of our very eyes. Before us stretched a sprawling city, its vast expanse marked by endless rows of buildings that seemed to merge with the horizon. Enclosing Memphis were colossal limestone walls, their surfaces gleaming under the intense sunlight.


    Beyond the city''s walls, countless farms and lush green fields dotted thendscape, adding a surprising vibrancy to the sandy terrain. Yet, what truly captivated us was the Royal Pce, standing majestically at the heart of the capital. Constructed from the finest marble, the pce embodied luxury and grandeur, its gleaming facade a testament to the wealth and power of the Pharaoh.


    "To think something like this existed..." I muttered in admiration at the sight as Kisara eagerly nudged her horse.


    "I will race you there!" She eximed and rushed down the hill.


    "Ah, Kisara, wait! This girl, really..." With a small sigh, I frantically chased after Kisara and she sped down the road...


    Soon arriving at the gate, Kisara was swiftly stopped by the guards, "Halt!" One of them said and approached her, "Please state your identity."


    Intimidated by the spear in his hand, Kisara stammered awkwardly, "Ah, I''m just visiting..." "I see," The guard nodded, "However, you must first pay a small fee to enter." "Would I have to pay again if I leave?" Kisara questioned, and the guard shook his head and showed her a copper bar in his hand.


    "Once you have paid, you will be given this item, which proves your identity, and you can use it to enter or exit the city at all times." He exined.


    "Then I will pay..." Kisara muttered and handed the guard several coins. When he finished counting, the guard happily gave her the copper bar and moved out of her way.


    Gently guiding her horse, we finally entered the city and held our breath. The road was bustling with life. There were dozens of street stalls on both sides of the road, creating vibrant colours and various delicious smells that made us feel like we were in paradise. "Do you have anything you want to do first?" I asked Kisara, who was quietly watching the moving crowd.


    *Gurgle*


    At the rumbling sound, Kisara blushed and rubbed her stomach in embarrassment, "Somece to eat would be nice..."


    "Sure, you have only been eating in bread for a while now. You should treat yourself." I agreed, and her face lit up with joy.


    Fortunately, it didn''t take long for us to spot a small tavern nestled along the street. After securing the horse to a nearby wooden post, we made our way inside and settled into a cozy corner. To Kisara''s delight, the food arrived shortly after we ced our order. Her eyes widened in wonder as she gazed at the te of fish set before her.


    a piece of the fish.


    With a hint of hesitation, Kisara picked her fork and carefully as she took a bite, her eyes grew wide with astonishment, and tears began to well up. After days of nd rations, this fish was like an unexpected gift from the gods.


    "K... Kisara, calmed down." I muttered as we began to attract some unwanted attention.


    oon


    Wiping her tears, Kisara swiftly devoured the remaining food, not leaving a single bit behind. When she sighed with satisfaction, she made an ah sound.


    "I should have left Yuna some..." She mumbled apologetically, and I chuckled. "Don''t worry about me, and I don''t get hungry anyway." I exined with a small smile, "Besides that, now that we''re in Memphis, we have to figure out our ns for the future."


    "We first have to find a ce to stay. While we can still sleep outside, it''s about time we at least secure afortable shelter. Luckily, I''m pretty sure that this inn can lend out rooms, but at some cost, of course."


    Kisara; "But..."


    "But what about our money, right?" I took the words out of Kisara''s mouth, and she nodded worriedly, "Unfortunately, we currently don''t have a way to get money.


    "Then should I find a job?" Kisara proposed, and I stared at her frail frame with concern.


    "I''m scared that anything toobour-intensive might be dangerous for you..." I muttered worriedly and affectionately patted her head as she bit her lips in frustration, "It''s not your


    fault, so don''t be upset."


    "Yuna..." She mumbled, and I hurriedly stood up.


    "Enough of that troubling thought. How about we go on a walk?" Without waiting for her answer, I left through the door. Letting her chase after me.


    Despite not showing directly, Kisara''s uncertain future gued my mind. Wandering through busy streets, I asionally noticed Kisara glimpsing at the food stalls. However, knowing our financial situation, she could only walk past them with a heavy heart. Watching this scene, I could only clench my fists, frustrated at our current situation.


    "It''s okay, Yuna..." Suddenly, Kisara grasped my hand and muttered affectionately, "You


    being here is enough."


    Feeling guilty, I squeezed her hand with a sad smile, "I should be the one taking care of you. I promised that Kisara would always be happy."


    "But I am happy!" Kisara argued, "In fact, I''m having the happiest time of my life!"


    "Because I know that I''m no longer alone. I also know that you will always protect me. Who


    couldn''t be happy about that?" Kisaraughed sweetly, "I can safely say that nothing else could beat this moment now!"


    "You..." I slowly extended my hand...


    *Tap*


    "Ouch! What was that for?!" Kisara winced when I suddenly flicked her forehead.


    "Don''t dere that so carelessly. You should save it when you get married." I chided, and


    Kisara stuck out her tongue.


    "I''m fine without marriage! What''s so good about it anyway?!"


    "How is it not?! Marrying someone you love is really great, you know!" I argued back, and she


    frowned.


    "What makes you say that?! Don''t tell me!" Kisara gasped and stared at me with trembling


    eyes, "Yuna is ma... married?!"


    "No, I''m not!" I blushed profusely as she continued to attack.


    "Then Yuna must also have someone she likes, right?! Or else, all that talk about marriage and stuff has toe from somewhere!!" Kisara yelled, and I visibly stiffened.


    "Th...That" I averted my gaze, finding myself unable to lie.


    "Who is it?" Kisara sulked. "Whoever it is, I won''t allow it!" She huffed and crossed her arms, unaware that the very person she was rebelling against was the modern reincarnation of her lover.


    "E... Enough," I eximed and covered my face, "Don''t change the subject! So don''t im that this is your happiest moment so carelessly. There''s definitely going to be a moment in the future that will be better than this!"


    Still pouting, Kisara walked ahead of me as her cheeks inted like a chipmunk. Laughing quietly, I followed behind her with an amused smile, "Is perhaps Kisara jealous?" "Who''s jealous?" She sulked, and my smile widened even further.


    "Come on, don''t be upset. Kisara will find someone she loves in the future; should I also be


    jealous then?"


    "Hmph! I won''t fall in love! Ever!" She dered confidently, and I sighed.


    "Well, I''m not so sure about that..." I muttered. Smiling wryly, we swiftly forgot about her previous conversation and resumed our exploration through the city. It was more enjoyable than I had expected, mainly because these were things that I would never get to see in my


    present life.


    As the sun began to set, we finally stopped outside of the giant pce. A flight of long stairs made of smooth sandstone ascended towards the tall building as if it were a stairway to


    heaven.


    "Apparently, this flight of stairs leads to a temple," I exined while eavesdropping from the nearby, "The pce is built behind it."


    "That''s where the pharaoh lives..." Kisara muttered in awe, "If it looks this majestic from the outside, I wonder how beautiful the inside actually is."


    "Then should we go see?" I asked and pulled Kisara by the hand.


    With my assistance, we quickly ascended the stairs and found ourselves standing before an


    awe-inspiring Egyptian temple. The grand entrance left us momentarily speechless, its sheer size and intricate details overwhelming. The walls were adorned with vibrant carvings etched with meticulous precision. Massive statues acting as pirs lined the walls, their towering forms supporting the vast ceiling above.


    As we stepped inside, we entered a spacious room filled with the soft glow of candles and


    ancient scriptures. The air was thick with reverence as countless people knelt in prayer, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere.


    "This is the public area, and the pce should be revealed deeper inside." I hypothesised, ncing at the soldiers guarding the doors leading further into the temple. "Then I guess it can''t be helped..." Kisara sighed exasperatingly, "Should we just go back?" Staring at her disappointed expression, I felt determined as I took her hand. Going outside of the temple, I led Kisara all the way to the back, where there were fewer people.


    Finding an area along the walls, I suddenly embraced Kisara, "We will definitely see it." I


    dered as we began to float.


    "Y... Yuna!" Kisara yelped nervously, "We will get in trouble!"


    "Don''t worry, let''s have a small peek," I replied, my curiosity surging, wanting even to fulfil a


    little bit of her desire.


    "We... really shouldn''t be doing this..." She mumbled, but her excited expression betrayed


    her.


    As I carried Kisara to the top, I carefully let go, and shended gently on the temple rooftop. Thankfully, there seemed to be nobody in sight, and we were able to rx our guard momentarily.


    Moving closer to the edge, Kisara and I both gasped. In the distance, we could see the Royal


    Pce in its entire glory. At the front was an expansive vacant courtyard filled with luscious greeneries, and further were giant buildings constructed purely made of white quartz, giving it a divine appearance. Even if we couldn''t see the interiors, this much felt more than enough. Smiling, I nced at Kisara''s dumbstruck face andughed, "See, I told you it was worth it."


    "Yuna..." Kisara muttered, "Do you think we could ever step foot in there?"


    "I don''t know." I answered honestly, "But who said we can''t try?" "Well, if we do, let''s do it legitimately." Kisara chuckled, "It wouldn''t be good if we get


    arrested." "That''s true," I agreed with a nod. Kisara stood up, her eyes locked on the Royal Pce in the distance. "Just wait! I will definitely see what''s inside!" she dered, her voice full of determination. "That is my promise!"


    With a confident gaze, Kisara ced her hands on her hips and smiled, the sunlight reflecting


    brilliantly in her crystal-clear eyes. For a brief moment, we were so caught up in the intensity of her vow that wepletely lost track of our surroundings.


    Suddenly, a voice interrupted our thoughts. "You know," it began, "you can''t just get in there


    on empty promises."


    Swiftly turning around, Kisara and I spotted a boy with a bald head and sharp features. He was dressed in a delicate white linen robe, and several golden bracelets adorned his arms. Observing Kisara calmly with his bright blue eyes. "W... Who are you?" Kisara questioned nervously.


    "I should be the one asking that question." The boy frowned, "How did you sneak past the


    guards? This is a restricted area, you know?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Ah..." Kisara squirmed and averted her gaze. Eventually, her eyes wandered to the edge of


    the roof, "I... climbed.... up here..."


    "You climbed..."He made a stupid expression, "I find it hard to believe. Fine, even if you


    really did somehow climb all the way up here, you still haven''t answered my question. Who


    are you?"


    "Ki... Kisara," She introduced herself.


    "From your appearance, you''remoner?" The boy grapsed his chin, "Like I said, this is a restrictive area, and you shouldn''t be here."


    "Ho... Hold on!" Kisara interrupted him, "It''smon etiquette to introduce yourself too..."


    Caught off guard by her statement, the boy froze beforeughing in disbelief, "You really are


    a weird one. Fine, my name is Shada, and I am Shimon Muran''s apprentice, who''s one of the six Sacred Guardians!" Shada smiled proudly, and Kisara tilted her head. "Sacred Guardians? Who are they?"


    As if lightning struck, Shada froze in shock and stared at Kisara as if she were the strangest


    person in the world, "Do... Do you really not know?" When Kisara innocently shook her head,


    Shada sighed, "Alright, there''s no point in exining. If you don''t even know, just follow me, I will escort you out..."


    "Wa.. wait!" Kisara stopped Shada while glimpsing at the pce, "You said that I can''t get


    into the pce through empty promises. So please tell me how!" Turning around slowly, Shada observed Kisara''s sincere expression, "So you''re really serious


    about that? Well, it''s not like it''s impossible..."


    "First, you could be a royal servant who cleans the Royal Pce. However, that doesn''t


    seem to work since you looked fragile, but if you really did climb all the way up here, then it might be possible."


    "But to even be a royal servant, you needed trusted backing, or you couldn''t even


    remotely get close to the pharaoh or anyone important." Shada continued, and Kisara


    frowned.


    "Is there any other way?"


    "You can also be a priest, but that takes years of learning and religious rituals." Shad


    exined, "From the looks of it, you wanted to have a fast way, right?"


    Seeing her hesitant nod, Shada sighed, "There''s only one way then: be a scribe for the Pharoah."


    "A scribe?" Kisara tilted her head in confusion.


    "It''s like you record and write important documents," I exined quietly, "They''re basically


    civil servants..."


    "But that''s also very difficult." He continued, "You must know how to read and write thousands of different hieroglyphics. Then, you must also learn how to calcte mathematics


    and use ounting skills. However, they could be learnedter on if you''re chosen, that is."


    "And that''s why it''s also the fastest way!" Shada stated with a smile, "Every year, an exam will be held that will select new apprentices from hundreds of applicants." "Can anyone participate?" Kisara asked, her eyes gleaming at this opportunity. "If you have enough money, then yes." Shada nodded, "We can''t just have anyone participate


    since ink and papyrus are pretty expensive, after all."


    "I have personally passed this test!" He bragged, "It''s true for me to say that it''s a very


    difficult test and out of two hundred people that participatedst year, only ten passed!" "Then Shada must be pretty amazing..." Kisara mumbled, clearly impressed. "That''s why you should show me more respect!" He grinned, "Since you''re such a good


    listener, I won''t tell anyone about today if you just leave here now." Hesitantly, Kisara glimpsed at me in the corner of her eye. Seeing me nod, her shoulders briefly rxed, and she obedientlyplied with Shada''s terms. On the way down the roof, I asked several questions through Kisara, and Shada answered all of them, clearly happy that someone was showing so much interest in their job.


    With Shada''s presence, we were quickly able to pass the guards, and soon, we arrived at the


    Temple''s entrance, "Just don''t do something so reckless again. If you hurt yourself, no one could be able to find you."


    "Don''t worry, like I said. Next time, I will go in legitimately. It''s really nice meeting you, Shada; I will see you next year!" Kisara waved, and we began to descend the stairs. "Yes, see you... Huh, next year? Wait, don''t tell me you''re really serious about participating in


    the exam?!"


    "Of course, why would I promise something if I''m not going to do it?" Kisara tilted her head


    as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.


    Leaving Shada stunned, Kisara ran down the street. I could feel both our hearts beating with anticipation, "Yuna! That exam, we''re definitely going, right?!" "Yeah!" I nodded, "Such an opportunity. How could we miss it?!"


    At that moment, our hearts were perfectly in sync, united by a shared determination. I vowed


    that through the uing exam, I would make Kisara''s name known to the world. With the fire of our resolve burning brightly, time seemed to blur, and before we knew it, an


    entire year had flown by...


    I hope you enjoy it! I apologise if this chapter went a little fast. I wanted to finish Kisara''s back story in a few more chapters so we can also get into the official World of Memories arc.