"I will make hidden ons for you... and I don't want any moher, R. But I will only make a limited number for Seven Treasures... one because Sis and I are the only ones who produce them and know the blueprints, and two because she is right. Hidden ons are important for us. It's just..." He looked at her not expining further. "...I would like to request a favor from you in exge for that."

  R blinked and then nodded. "Sure. I don't mind. I spoke with my father, who gave me free rights to speak for the , so I fulfill almost anything within the Seven Treasures' means."

  "Alright... I want your to apany and protect my Sister when she is going to leave soon, " he said, and R blinked.

  "Sure, that is no problem, " she said, then looked at Tang Yin. "I didn't know you wao leave, though. Has something happened—first Jiang, now you?"

  "Nothing too serious... just reasons," Tang San answered and then looked at Ning R. "I would also prefer if you keep it to yourself for now. Food reasons, Sis will be going to Haishen, the Sea God Isnd. She will need someone really petent to protect her, and if it's someone who could help her a bit as a sword instructor, that would be eveer."

  Ning R nodded. "That's not a problem. I make sure she has someoo guard her the entire way. Our also has a number of skilled swordsmen, so I arrange for that. All I o know is when you need someone and a few days to prepare for anything."

  "Alright, thank you." Tang San said, and Tang Yin blinked, surprised at how readily R had agreed to his request and didn't sed-guess his answer.

  "Say, why aren't you asking for... well, the reasons to reasons?" she asked R curiously, and R ughed.

  "Because I know the answer far too well," She told her. "You wouldn't believe how often older people ihe used reasons as an answer for things I was too small for uanding what was going on. I still get it today on occasion. You don't want to go about it iail, so it's fine, I won't ask. Occasionally, you just don't want to talk about things."

  "Whew, that sounds like something only a big girl would know." Tang Yin admired. "Didn't see that ing, to be fair."

  "Well," R shrugged her shoulders. "...at least if it's issues and matters. I uand more than I want to; it's been unavoidable all my life."

  R bowed to them ahem behind with a long look at the door when it closed. She gulped and then walked to the edge of the forest. In front of her, a white-clothed person appeared.

  "Tell Father they are willing to make a few of their ons for us and teach us how to use them. They have to make them themselves, though, meaning we only gain a limited amount. All they wanted for it was for one of our own to guard Tang Yin when she was leaving Shrek for Sea God Isnd. Preferably someone who knows swordsmanship. If you don't mind... Tang Yin is my friend, so I would be happy if Uncle Sword would agree to apany her or send someone he finds is strong enough to ensure she is safe."

  "I will, young miss." The man said and vanished as R walked back to the Academy and saw Oscar standing there and watg her. She smiled at him. He had been the one who had weled her from the get-go. In hindsight, she did feel a bit bad about it.

  "Hi," She said and looked at him.

  "Hi," He answered her, and they were standing there just looking at each other awkwardly.

  "Ehh..." They both started and then shut up. rinned. "Ladies first."

  "I... I wao apologize for how I treated you in the beginning. It wasn't right of me to do so." She told him and bowed. "Really, I am sorry."

  "No, you don't o apologize. It's not like I couldn't uand, " he said, " although I am happy you did."

  "No, it wasn't right. I shouldn't have been sant. Flender was right. I am not the best, you surpass me easily, as does Ning Feng. If I want to be arrogant, I first o be able to back it up." She looked straight at him, unfling, and Oscar felt shivers run down his spine seeing her so determined.

  Her beautiful gaze, her clear eyes, and the gentle sway of her long hair trailing shimmered gently among the moonlight. Then he remembered the things the Grandmaster had told him about the rules of the Seven Treasures Gss.

  "I am waiting to see that happen, " he said and smiled at her. "I am sure yoing to make it."

  "I will, " she said, grinning and running towards him, hugging him. "For all the right reasons."

  Oscar stilled and was stiff when R left him behind, and she turned, staring after her as she ran away. "Damn," he muttered. "She is so pretty. I will have to work a lot if I wanna make her see me at some point."