Nemo's Disappearance, Seoul Private Apartment

September 3rd 792:

As Hina was walking back to Nemo's apartment, she began wondering why her omelet caused Nemo to suddenly faint. Ursela was with her the entire time instructing her and when she taste tested it, it was fine. Maybe it was the fact that they had different senses of tastes. Although she doesn't quite remember putting anything in it that Ursela didn't tell her to put in. She then clenched her fists near her chest to make sure to make food worthy of a prince's tongue next time she had the chance.

As she began to get close to Nemo's apartment, slightly farther away, she saw the newspaper kiosk that she normally passed by on her way to school. She didn't get a newspaper this morning due to the confusion in the morning so this was a good chance. Although she was going to pass by the kiosk on her way back to the dorms so she didn't really have to buy it now. She would have to buy the newspaper and then turn back around and get to Nemo's apartment to get her ribbons. So she decided she would rather just get her ribbons and then leave to get the newspaper to read on her way back to the dorm.

Hina, while lost in thought about what to do, almost passed Nemo's apartment when she made her decision and then turned to the door to get inside. When Hina opened the door, Ursela was in front of the door as if waiting for Hina. Hina concluded that Ursela must've wanted to give back her ribbons so she waited at the door for her.

Ursela grabbed Hina on her shoulders and yelled "You should've gotten here sooner!". Hina, thinking that Ursela must've waited at the door for a long time for her to return and give back her ribbons. Ursela looked around and Hina and outside noting that Nemo was nowhere nearby and asked "Where is the master?"

Hina looked at Ursela with confusion as she didn't see Nemo since this morning so she replied "I don't know."

Ursela then said "Then we've still got some time!" and then tossed her to a nearby maid who in turn tossed her to another one. Eventually causing her to arrive at the maids' quarters, which Hina doesn't have fond memories of what happened last time the maids brought her here. Seeing another maid holding a maid uniform, she saw what they were planning and began to squirm.

In a matter of minutes, she had shifted into her maid outfit and pulled down to where Ursela was. Ursela nodded as everything was just as she had planned. Hina looked at Ursela and asked "Um... W-why am I wearing this again?",

Ursela ignored Hina's questions because the answer was obvious. She was Nemo's maid and thus had to welcome him back home when he returns home. She also noted that Hina stopped saying "Nya" at the end of her sentence. She then stared sternly at Hina and aksed "Why aren't you adding 'nya' at the end of your sentences?"

Hina frightened at what Ursela was implying as she could only say "I-I... forgot?"

Ursela roared at Hina as she cringes and said "You best not forgot when you welcome back the master."

Hina nodded as she feared what Ursela was going to do to her. She then began to integrate saying "nya" at the end of her sentences again and that she should welcome back Nemo back into the apartment.

Lily Seoul stepped out of her carriage in front of the Seoul Private Apartment. She scanned the gigantic building. Big brother... I hope you're happy to see me... Lily wished to herself. Somewhere in the building was her cousin, Nemo Seoul. It'd been almost three years since she'd last seen him. "Tesla."

A woman exactly 33 years of age stepped out of the carriage. She had short brown hair and bore almost no expression. "Ma'am?" she responded in an emotionless voice.

"Get my bags," ordered Lily. Tesla nodded then stepped back in the carriage for a second before reappearing with several bags in her hands. She then followed Lily up to the door before dropping a bag and freeing a hand so she could open the door for Lily. Lily was surprised to see a maid wearing cat ears that was about her age, maybe a little older. She had expected Nemo himself to greet her.

At the instant the door, Hina bowed her head and said "Master! Welcome back nya~" and then looked upward hoping to find Nemo praising her but only to see another girl that she had never met before. They had several bags with them meaning that the girl was staying at the apartment which surprised Hina as she thought that only Nemo owned this apartment complex. Although she had to be pretty special if she was to live here so she decided to step aside to let them in.

"Take me to see Nemo, maid," ordered Lily Seoul, stepping into the building. Tesla stepped in after her and set the bags next to the glass case that contained Nemo's sword.

"Ah.. Um..." Hina stuttered wondering how she can fulfill her demands. She doesn't know where Nemo was so it was impossible for her to take her to him. Although Hina didn't like the authoritative tone of this girl as she called her a maid but it seemed appropriate as she was wearing a maid uniform so it was to confuse her for a real maid.

"I-I can't nya..." Hina replied while twiddling her fingers.

"Useless!" exclaimed Lily, throwing her hands up in the air in frustration. "Come Tesla, let us go find Nemo," ordered Lily, walking by Hina.

Suddenly a burst of light appeared in the lobby and Nemo stepped out. "Big brother!" shouted Lily as soon as she saw Nemo. She ran over and gave him a big hug.

Nemo was surprised to see Lily in his lobby. "L- Lily, is that you?" asked Nemo. It'd been a few years since he'd last seen her, Nemo barely recognized her.

Lily giggled and nodded. "Yep!" she said. "Hey, you need to fire that useless maid over there," she added pointing to Hina.

Nemo scowled and flicked Lily in the head. "Show her some respect, she's my friend," said Nemo, rubbing Lily's hair as he walked by her.

"Sorry for missing school Hina," Nemo apologized. "I got caught up in training." Nemo didn't want to tell her that he was training with Sapien. "Did I miss anything?"

"Eh!?" Hina said in surprise. If she remembered right, Nemo didn't want anything to do with dragons like Sapien. Hina stared at Nemo in disappointment as his resolve only lasted for two days.

Although Hina was sure that Nemo would be able to read about it in the newspapers, she wanted to talk a bit with Nemo for a bit and he might know why the bomber could identify her. "There was a bombing at the school nya~." Hina said bluntly.

"A bombing!?" Dammit Sapien! If only he could've been there, he would've been able to stop it. "Is everyone alright? Did the person who did it get caught?" asked Nemo.

Due to the sudden barrage of questions Hina couldn't really grasp what Nemo was asking but she was able to understand the last question and stuttered while replying "Y-yes..." but then she realizes she forgot to put "nya" at the end so after a short delay she said "Nya~"

"I don't know what Ursela did to you, but you don't need to say 'nya'... I mean... I think it's cute but... it must be embarrassing," said Nemo, blushing and scratching his cheek.

Lily glared at Nemo's back as he spoke to the maid. She felt a strange sense of jealousy. Quickly she shoved the feeling away, because there was no way Nemo would fall for a commoner.

Hina blushed at the the fact that Nemo cared for her well being and noted that fact that Nemo thought that what she was doing was cute to Nemo and took it as a compliment. "N-n-no, I don't really mind nya~" Hina said while waving her hand in front.

"Well... Alright then..." said Nemo, embarrassed. There was an awkward moment of silence.

The silence irritated Lily. "Alright! When is dinner time, the trip here has caused me to become quite famished," said Lily, waltzing up to Nemo and hugging his arm.

Nemo's face turned red as he remembered his cousin's presence. "I- It should be ready about now... Ursela!" he shouted and as if waiting for his call, Ursela stepped out of a room adjacent to the lobby.

"Yes master-" she stopped when she saw Tesla standing in the lobby. "Well, well, if it isn't my old rival," she said staring at Tesla.

Tesla glared back. "How dare you call ME old, old woman," retorted Tesla, staring at Ursela with cold eyes.

"I didn't call you old, and I am not an old woman. I'm only two years older then you, did you forget your math?"

"Key word, 'Older'."

Ursela and Tesla started bickering back and forth before Nemo stepped in. "Ursela," he said in soft voice. "Is dinner ready?" he asked.

Ursela clapped her hands together. "Ah yes! Right this way please," she said, leading Nemo, Lily, and Hina to the dining room.

Hina was directed to the dining room but she wasn't sure if she should sit down. Although it was nice of Ursela to allow her to eat dinner with Nemo but she felt she really should get going but she was curious on who the girl was.

The fact that she is thought of as a maid made a perfect disguise. Although other than the maids, no one else was inside. The fact that the girl's luggage was brought here means that she was moving in. Hina had to confirm who she was so she began to wait to see where Nemo and the girl will sit and make conclusions based on it.

Lily continued to hold Nemo's arm until they got to the dining room. When Nemo sat down, she took the chair right next to him. The dining table was filled with entrees from Smoked Ham to Pizza.

"So... Do you mind telling me why you're here, Lily?" asked Nemo as they sat down.

"Eh?" Lily seemed surprised. "You didn't get my letter? Useless courier..."

Nemo flicked Lily in the forehead again. "Stop calling people useless," ordered Nemo. "It's not nice."

Lily puffed out her cheeks. "You should act more like a prince sometime, big brother..." she said. Then she released the air in a sigh. "Anyways... I came here because starting tomorrow I'm gonna start attending the Phoenix Magus Academy."

"Oh?" Nemo raised an eyebrow. "You're gonna be a first year... Wait, school started a few days ago, why are you so late?"

"I had... um... a little... mix up," said Lily embarrassed. She had told the carriage driver to go down the left path instead of going down the right path which would've led them to Grand City. Instead she ended up in Old Town, a place practically crawling with commoners.

As Nemo walked with Lily to the Dining room, Hina began to analyze their behavior to determine their relationship. The first part she noted was that Lily was holding onto Nemo's arm. This is much different from holding hands due to the fact that it shows Nemo was either not willing to hold her back or Lily was close enough to Nemo that he allows her to. Either way, Nemo didn't show any real interest in making advancements towards Lily otherwise he would've done something much more daring. As Hina thought about those advancements, her face grew a bit red but then she realized that they were at the dining room already.

The food smelled delicious and thus making Hina wonder why she had to make Nemo's breakfast if the maids could make such wonderful food. Although Hina didn't really have time to wonder about that as her focus was fixed on Nemo and Lily. What Hina noticed then was that Lily waited for Nemo to sit down before she sat next to him. This was indeed odd.

Normally if one were to have an easier time talking with another person, they would sit directly across from them so they could see their facial expressions easier. The point of sitting next to someone is to show that they are close enough to be within each others' personal space and a form of a gloat. Although other than Hina herself, there was no one to gloat about this form of interaction with anyone else because the maids shouldn't care about their master's relationships. The interaction did make Hina puff her cheeks a bit but then she let it out as a sigh as she knows she can't get between them until she confirms their relationship.

Upon further analysis of Lily's personality, Hina noticed that she is a tsundere. The facts that led her to this was that she is tsun to everyone except Nemo who she is dere to. With her current statements and what she said to Hina before can confirm her suspicions. Although she has no intention of hiding her tsun side though. Hina nodded as she accepts that Lily is a tsundere without a doubt.

Hina noted that Nemo allowed him to hit her and not really throw a tantrum but just a light scolding. Although the fact that Nemo hit his little sister is a form of domestic violence and he has committed this act multiple times. Unfortunately he is the prince and thus can't really be reported for that as he can do whatever he wants. Hina sighed a bit with a bit of disappointment and relief knowing that he can't be sent to jail.

The next part that made Hina think for a bit was that Lily was going to attend Phoenix Magus Academy. Considering that the dorms were farther away from the school than this apartment building, it made sense that she would want to live here. She wasn't really worried but there is a chance for incest to occur which made Hina worry a bit when she noticed.

The next part that Nemo stated was that Lily was going to be a first year, meaning that Hina was about a year older. Although it didn't tell her anything, Hina sighed at how tsun Lily was despite being so young and began questioning her upbringing. She did note that Nemo turned out fine with the exception of a few things she noted about him.

Most of it led Hina to believe that Nemo has no real interest in Lily and it was instead Lily who has interest with Nemo. The tsundere actions of Lily made Hina lead to such a deduction and the fact that Nemo didn't make any advancements was also proof. Hina sighed a bit again and noticed she was sighing alot but wasn't sure why but Hina didn't really need to worry about that.

Hina looked at the clock and noticed it was getting late and the newspaper stand might close soon and she still didn't reclaim her ribbons. It was highly probable that Ursela wasn't going to let Hina escape after Hina sits down at the table so Hina decides that it would be for the best she'd just sneak out. The moment was perfect as Ursela was distracted with Tesla and Nemo would still want to talk with his sister. Hina confirmed her theory once more and then began to walk backwards and out the door which was still open.

"Where are you going, Hina? Don't you want to eat with us?" asked Nemo, noticing that Hina was about to leave.

"Eh?" Hina said in surprise as everyone directed their attention her when the Nemo spoke out. As most of the people in the room directed their attention to her she began wondering how to reply while not offending Nemo. "Um... Uh... I-I don't want to trouble you so um..." She said softly while twiddling her fingers.

"It's no trouble," said Nemo smiling at her. "Besides I haven't introduced you yet."

"I don't want to be introduced to a comm-" Lily stopped when Nemo flicked her in the forehead again. Lily puffed out her cheeks and rubbed her forehead, there was probably going to be a mark there now.

Hina not sure what to say but she couldn't deny Nemo's invitation without being rude now. "Um... Okay nya." She replied and tried to figure out where to sit.

If she sat next to Nemo, it would allow the confusion to continue to spread and she didn't want that so she decided to try and distance herself by sitting across from Nemo as it would also allow her to have an easier time seeing Lily's expressions as well as Nemo's by sitting across and she didn't want to cause a confusion like what already occurred two days ago.

Once Hina sat down, Nemo placed a hand on his cousin's head. "This is my little cousin, Lily. Lily say 'hi'," ordered Nemo.

Lily blushed. Normally, she wouldn't say such a thing to commoners but... "Hi..." she muttered in a dejected manner.

Hina felt nervous being in front of Nemo's cousin so she flustered a bit before replying "Um.. eh... H-h-hello."

"Lily, this is my friend Hina... You'd better be nice to her," said Nemo, rubbing Lily's hair.

"Okay..." Lily submitted. Normally, she wouldn't be nice to commoners but Nemo told her to. In a sort of dejected mood, she cut off a piece of ham, placed it on her plate and ate it.

Nemo took a bit of shrimp and some mashed potatoes.

Hina realizing that there was not really much she can draw from those sentences decides to begin eating. She looked around at the food wondering which one she should eat. Not entirely sure what she wanted she thought she would leave it to pure chance. She circled her pointed hand around through all the food and the randomly chose a time to stop. Although she decided to eat what she was pointing to, she was going to reached out towards the mashed potatoes. Eating that would mean that she would be eating the same thing as Nemo.

Hina wanted to avoid looking looking like she was copying Nemo which was in her opinion, a bit rude. She then decided to go for a second round except with her eyes closed this time. She then circled her pointed hand through all the food before randomly stopping. When Hina opened her eyes, she was pointing towards the shrimp. The result would be the same if she chose to eat that so she opted not to do so and decided to find a better method.

In order to avoid copying, she had to choose something differently manually but there were too many choices. Hina sighed as she didn't know which to choose. She then waited to see what Nemo and Lily would eat next before she chooses as it would allow her to choose what Nemo had before.

Although she never had any intention to eat at Nemo's house as she was more in a rush to get today's newspaper as it could contain valuable information. So while she observes Lily and Nemo, she would occasionally glance at the clock on the wall. Although whenever she saw Lily and Nemo eating, it made her drool a bit.

Lily and Nemo ate silently until Tesla came. "Ma'am?" Tesla said, trying to get Lily's attention.

Lily wiped dabbed at her mouth in a elegant way before responding. "Yes Tesla?"

"The servants have finished preparing your room, would you like to go see it?" asked Tesla, keeping her head bowed.

Lily pushed herself away from the dining table and stood. "I suppose, they'd better of done a good job," said Lily following Tesla out of the dining room. That left Nemo and Hina alone in the dining room, save for a few servants that ran around in the back.

"Perhaps you should try the meatloaf, it's good," said Nemo, noticing the Hina wasn't eating anything. He figured it was because she was being indecisive. He then cut a small piece for himself and put it on his plate.

"Eh? Um..." Hina muttered wondering whether or not she should try it. Although Nemo is eating it so it may appear as she was copying but Lily isn't here anymore so it should be fine. Nemo was also suggesting it, and it would be rude to not consider it. "O-Okay..." she said.

Seeing as the meatloaf was on Nemo's side, she would have to either walk over to Nemo's end to get it or ask Nemo for it. It would be very rude to ask for stuff from a prince so that left her with the choice of walking over to Nemo to get it. Thus Hina pushed herself out and then walked over to Nemo's side.

Upon arriving at Nemo's side, she realized that she forgot her plate at her seat and that she would have to ask Nemo for the meatloaf to get it. In this situation, she would need to take the meatloaf back to her seat to get a piece to put it on her plate, but then she would be depriving the prince himself of food.

There was a empty seat on the other side of Nemo that Hina could sit in but then if Lily comes back and sees them together, hell could break loose as the misunderstanding grows. She then realizes that she could just go back and get her plate but then it would appear as if she walked over for nothing and it would be quite embarrassing in front of the prince. Thus Hina began pondering and pacing around near Nemo deciding whether she should go back and get her plate or sit by Nemo.

"What are you doing?" asked Nemo, confusedly. He wondered why she kept pacing around him.

Hina's face grew red from embarrassment as Nemo takes notice of her actions. Hina then took a seat and began to sulk as it appeared to Hina that she made a fool of herself with her pacing. Upon looking back up, she realizes she was sitting next to Nemo causing her to be in shock. Not entirely sure how to respond, she said "I-I'll be taking your suggestion then..." and then takes a knife and fork to get a piece of the meatloaf.

Nemo ate dinner silently after that. It felt quite awkward at first, considering Nemo couldn't think of anything. But then he started feeling comfortable for some reason. Perhaps it was because he was eating with Hina or maybe it was because the temperature was just right, he didn't know. They say a friend is someone you can be alone with and have nothing to do or say, but still be comfortable in the silence.

But friends don't ruin other friends lives, Nemo thought to himself. He was sure Hina's life would never be the same. Maybe he thought of her as a friend but what if she actually hated him for what he'd done to her? He didn't want her to hate him.

"Say..." Nemo started. He had a sullen look on his face as he set down his fork on his plate. "Do you hate me? I mean, because of me your life ruined..."

"Eh?" Hina looked upon Nemo with a quizical expression. She began to look back upon what has happened so far and found that her life from before was indeed ruined. She, who was once ignored and alwaya sought revenge, is now the one that is sought for revenge by Nemo's fan club and known to most of the city.

Although this brought a small smile to Hina's face as she replied "No... even though you ruined my life. If you hadn't ruin it, I wouldn't have been able to be friends you or everyone else in the discipline committee. I also wouldn't have been able to meet my new friend in 2B if you didn't talk with me." It was indeed a equivilent exchange. One life for another with a painful process in between.

"Thanks," said Nemo as he smiled at Hina. It was a huge load off his chest, she didn't hate him. He was happy that she also considered him a friend. That gave him all the more reason to want to protect her, even more then before for he knew that his enemies, those far stronger then his fan club, would most likely target her one day. "You do know that... If we're friends, people much stronger then the fan club will target you right? Are you sure you still want to be my friend?"