The carriage wheels groaned to a stop, and Yumi stepped down onto the packed dirt of Nan Gau. The air here was thinner, sharper than she expected—cold enough that each breath felt like a sip of icy water. Mountain wind slid through the wooden gates and narrow streets, carrying the faint smell of incense and something older, something that made the hairs on her arms rise.

She adjusted the massive scythe hanging from her back, making sure the curved blade arcing behind her legs didn't accidentally take someone's leg off. The twin sapphires adorning her face inspected her impromptu companions. The one named Kamara was the kind of woman who looked like she could cleave a boulder in half if it offended her. In contrast, Emily looked as if she’d stepped into the wrong world entirely. Regular clothes, polished hair, eyes that were far too gentle for a place rumored to be stalked by the dead. But Yumi knew from experience that appearances weren't everything.

When Ryota appeared, Yumi's pupils widened for the briefest moment. She knew beastkin existed in this world, but it was her first time meeting one. His comment about her choice of weapon confused her. [color=a8d7e8][i]Is he mocking me? Or was that a compliment?[/i][/color] She bowed politely to him, hoping that it would cover for her lack of social skills.

As Ryota led them down the hall, Emily introduced herself. Yumi's lips trembled briefly before parting. [color=4c87bf]"...Yu...mi..."[/color] she said simply, placing a hand on her chest. Her voice came out careful and quiet, as if she were still learning to use it. [color=4c87bf][i]"Hajime...mash...te."[/i][/color] The second part came out a bit more confidently, but it still sounded like someone speaking for the first time. A slight redness tinged her cheeks, and she looked downward shyly. She hoped that sounded right. She hoped it sounded like she knew what she was doing.

As she looked down, she caught Kamara's comment about Emily's shoes. Yumi had never particularly been into fashion, but even she had to agree with Kamara. She remained silent, however, her gaze lingering on Emily's shoes for a moment longer as she followed along with the group.

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