"--Nghuh..!!"

Promptly raising himself up, still half-asleep; the Sinese found himself seated upon a bench, just waking up from what appeared to be a spontaneous nap. Things have been quite hectic as of late. Not quite in work, but in social life. Between some cheeky familiar werewolf coming to visit and having to coordinate a pseudo-assault against a young girl, one would only tell the pressure Jan Ren had placed himself under these past few days. It was almost natural to assume he'd crash in some way.

Still getting accustomed to the sun's rays as it would be the first thing his eyes would meet with upon opening once again, the young man stretched himself. Groggily picked up from the wooden bench as he made a long, tiptoed movement; the Blue Pegasus mark on his back displayed fully. Ever-shirtless as of recent misfortune, he wondered if in some way, he had attracted others' attention. Could be nice if some cute girl took notice of his body and drew closer.

As he finished his stretch, the young man plopped down once more. Ears picking up on what sounded like the thrilled, excited voices of bypassing men. This could only mean one thing!! Naturally piqued, Jan Ren immediately turned his head to see what all the commotion was about, definitely finding it to be the right call. A stunning figure with a gorgeous face, long silky black hair waved as the woman took a leisurely stroll around Marigold. Never before was she seen here in his time, otherwise he would have easily remembered her.

--It was then however, in the midst of his similar gawking, that his eyes widened in some shock; realizing who this beauty was. "...Wait, impossible." But Raymus said she was in Myras! How could this be?? Those bouncy, plump pair of jugs. He'd recognize that anywhere!!

"Master!!?"

Instantly raised to his feet once again, the Sinese made haste to approach the woman with not a second thought given. Face clearly surprised, slightly hinting on pleasure, yet also terror. "What are you doing here!?"

Ever the seductress. A foreigner to her presence would have to wonder if the woman had deliberately chose every single action of her's, from her specific tone of speech to her words, body language and overall vibe accounted for all the while. Every ounce of her screamed 'sex appeal' and there was little shame involved, so much so that the men of Marigold gawking didn't even seem to bother her in the slightest. That was Master Alisa of Blue Pegasus, in Jan Ren's mind. Coincidentally, he was a practical foreigner.

So then, was it all a show? Or was she simply naturally gifted in the art of seduction?

Either way, it worked wonders. "No, it's just that... Raymus said you and the guild were in Myras by now!" He protested, still on the same surprised tone he displayed earlier, eyes scanning her form quickly before inevitably, locked on her stuck-out, generous chest. And from that point... They simply didn't budge. "He said you ordered everyone around to the mountain city for whatever reason, so I thought for sure you'd be there too!"

Almost as if he was talking to her breasts, rather than to the person herself.

With a difficult eye, Jan Ren couldn't tell much of the difference between the Alisa he had met two months prior and the one standing before him right now. But to converse with his Master all by himself like this -- and what's more, meeting her randomly as a chance encounter. Things didn't seem all that realistic, if he was to think about it! Considering himself blessed with her presence in the first place, the Sinese wasn't going to complain about it however. He did won some very clear eye candy in the process.

...Yeah, if Alisa and the guild really were in Myras, evidenced from the local werewolf'd little charade, this was all too improbable. He was still a bit tired too, so... Lucid dream??

Green eyes widened and locked entirely on whatever lied beyond that white fabric, the young man continued. Honestly surprised, but excited nonetheless. "No one from the guild contacted me in months! I started to think maybe I was being secretly hated..." He opened up, laughing some in a light manner despite the obvious insecurity showing through. He has voiced his concerns to his earlier-met friend as well, and while not nearing half-as-close with his Master as he would have liked to be, he figured. If this is a dream, why not!

"I wonder what's in Myras for us to look for though." He pondered, head cocked some to the side as a hand moved to grab at his chin in thought. "It's practically a desolate land. I don't see the merit in making the track, let alone settling."

All the while, his eyes have not moved a hint away from the woman's bosom.

Pointed out about his bad habit, Jan Ren had flustered some, face reddening as he flinched aback some; "A-Ahh, sorry! It's an accident." The young man excused, amused at the antic and how well the Master appeared to take it. Eyes momentarily closed and posture readjusted as he scratched at the back of his head rather nervously, before resuming the exact same position. As if he was hypnotized, the Sinese' eyes remained reaching for her bust rather her face, apparently uncontrollably so.

He'd guess that, with the laid-back attitude she displayed and the lack of closeness with the woman, she was doing all that on purpose after all. In which case, what's wrong with grabbing a bit of eye candy, huh!?

Jan Ren's eye twitched in quick response; "Not necessarily... I'm no guildmaster, though I did work as a manager before." He admitted, dropping quick yet vague background to his days in Sin. "If it benefit the workplace, then even if I had come to hate a man, he would remain employed. It's what's best for the business that comes first in consideration, right?" He would be a fool to deny his contribution to Blue Pegasus as a guild and to Marigold as a city, fully taking credit for his work in the past two months.

In a way, the Sinese had attempted to stray the conversation away from him not being unliked. He wouldn't be conscious of it, having come to terms with his bad First Impression in-front of everyone at the guild and accepting his status as 'disliked' among them. Though, thing after another, he was surprised to find out he was, actually liked amongst his peers.

Which drew an honest, relieved and gentle smile from his face, despite his insecurity persisting in 'formal' speech. The short moment also marked the first instance in which Jan Ren lifted his eyes from the woman's curvy figure, staring straight into her wine-colored eyes with his own emerald's. "However, to know Master at least doesn't hate me. I'm glad."

---And, back to 'business'; his eyes once again moved back down. Did she cast a spell or something?? How was this even possible??

So Myras was a recently-discovered city and with it being entirely unknown and blocked off merchant routes, it appeared like an off move to aim to go there, especially with that grand of a force. "I see." He let out, taking a mild sigh at her explanation. From his perspective, it was a false move; and one ought to have scouted firsthand, regardless of the general information literally handed out to everyone about this city. With the terrain being so unforgiving and the city only recently making itself known, anxieties were a given. In that sense, Alisa turned to show a much bolder side to her decisions, than what Jan Ren had first assumed. "It is first-come first-serve. Though if I may, Master." He started, face once more entirely neutral as he analyzed the looming threat. "I would have chose a safer path regardless. Strong as you are, if anything happened to you or any of our members, a 'bad name' would be the last of our worries. This is, entirely uncharted territory..."

...A thought came to mind. If Alisa was so adventurous as to march onwards to unexplored land so brazenly, it would be interesting to take a hike with her one day. But with literal leagues of experience and skill parting them, that too is a distant dream.

...Huh. A dream inside a dream? This must be a lucid dream then!

Despite being obviously distracted throughout the conversation, Jan Ren had listened carefully and took with utmost respect, every word the Master had to offer. Respect aside, she had further experience in the current work field than he did, especially apparent from his short time on the job despite his admittedly rapid growth. He would do well to learn from her and consider her perspectives, to one day pose a capable young and inspiring wizard himself. That is not to say that he entirely agreed with her, however. "Be that as it may." He started in counter-argument, his expression alone changing to match with the short banter. "While it has succeeded this time, who's to say it will next time. We have measures of scouting, and with me already being closer to Myras than the guildhouse... I would have mobilized a small crew first. If trust and teamwork is the key, surely you would trust your guild members to handle their own weight, right?"

Games of tactics and war were actually among Jan Ren's favorites. With the small selection of games he'd decided to adopt for himself at a young age, not being much for mindless time-wasting ever (having much better things to do, such as hitting on or staring at voluptuous women), he considered himself well-versed and skilled in that field. The Art of War wasn't simply child's play, proving itself a good simulation even in later years. Which is what the Sinese had already incorporated in his mind, approaching the situation very mechanically. ...Which he ultimately realized.

"...However, it is entirely your call. I believe you are just the type to lead, rather than just sit back and watch." He said, somewhat complimenting the woman as he sighed some in relief; convincing himself of how dependable a Master he has. Nonchalantly reaching to her side and gesturing with his hand, to lead the way. He did interrupt her in the middle of her stroll, after all. While pleasant and in his favor, it was rude to stop a beautiful lady in her tracks just to give away one's own opinion.

Hopefully the bystanders would view them as a couple, rather than... siblings.

He would reach with his other hand towards her back, if just to attempt intiating some form of touch. "Though I still wonder, Master." He started, finally looking away from her breasts for a moment as he watched the road ahead in his walk; "What's here to look for in Marigold? For someone like you, I mean."

It was a point of interest. Having spent so much time in the city as of late, Jan Ren had gotten bored quickly. It was the same peaceful scenery over and over, and he'd grown weary of it. If possible, he'd have liked to move somewhere else. "Also. Are you hungry?" He asked, properly looking into her eyes in that instance as he gave a welcoming smile.

Finally, the breasts' power has been lifted off him!

The touch felt all too real to be a dream. To which, the Sinese had unfortunately conluded that he wasn't in lucid state; but this was real life. In a way, it was more pleasant a state, seeing how this meant his Master really was there, in the flesh, just to visit him per her words! It made him feel rather special, despite the obvious generalization the woman had included. He wasn't too pretentious as to assume himself more important or special than others of similar class, yet considered himself a better-suited guildmember than most. In a way, he did wish for some recognition, and in that sense he's received it.

After a short detour to grab a snack in the form of the most basic hotdog stuffed in a bun (having to make due with the absolute disregard of Bao in Fiore in general and Marigold in particular), Jan Ren picked a nice spot to stop by; "This should be good enough." Taking away from the Master's opportunity to observe the city was unideal, yet his own mannerisms as a Sinese man would prevent him from rudely eating while walking, god forbid. He'd only hoped Alisa would be on board with it.

"Ahh, if I had to take the credit, Master! I got rather acquainted with Marigold's folk in my while here. You'd be surprised how much help they require with the most mundane of tasks!" He elaborated, light-heartedly sharing the hardships, and the lighter experiences in the city. While of the mindset that Master wasn't one to delve too much in the plain man's specifics, he came to acknowledge Alisa's more personal tendencies. Myras' expidition layout was just an example for such. "But also, it seems this city's under protection by a rather small guild." He started, tone shifting just slightly to take a more serious tinge.

Yes, this one was a guild the Sinese happened to come across time and time again. Much to his surprise, as he'd never heard the first thing about it before arriving in the city. Almost like it was confined, and the folk believed in them like an exclusive religion. "Master, are you familiar with Penumbral Guard?" He asked, pausing to give her time to react. Now, seeing how he's never heard the name before arriving, Jan Ren was under the full impression that this was a small-time guild, barely noticeable outside of Marigold. But it harbored some peculiar members he may or may not have taken interest in lately.

That said, his words and intentions were never in hostility. "As it turns out, they are the favorites around this town. I believe it'd be a good idea to establish a proper relationship with them." He suggested, half-hopeful. If need be, the Sinese would have taken the role of the ambassador from Blue Pegasus, should the woman find herself too busy to bother. He's already had his experience with the bunch as it is. Though it was all empty thought, and entirely depended on her own discretion.

"...You know. If we're already on politics, haha."

Oya? Honestly, this was direct contrast to their earlier exchange; which in and on itself, served some degree of amusement. Though misplaced as the subject at hand wouldn't quite fit with bemusement. Jan Ren honestly figured that the woman would be all for getting to know new people, especially newbies like those in Penumbral Guard. Much to his surprise however -- not apparent on his face but rather simply kept as a note -- the Master sounded awfully wary. The lightest changes in her facial expression indicated as such too, and the Sinese initially couldn't quite understand why. Her explanation that would come later however, would serve as such.

-- "Wait, bounty?" The young man asked in some surprise, eyebrows simply raised some and eyes slightly widened; "As in, wanted? Penumbral Guard's master?" Sure, Jan Ren had heard of the system before. Never truly one to delve into it, the Sinese didn't consider himself enough of a fighter of Justice to go out of his way and hunt out criminals. However, she was right; a leader of a supposed Light Guild gaining such a bounty all of the sudden almost seemed too suspicious. He'd be smart to stay on his toes around the Master of such a guild; which further raised some questions.

Why did people he knew aligned themselves with such a figure? What about them would capture an impish soul like Masami or an innocent girl like Rinni? In the first place, who was the Master of Penumbral Guard? What were they like? It seems that even Alisa didn't know much about such figure. Which means... "...If that's the case. I don't mind playing the reckless route this time, Master." The Sinese suggested with a somewhat coy smile, cocking his head slightly to the side; as if in a sarcastic jab at the lady, for pulling a similar stunt with Myras.

"What's one guild, compared to a city. Diplomatic matters are important." He pretentiously quoted, then proceeded to finish his snack (having ate bits of it as he spoke, and listened to the woman). "I would like to believe, too. That they're not bad people, I mean." Jokes aside, as Jan Ren did take some sort of tonal shift from the bratty stinginess he perhaps mistimed. This time was more considering, as if he'd given it some prior thought. In short, matching the Master's own initial reaction, though in a much more (desperately) positive outlook. "I've met a couple of members from their ranks... They're all good people. So there must be a reason why they'd follow a figure like that. And I'm willing to put myself out there to find that out." The Sinese explained, all the while his emerald eyes staring directly into the sculptress' own wine-colored.

In his own way, Jan Ren had wanted to promote the guild's status as well. So far all he'd bore fruit to however turned out to be simple request filling. "Trust me. I'm still a member of Blue Pegasus." He uttered, giving the final nail to his statement.

"And besides! Master's here in Marigold too, so we definitely got a good shot! Why not come with me if you're already in town?" The young man offered, once more assuming a more eager tone.

Seems his persuation has bore some fruit! With Alisa's following jab and eventual approval, Jan Ren couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He's now been tasked with something important for the future of Blue Pegasus, and he darned well wasn't going to screw this up. Upholding himself to his expectations of a proper diplomat, the young man puffed out his chest some in pride as he finally received the "okay" from his Master.

Of course, he realized there might be trouble involved. If their master did recklessly rack up such a hefty load, without it reaching the Sinese' ears, it must mean he's not dealing with the average person. On that front, he did agree to being careful. However, he also believed naively enough that if he showed his friendly nature with the guild's members, their master would abstain from making too much trouble. This was all, though, baseless thought as he'd never even took the time to learn the Guard's official Guildmaster's name. Regardless... "Of course!" ...He complied.

It was settled then. Jan Ren will reach the Guard's gates by himself, and should things go south, the rest of the guild would hear -- possibly through the Pegasus Communication System.

And while he initially figured Alisa's location (in Marigold) would play a good part, the young man found himself in questioning surprise. At first concerned that something happened to the Master that'd hinder her, the thought of acting on her part crossing his mind as a 'temporary body' for the lady should the situation call for it; though fortunately such wasn't the case. Still a refreshing bit of information, much preferred to something happening to the woman. "Huh? Two places at...?"

He'd read something about this in previous times. Or was it 'heard'? He couldn't quite recall, but the ability to exist in more than one place at a time did come across Jan Ren's ears in an earlier time. Though insignificant enough a detail and unexplored just enough to fail at calling it from memory when in suspicion, but Alisa's hint served a good drive for his mind to fetch that bit of lost memory. "Master, you can use Spacial Magic?? --No, wait. Illusion?" However, to pinpoint how she could be at two places at once was beyond him. As at the time the Sinese had never seen his master at active work, he lacked proper knowledge to her abilities as a wizard and with that detail, anything could be the jackpot.

...And while we're at it. "Then that means, you really are still in Myras!" He deducted, quite obviously. "Hold on, you tricked me!" The young man retorted, eyebrows furrowed in realization. The woman wasn't actually there in reality, which could put to question some other motives. Why go sightseeing in Marigold through an illusion? "What are you really visiting Marigold for??"

So it was an illusion-type of magic. Yet oblivious to the workings behind it, Jan Ren could only speculate how his Master came to learn such a spell or how does one even go about using it. That said, with him not being entirely aware of the woman's abilities and magic, one could only assume such was in the range of her capabilities as a natural thought. She was, after all, a Wizard Saint.

"H-Huh!?" Dumbfounded at the accusation, the Sinese' head jerked back a bit as his ever-expressive face matched his apparent lack of proper answer. "Hey! Cheesing your way into me won't help you here, Master! I'm fully aware!!" The young man declared, half-jokingly as admittedly; she already got to him before this little exchange even began. Of course, Jan Ren woulnd't hold it against the other in any way, as it was ultimately simple harmlessness. If anything, he was genuinely glad when addressed in such a high degree. Regardless, standing his ground would serve some amusement at least... If anything, letting her know she was in fact affecting him well.

Upon Alisa's not-so-subtle show, the Sinese' eyes once again moved instinctively to her generous chest, peering into the cleavage presented as if it was only natural. For a rather elongated moment, too; before getting to the inquery at hand. "Hmmm." He mused in thought (eyes glued to the woman's breasts, still). The first thing that came to mind.... If I could project my consciousness anywhere, huh? "If I am unseen, the answer is obvious." Jan Ren opened, gaze moving up from the treat received to once again lock with the woman's own, giving a wide smile as his eyes narrowed slightly.

"The women's bath in Hosenka." A trail of blood cascading down his nostril in light of the lecherous thought.

While classily and neatly wiping the trail of nosebleed from right over his upper lip, Jan Ren continued to fantasize, delving into the matter mentally. Naturally he wouldn't be unseen, seeing how he could very much communicate with and even touch his Master in this state. However, whatever strong ideals about mannerisms he brought with him from Sin, in the end, he was but a simple man. His motivation driving him to initially join Blue Pegasus was still very much present even now, and just like back then, he'd flaunt it shamelessly in the likes of Alisa's presence. Such is the way of a determined lecher.

"(What else would I need such a spell for?)" Though the thought surfaced, the young man could think up several other options for proper use. There was, of course, the lack of risk presented with not being physically present at a certain place, going hand-in-hand with the earlier topic discussed.

"...I do believe..." He once more started, still on the same subject as an idea clicked. "...If possible, you could join me as you are to discuss with Penumbral Guard. Even if you aren't physically present, Master's agreement and input is still very much necessary. It could help a lot, I think."

Disregarding the obvious threats thrown his way in regards, Jan Ren remained true to his initial character; simply accepting at face value everything the Master had to comment. It wasn't very much so back when he'd first joined, aside for a simple "oh, you're serious." as a surprised response to his boldly stated business within the guild. In retrospect, the woman's amusement back then and now, both dashed with a pinch of danger, spoke for how the matter may have been missed upon her. Nevertheless, "Worry not, Master. I will make sure to get thoroughly beaten up as just Jan Ren, and not of Blue Pegasus!" He shamelessly assured the ravenette, offering an accompanying thumbs-up and a confident smile; as if proud of his decision.

If Blue Pegasus was all about self-improvement and the never-ending chase after general betterment, the Sinese' antics were unique in standing on gray area. Just enough to utilize his skills efficiently, but also on the verge of getting a bad name. While such was true, it would be categorized as merely 'another joy of life'. Hopefully, the boy wouldn't drown down a more destructive path.

--"Oh?" Blinking twice and taken aback a tad bit, the young man observed as the outlinings of this woman's form appeared to lightly fade; warranting a quick rub to his eyes, blaming the outside light for such trickery, initally. If so, he had been wrong in his assessment and justifyingly so. "Something even Master cannot keep up for long periods of time, huh." Interesting. Such a seemingly mundane, unconsequential spell, heaving such a toll upon one's Mana and stamina. Almost as if the user was forced to maintain their presence in another location simply by holding themselves from that distance. Perhaps it didn't even have to do with the location where she's manifested, and the spell itself was simply that taxing. Either way, it appeared rather... Off.

"Illusionary Magic is surprisingly difficult to maintain, huh." He remarked, off the top of his head.

Yet, another thought came to mind, one that caused the Sinese to genuinely smile once again. Every trace of his earlier pervertedness gone, the Sinese unconsciously lowered his chin a tinge; eyes closing in satisfaction. "If so, I will have to find a way to contact you when the time is right." Naturally, he spoke about the meeting with that foreign guild; "I'd hate depleting your magic power like so again for no good reason." The Sinese led, head cocking to the side some. His apparent change in aura manifested in his approach as Jan Ren bowed to the woman respectfully, a deep and familiar bow, bidding her farewell already.

"However..." The feeling that stayed and the realization that hit him in truth, was in importance. His own, assumed importance. "I very much appreciate you willing to exhaust yourself so, just to pay me a visit. Forgive me for taking off your time this much, but. Thank you, Master."

Perhaps a bit self-important, though such is the way of the vain man. Someone as powerful and dominating as Alisa, willing to spend every ounce of her magic power for the simple reason of sightseeing -- and meeting with a fellow guild member. While in further thought it would be easily applied towards the rest too, for Jan Ren it spoke for how significant he felt, for this woman. And he'd be nothing short of rude or mad not to greatly appreciate the attention.

It was a surprise. To some extent, anyway. With Alisa's constant attitude of self-betterment and being in control (at least, the attitude he got off her prior), the idea that she couldn't master a magic was rather foreign. Not because there surely was a spell or two that'd prove too much even for her, but rather because. He'd never envisioned her dedicating her time towards something else. Ergo, something she wasn't proficient with or already practicing in the first place. The idea of a newbie Master was, absurd.

Narratively, he'd later find it a funny thought in truth.

As the woman in-front turned more and more transparent, Jan Ren took in the limits of the magic. Perhaps it was so difficult that even the likes of her could only prolong it for this amount of time, which made it all the more impressive. So then, what if the Sinese came to learn that spell? Would he even be able to pull it off?

"Heh..." He chuckled further; "Thanks again, Master." He said, watching as her form all but disappeared completely in-front of him. With newfound confidence in his welcome in his home, the Sinese' mood was rather elevated. A meeting with his Master like that is perhaps just what was needed to convince the young man of his place properly.

"...Y'know." He closed his eyes, once she'd already left. As if continuing the conversation, still having something left unsaid. Something he may have wanted to voice out, if properly allowed to and of his personal place. "It'd also be interesting if, I could go visit Sin again like this." It was a little bittersweet for him to recall. His circumstances for leaving Sin weren't fully of his will, after all. "I could see Ha and To whenever I wanted..."

...

He had to jot down, right as the woman had not a trace left in Marigold left, that through this talk he could learn a thing or two. Perhaps he'd actually put it to use in the future. "...It may be true, but. That's some serious sweettalking. I'd better learn that!" Admittedly one to throw compliments to his 'prey', Jan Ren could use a useful skill like that, with genuine meaning coming beyond simple ad-lib and lip-service. Whether it was in magic, improvement, socializing or flattery, he was just no match for that woman.

...Huh. When did it turn into a contest? Perhaps, with this simple exchange. Jan Ren had come to view the woman a lot less as a superior figure, and more an equal. ...Is that possible?