Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura)

"Oh, Sir Edward, it's nice to see you today. And who's this?" Sylra, now appearing as a dark elf, greeted warmly as Edward and the Harpy stepped into her workshop. Her dark skin glowed beneath the soft lantern light, and her sharp, green eyes glimmered with curiosity.

Edward offered a polite smile. "I hope your day has been well, Lady Sylra. This is..." He glanced at the Harpy beside him. "What's your name, kid?"

The Harpy straightened slightly, her wings giving a soft flutter. "Oh, it's Nemu," she said brightly before turning to Sylra. "And I want to sleep on a mattress."

Sylra blinked in surprise, then chuckled, her laughter light and musical. "Certainly know your priorities, don't you, little one? I like someone who speaks their mind."

Edward sighed, though a trace of amusement tugged at the corner of his lips. "What she didn’t mention is that she doesn’t have any money... or a place to even sleep on a mattress."

Nemu opened her mouth to protest but faltered, her cheeks turning a shade of red as she looked away, her wings drooping slightly.

Sylra raised a delicate eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Oh? Is that true?"

Nemu hesitated, then twiddled her fingers together, her gaze dropping. "Yes, ma’am."

Sylra chuckled again, though there was sympathy behind her smile. "Well, we can't have that. But if you don't have the funds, I'm not sure you'll be able to sleep on one of my mattresses."

"Aghast!" Nemu gasped, her golden eyes widening as though the world itself had collapsed around her. "No," she whispered, voice trembling with devastation.

Edward shook his head, suppressing a grin. "Sylra, didn't you mention needing a few more hands in one of your branches?"

Sylra tilted her head, giving Edward a long, thoughtful look. "...Did she just say 'Aghast'?" When Edward didn't answer, her eyes flicked back to Nemu. "And yes, the new fabric factory is short on staff. Are you sure about her?"

"Look at her," Edward said with a faint smile. "She doesn't seem like the type to cause any trouble. Just give her a job, and she'll work hard."

At his words, Nemu straightened up, her wings twitching slightly. "I'm not sure about that, sir guard. Working really hard sounds like... well, hard work. That's time I could be spending sleeping."

Edward sighed, though the amusement in his eyes didn't fade. "There's a mattress in the staff quarters. You'll have your own room."

Nemu’s posture snapped rigid as she threw up a sharp salute. "I'll work very hard!" she declared with sudden enthusiasm.

Edward chuckled at her quick change in attitude.

Sylra rubbed her nose, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Ignoring your... unsolicited job recruitment, Edward," she said, her eyes glinting with humor. "Are you sure she's the right fit?"

Edward chuckled, giving Sylra a light shrug. "She’s determined enough. Sometimes that’s all you need."

Sylra sighed, but her smile lingered. "Fine. If she slacks off, though, I’ll send her back to you."

Nemu perked up, her wings fluttering. "Don’t worry! I’ll be the hardest sleeper, uh, worker, you’ve ever seen!"

Edward smirked, offering her a brief nod. "Good luck, Nemu."

With that, Sylra beckoned the Harpy to follow. "Come along then, little one. Let's get you acquainted with your new duties."

Nemu trailed after her, though not before casting one last longing glance at Edward. "Thanks, Captain Guard!" she called, her voice cheerful.

Edward gave her a lazy wave, turning back toward his duties as the two disappeared deeper into the workshop.

The journey to the branch was a short one, though Sylra used the time to observe Nemu closely. The Harpy’s steps were light, her gaze flitting about the busy streets as though committing every detail to memory. Her energy was bright, if unfocused, and Sylra wondered how that would translate to factory work.

The fabric branch sat on the edge of the marketplace, its exterior modest but clean. The soft hum of machinery and voices carried through the open windows, the scent of fresh fabrics lingering in the air.

Inside, workers moved with practiced ease. They weaved through rows of looms, their hands deftly threading and stitching. Conversations buzzed quietly in the background, friendly chatter that made the space feel more like a home than a workplace.

Sylra led Nemu through the entrance, the Harpy’s eyes widening in awe. "So many fabrics..." she whispered, her fingers twitching as though she longed to touch them.

Sylra chuckled. "It's a craft that takes patience and care. You'll learn."

They were soon approached by a tall grey, stern-looking woman with short-cropped white hair and piercing eyes. "Lady Sylra," she greeted with a respectful nod. Her gaze flicked to Nemu, curiosity sparking. "New recruit?"

Sylra nodded. "This is Nemu. She’ll be helping out. Show her the basics, would you?"

The woman’s gaze lingered on Nemu for a moment longer before she gave a brisk nod. "Of course. I’m Mira. Follow me."

Nemu hesitated, glancing back at Sylra. "Will I really have my own room?"

Sylra smiled gently. "You will. It’s modest, but comfortable. And it has a mattress."

At that, Nemu brightened considerably. "Alright! I’ll work my hardest!"

Mira arched a brow but said nothing, leading Nemu toward one of the looms. As they walked, Sylra called out, "And Nemu..."

The Harpy paused, looking over her shoulder.

"Don’t fall asleep on the fabric." Sylra’s eyes glimmered with amusement.

Nemu laughed lightly. "No promises."

Sylra shook her head, watching as Mira began explaining the work, showing Nemu how to handle the threads and operate the loom. The Harpy listened with a curious tilt of her head, though her fingers twitched as though already itching to give it a try.

Sylra lingered at the doorway for a moment longer, satisfied, before stepping back into the busy marketplace.

---

"A Harpy?" Kaede asked, seated behind the large wooden desk in her office. Before her loomed a mountain of papers, stacked high and threatening to collapse. The endless reports and documents from the six vassal states weighed heavily on her, each sheet a reminder of the responsibilities pressing down on her shoulders. Nation-building, she was learning, came with little rest.

"Yes," replied her personal secretary, Sera. The Goblina stood poised at the side of the desk, her posture straight, her sharp eyes betraying her diligence. "She was seen wandering around the marketplace, sampling our wares. She also met and spoke with the captain of the guard, Sir Edward. According to this report, he introduced her to Lady Sylra, who offered the young Harpy a job as a weaver."

Kaede leaned back in her chair, exhaling a soft sigh of relief. The opportunity to discuss something, anything, other than treaties and tax policies was a welcome distraction. "I see. At least she's not causing trouble."

Sera inclined her head slightly. "Indeed. Lady Sylra believes she’ll adapt well to the work."

Kaede nodded absently, though her thoughts were already shifting elsewhere. She glanced toward the unopened letters stacked neatly on one side of the desk. "Still, a Harpy from Fulbrosia. Has Fulbrosia sent any messages about an envoy?"

Sera's expression remained carefully neutral as she shook her head. "No, my Lady. We’ve received no word from Fulbrosia at all."

Kaede frowned, fingers drumming lightly against the polished wood. Fulbrosia bordered the eastern side of her growing domain, their silence unsettling. Though the war the Harpies had with the Tengus had ended log ago, tensions still simmered beneath the surface, and ignoring them wouldn’t make them disappear.

"Perhaps we should send an envoy instead," Kaede mused aloud. "If they’re hesitant to reach out, we can take the first step. Their past conflict with the Tengus is bound to cause us problems eventually, better we open negotiations now rather than later."

Sera gave a small nod. "A prudent move, my Lady. I can arrange for the envoy at your discretion."

"Good. Choose someone careful, someone who can read between the lines." Kaede’s gaze lingered on the papers before her, though her mind was already racing ahead. "And make sure they carry gifts. Something subtle, but meaningful."

"As you wish," Sera said, her tone crisp and professional.

Kaede offered a faint smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Thank you, Sera. That will be all for now."

The Goblina bowed slightly before stepping back, leaving Kaede alone with her mountain of responsibilities. "Urgh. I don't wanna work!" She groaned.

She glanced at the report about the Harpy in question. "I haven't seen Sylra in a while too." She smiled mischievously