What gifts will I get? What are we having for dinner? Do my friends have any gifts for me? These were the usual thoughts on Mika’s mind while awaiting her birthday. But not this year, even when tomorrow was her birthday, and yet these thoughts sounded childish to her. Akemi’s health had been declining for the last three days, and she could do nothing about it. They were running thin on money, even when the Tanigawas had been helping her mom for free. She spent all her money on medicine, which she wouldn’t be able to afford by the end of the week.

Her mind was cloudy. How am I going to pay for the medicine? Will I at least get a job today? She had been walking two miles everyday for almost the last two days, looking for a job that could pay for the medicine.

Today, she was jogging down the dirt pathway to the nearby town—so adamant about getting a job that even the scorching sun didn’t matter. Her mom did.

She stared into the distance with desperation. Her pacific blue eyes grew gloomy as she walked down the lonely pathway, all alone by herself, overthinking. Funny how things change real quick. Guess that’s how time moves… She thought, faintly smiling, edging closer to the town.

Upon entering, she dragged herself to the town market. It felt different this time, as if something might change this time. The last place I haven’t checked yet is the market for the porter job. She thought, jogging to the porter’s hiring area in the market.

She reached the place, and it’s vastly different from what she imagined it would be. Outside the gate of the nobility court? She gazed up in the skies, just to see the building in its full glory. Bright lights and tall towers, making everyone seem like ants. The building on the outskirts of the market made her jaw drop. She looked back down to notice the other porters standing there. All of them were men, staring down at her as if they were going to eat her alive. Their gazes like those of venomous snakes entwining their target, ready to bite their sharp teeth into the flesh of the prey. An uncomfortable spot to be in, but she now knew things worked in the city.

It felt real, so real that she felt like hearing a few snakes hissing at her, taunting her. But the volatile environment didn't scare her away. Willing to light the reactive workspace on fire, she stepped forward. But before the snakes could do anything, an actual person amidst the hissing creatures spotted her, approaching her. He was as bright as the court itself.

“You want to hire a porter, miss?” He questioned politely, bowing to greet her.

“No. Uhm… I’m actually looking for a job,” she hesitated, avoiding eye contact.

“Oh… This isn’t the best job for a girl. Why don’t you try something else—” Mika interrupted him.

“Tried my luck at the central cafe in the eastern market; the old port; at the shrine and at the shops near Vuki street. Even at several places for the watch guard position and didn’t even get that job because apparently I’m too young!” She injected her frustration straight into his soul, staring deep into his green eyes while she crossed her arms. “I’m here not because I want to, but because I have no no choice left.”

“Uhm, maybe I’ll get you the very next order somehow. Sounds good?” She nodded. “How much do you need?” He added.

“Around 7300 Yauzs.”

“Wait… What are you going to do with that much money?” She interrupted him again.

“Medicine—” 

He went completely silent—couldn’t say a word. They waited together. The other porters saw them standing close to each other, and they were speechless too.

“He… How?” “The guts of that girl…” Murmured the porters while the man stopped a merchant, asking him if he needed her services.

“Sir? Yes! Yes—yes, sir... Certainly sir.” The merchant frantically nodded. She smiled and hopped off the rock she was standing on top of, collecting the merchant’s crates.

“She needs 7300 Yauzs. I know it’s a lot. Let her do this and then some other chores. Pay her the amount after it.” The merchant agreed and handed her the rest of the crates.

It was heavy, but she walked beside the merchant in relief, rubbing his hands and relieved at not having to carry his own luggage anymore.

He was amused at the innocence she exuded. “You're not from around here, are you?” He pointed at her. “Because you don't seem to have any idea who the man you were talking to was, right?”

“No? Who is he?” Mika looked up at the merchant in curiosity.

“Mhm, he’s a powerful man. A wealthy retired member of the court. A leader.”

“Oh, that’s good, I guess.”

“You still don't have a clue who you've met, do you?” He chuckled and gave her a wait-and-see look, but she just shook her head slowly. His gaze turned serious again. “I should also mention that I only have this one job for you. But I could recommend you to other merchants if that helps you.” She agreed immediately, but suddenly her cargo weighed much heavier than before. She felt her muscles tremble and burn under the tension.