Part 2[edit]
Little Garden, Outer Gate number: 2105380, Inner Wall
The four of them, Jin, Asuka, Yō and the calico cat arrived on the other side underneath the veil after passing through a passageway made of stone.
In that moment, the four of them were engulfed in radiant light.
They saw enormous buildings as far as the eye could see and the veil covering the city.
"O-Ojou! Even though we should've entered a shrouded city, we can see the sun!"
"...Seems like it. But we didn't see into Little Garden from the outside."
From high up in the air they could not see the streets and buildings below the cover of the city.
Nonetheless now the sun is apparent on the sky of the city.
Looking at the city with buildings reaching for the sky, they tilted their head in confusion.
"The shroud covering Little Garden becomes see-through from the inside. It was originally placed there for the protection of species that can't take sunlight directly."
While gazing at the blue sky, Asuka raised an eyebrow and remarked with an ironic tone.
"That is a very interesting story. Could vampires be living in this city?"
"Well..., they do."
"...I see..."
Asuka put on a mixed expression.
She didn't know what kind of lives those real vampires led, but she didn't think they would live in the same city with everyone.
The calico cat slid down from Yō's arms and started admiring the view of the Fountain Plaza.
"Still though... The air really feels different here than in other human settlements I know. It's as clear as the air deep in the mountains after the morning fog clears up. Look! That sculpture in the fountain is really well made! If Ojou's father could see it, he would be delighted for sure."
"Yeah, I agree."
"Oh, did you say something?"
"....Nothing."
Yō replied with a tone very different from the gentle way she spoke with the calico cat.
Asuka didn't pursue her strange behaviour further, rather she turned her gaze towards the crowded Fountain Plaza.
Near the fountain there were a number of elegant and stylish sidewalk cafes.
"Is there one you recommend?"
"I-I'm sorry. I left the arrangements to Kuro Usagi... Please choose any one you like."
"That is quite generous of you."
Finally they sat down at a cafe bearing the flag of 'Six Scars'. From inside the shop, a cat-eared young girl quickly appeared to take their orders.
"Welcome! What can I get you?"
"Let me see...Two black tea and a cup of green tea. As for a light meal...this... and that."
"And a nekomanma!"
"Yes yes. So three tea sets and a nekomanma."
Hm...? Asuka and Jin tilted their heads in confusion. But the one who was even more surprised was Kasukabe Yō. With eyes like she was experiencing something beyond belief, she asked the waitress.
"You can understand what calico cat is saying?"
"Of course I do~, I belong to the feline race. This gentleman has very charming fur for his age, so I'll give you a bit of an extra service~."
"Your ears are pretty too and have nicely bent tail, Nee-chan. The next chance I get, I will come again for a bite."
"Oh mister, you're such a sweet talker♪"
The cat-eared young girl returned to the shop, swinging her tail back and forth on the way.
After watching her go back inside the shop, Yō started to pat the calico cat with a happy smile.
"...Little Garden is an amazing place, isn't it calico cat? There is someone else who can understand what you say other than me."
"I'm happy for you, Ojou."
"Wai-Wait a second. Perhaps you can converse with cats?" Asked Asuka with an unusually flustered voice.
In response, Yō nodded a little.
Jin was also fascinated and started asking questions.
"Can you also communicate with other species, not just cats?"
"Yeah. If it's alive, then I can talk with it."
"That sounds wonderful. Then you can even talk with those wild birds flying around?"
"Yeah, I probably ... can. The only birds I spoke with were sparrow, heron and cuckoo..., but I could talk with a penguin so it should be no problem."
"Penguin!?"
"U-Un. I've met one at the Aquarium. I'm also friends with dolphins."
As if interrupting Yō, Asuka and Jin raised their voice. Both of them were surprised by the same thing.
There should be plenty of chances for one to meet wild birds, but to think she had the opportunity to talk to a penguin!
"Bu-But if it's really possible for you to talk with every kind of species, then it's a very reassuring Gift to have. Here in Little Garden, the gap in understanding with Mythical Beasts is very wide."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Some of the feline race and those who belong to a deity's household, like rabbits, are given an ability to communicate with other races, but Mythical Beasts are a whole independent species. It's common knowledge that if you are not of the same species or possess a suitable Gift, then it is very difficult to reach an understanding. Even Kuro Usagi who is the part of the household of Little Garden's Creator should not be able to communicate with every species."
"I see...Kasukabe-san has a wonderful ability, I am a bit jealous."
Once smiled upon, Yō scratched her face nervously. In contrast Asuka whispered with a melancholic voice and expression. Yō and Asuka only met a few hours ago for the first time, but Yō could already tell that Asuka's current expression doesn't seem like her.