"Ah, you know how it goes," I replied with a casual shrug. "Work's about to kick into high gear soon, and it's going to get crazy busy." A grimace formed on my face as the thought of going to a house filled with some of the most hostile liminal species crossed my mind. "But hey, on the bright side, guess what? Last night, out of nowhere, a dullahan showed up at my place. It was pretty wild!"

"Dullahan?" Preya repeated, her brows furrowing with concern. "What did a harbinger want with you?"

"Oh, it seems she was interested in finding out how I ended up in this place," I replied, attempting to maintain a nonchalant tone. "She also mentioned something about my host but didn't provide any details. Anyway, it looks like she'll be moving in with us, which means..." I paused briefly, counting on my fingers. "We'll have a total of nine people living under one roof. Quite a crowded house, I must say. Oy vey," I sighed.

"I must admit, I find it quite challenging to fathom the prospect of cohabitating with such a substantial number," Preya commented with a hint of disapproval, her head shaking gently. "I genuinely wonder how you can navigate such circumstances."

"You know, it's kinda like living in a college dorm," I said, leaning back casually. "Except instead of everyone pitching in for chores, it's usually just two or three of us doing all the laundry, cooking, and cleaning. And let me tell you, most of the folks living here can squish a human without breaking a sweat. We don't have an actual college, though." I frowned, scratching my head. "So, maybe the dorm comparison doesn't quite fit. We did manage to have a wild night of heavy drinking last night. That's something, right? Go us!"

"Wait, 'college dorm'? You lost me there," Preya remarked, tilting her head to the side quizzically, resembling an owl in its curiosity. "I'm unfamiliar with colleges, except for the few on the Far Side. Although I've never had the chance to visit them myself."

"Oh, they have colleges on the Far Side?" I exclaimed, genuinely surprised. My impression of the Far Side so far wasn't exactly great. Being dumped in front of the Fanged Sea, with or without memories, wasn't exactly a pleasant experience. I guess not the entire Far Side can be that bad. I mean, I can't imagine most liminal folks choosing to live near a deathtrap like that, even with their powers. So, if they have colleges, their society must be more developed than I thought. "What's it like over there?" I asked eagerly, sitting up and leaning closer to Preya, eager for more information.

Preya's eyes widened in response to my sudden excitement, seemingly frightened by my eagerness. "Well, honestly, I haven't personally been to any of those colleges," she admitted, her tone measured and composed. "However, I can share what I've heard. The most notable institution is the Museum, renowned for its emphasis on the arts and philosophy. Rumors suggest a connection between the Museum and the ancient Library of Alexandria, but I can't vouch for their accuracy." She shifted her wings gracefully, basking in the warm sunlight. "The other colleges, though smaller in scale, tend to have more specialized focuses, often involving the study of magic in various forms."

"Magic," I exclaimed, the word escaping my lips in a hushed whisper. My mind raced with vivid images of liminals adorned in mystical robes, wielding arcane powers that defied imagination. Hogwarts-like scenes played out in my mind, but deep down, I knew reality would be different. Suppressing a chuckle, I dismissed the whimsical notion.

Shaking off my daydream, I refocused on the topic at hand. "You know, I'll have to research the Library of Alexandria. Ironically, my knowledge about it is quite lacking," I admitted, scratching my head. "Was it located in Egypt or perhaps the Middle East?"

Turning to Preya, I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer. "So, why didn't you get a chance to attend any of those colleges? If given the opportunity, I would have eagerly enrolled in magic school without a second thought!" I exclaimed, a glimmer of excitement in my eyes.

"Who needs to be cooped up in a confined space when there's a whole world to explore and learn from?" Preya remarked confidently, her words laced with a sense of adventure. Her response resonated with me, reminding me of the free-spirited nature of harpies.

She continued, her tone carrying a hint of pride, "Besides, magic has never been a part of the harpy tradition, except for the rare few like the Three Sisters. As a harpy, my focus lies in traversing vast landscapes, embracing the thrill of the hunt, and soaking in the wonders of nature. It's a path that offers invaluable experiences and knowledge, far more enticing than confining myself to the walls of a magical institution."

I mused to myself, contemplating the intriguing thought—another fascinating piece of information to add to my ever-growing collection of notes on liminal beings. The amount of knowledge I was accumulating was astonishing. At this rate, I realized that I could write my comprehensive book in less than a month. It would undoubtedly surpass anything the Cultural Exchange guidebooks had to offer.

With that in mind, I made a mental note to discuss the publication process with Kuroko later. Navigating the publishing world would require guidance, and Kuroko's expertise would be invaluable. It was an exciting prospect to think about, the possibility of sharing my unique insights and expanding upon the existing body of knowledge.

"Got it," I nodded, settling comfortably into my nook on the tree trunk. A peaceful silence settled between us, punctuated only by the distant cries of gulls to the north. The sound stirred a longing, intensifying my desire to find the sea and immerse myself in its embrace. However, I reminded myself that my time with Preya was incomplete.

In that moment of quiet reflection, I realized there was still more to be shared, more to be discovered in our conversation.

"So, here's a random question," I began, breaking the silence. "Do you ever miss your home? Your friends or family?"

"I haven't considered my village as 'home' for many years now, so I don't miss it," Preya replied with ease. She closed her eyes, her head drooping slightly as her long, brown hair cascaded down her slender yet strong shoulders. "As for family, I know that when the winds align, I'll have the chance to see them again, so there's no cause for concern." She paused, a hint of melancholy tugging at the corners of her lips. "However, I do find myself missing my friends," she added softly.

"I understand," I responded, a touch of empathy coloring my voice. "Missing loved ones, family, and the sense of home is a sentiment many of us can relate to." A hint of melancholy danced across my face as I echoed the nostalgic longing. "I, too, find myself missing mine—my family and the familiarity of home. It's a bittersweet feeling, isn't it?" I mused, a wistful smile gracing my lips.

"I thought you were already living with them?" Preya inquired, opening one eye as she blinked. "Based on how you spoke about them, I assumed you were friends with the people you're staying with."

"They are my friends," I reassured her. "I was referring more to the people back in my hometown, where I originally came from."

"Ah. And you don't have an easy way to contact them?"

I shook my head sadly. "None at all."

Preya's gaze lowered, her voice filled with a touch of melancholy. "I feel the same way," she confessed softly. "However, I know deep down that they wouldn't want me to be wallowing in sadness over our separation."

I couldn't help but let out a chuckle at that notion. "Heh, I guess the same applies to me," I admitted, recalling the letter I had tucked away in my room. "Reflecting on the past while forging ahead is a challenge, but it's not insurmountable. It's a delicate balance we must strive to achieve."

Preya offered a gentle smile as she shared her perspective. "As a species, harpies tend to focus less on the 'looking back' aspect," she remarked, her voice carrying a sense of wisdom.

"And what about you, Preya?" I inquired with genuine curiosity, eager to hear her response.

At that moment, both of Preya's eyes opened wide, fixing their gaze on me. Her initial expression was inscrutable, leaving me momentarily uncertain. But soon enough, her smile reappeared, bringing a sense of warmth and openness.

"I refuse to let my past define who I am," she declared boldly, her gaze briefly shifting toward the Kuramoto household. "However, I won't ignore the nagging doubt within me. I can't easily place my trust in these humans. The only reason I trust you is because of your evident concern and anger regarding my situation. As for the others..." She paused, fidgeting slightly on her perch. "They'll have to earn it."

I stroked my chin thoughtfully, contemplating her words. "Will you be putting them to the test, then?" I inquired after a moment, curiosity lacing my voice.

"No, testing them would only exacerbate the situation," Preya replied, shaking her head with conviction. "I'll exercise patience and wait, observing their actions. If they fail to create an environment that convinces me to stay, I won't hesitate to leave. I refuse to be confined again."

"I understand your resolve," I interjected, my voice filled with empathy. "And I..."

Suddenly, the backdoor swung open with a loud smack against the wood, catching our attention. A small figure with twin tails appeared, peeking out from the doorway.

Chinatsu's voice resonated excitedly as she cupped her hands around her mouth, acting as a makeshift megaphone. "Mama made snacks!" she exclaimed enthusiastically, calling out to us. "Come join us and enjoy!"

Chinatsu's exclamation was immediately met with Kei's audible sighs and Manako's pleas for her to stop. Despite being cut off by the commotion, I couldn't help but burst into laughter. Preya, on the other hand, swiftly stood up and assumed a poised position, ready to take flight. However, upon hearing my chuckles, she huffed and shot me a playful glare, puffing her cheeks in mock annoyance.

"Hey, just so you know, if that were a real threat, I would have incapacitated you already and flown away to safety," Preya pouted, her tone filled with mock seriousness. She hopped off the branch, her talons having left their mark in a shredded pattern, and walked away. I couldn't help but find her mixture of flustered cuteness and underlying ferocity adorable and slightly terrifying.

"Joke's on you; my bony figure serves as perfect body armor," I boasted, my voice tinged with playful, self-deprecating pride as I followed Preya. "If anything dared to come after me, it would at least inflict some discomfort on them."

"Why do I sense that you just showcased something embarrassingly unconventional?" Preya sighed, a softened tone replacing her previous sharpness. "And let's not forget; you're not as bony as you were when we first crossed paths. Your wrists have gained some substantial girth, almost rivaling the thickness of my feathers now."

"Ouch," I winced playfully, feigning pain. "I hope Mrs. Kuramoto prepared something icy to soothe that scorching comeback."

"Guess what, everyone? Mama whipped up a batch of delicious spring rolls!" Chinatsu exclaimed joyfully as we entered, gesturing enthusiastically towards the table. At the far end, Manako sat opposite Kei, who was already tucking into the food deliberately. I sat beside Manako, who visibly flinched but remained silent while Preya claimed the spot closest to the window. To her slight vexation, Chinatsu cheerfully plopped down right beside her.

Nana joined us at the table, taking a seat next to Kei. "Thanks for the food," I expressed my gratitude to her, a warm smile gracing my face. "You went above and beyond, although you didn't have to go through all this trouble..."

"Oh, please, it's my pleasure," Nana reassured me, her smile radiating warmth. "Miss Manako has been so kind to Chinatsu, and you're a friend of Preya's. It's the least we can do to show our appreciation."

"Thank you," I expressed with a grateful nod, casting a quick sidelong glance at Manako. With my chopsticks, I skillfully picked up a spring roll from the plate. As I settled back into my seat, I couldn't help but notice that Manako's cheeks were no longer as flushed as before. It seemed she had indeed found the strength to handle Chinatsu. Well done, Manako!

Preya's gaze fixed upon the spring rolls, her eyes seemingly scrutinizing them for signs of potential danger. "May I ask what ingredients are in these?" she inquired cautiously, her words deliberate and measured.

Nana responded with a gentle smile. "These spring rolls contain chicken and assorted vegetables," she explained. "I apologize if they seem a bit plain. I need to replenish the pantry soon; a trip to the grocery store is definitely on my to-do list."

"Tastes good to me," I promised her, giving Nana a thumbs-up.

"Mhmf," Kei grunted, his mouth full.

"Alright then," Preya responded, glancing at the chopsticks briefly before shaking her head. Surprising us all, she swiftly stood up from her seat. Our eyes followed her in confusion until, in a blur of motion, her leg shot out with astonishing speed. Gasps escaped some of us, but Chinatsu's eyes sparkled with awe as we witnessed a spring roll impaled on each of Preya's sleek black talons. Without further ceremony, she began to pick at the food, displaying her natural grace deftly.

"Whoa!" Chinatsu clapped her hands together in delight, catching Preya off guard. Kei and I joined in, applauding the impressive display. Preya seemed perplexed by the sudden applause, her feathers ruffling in mild confusion. Meanwhile, Manako observed quietly, unfazed by the spectacle, as she continued to enjoy her meal. Nana wore a concerned smile, her expression hinting at a mix of relief and tension. I couldn't blame her; after all, the near-miss with the table had been quite alarming.

"Hardly something worthy of praise," Preya grumbled, her demeanor appearing somewhat bashful for reasons unknown. "Any raptor worth their feathers could pull off the same feat without a sweat."

"Wow, do you think I could learn to do that?" Chinatsu wondered, her excitement palpable as she inched closer to Preya, kneeling on the ground.

"Look at your feet," Kei sighed.

"I know I don't have claws!" Chinatsu exclaimed, balling her hands into little fists. "But I can still grab them!"

"You can practice later if you want," Nana conceded. "And make sure to wash your feet before trying with food."

Wait, she's letting her try it?

"Okay!" Chinatsu chirped, saluting her mom briefly before returning to her food, her eyes glimmering.

Being positioned next to Manako, I couldn't help but notice a faint, almost imperceptible smile gracing her lips. It was a rare sight, one that carried a subtle warmth. Feeling a surge of connection, I averted my gaze, not wanting her to catch me staring. Yet, the unspoken understanding between us was clear. We had reached the same conclusion without needing to exchange a single word.

Preya had finally found a good home.

To be continued...