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"My eyes have informed me that you aren't eating properly."

Ghost had skipped most of his meals yesterday and hid away in his room for hours, "What do you want to know today?"

Maribelle snarled, "I want you to tell me why you aren't eating."

"Because I don't trust any of you dragon people. Aren't I here to answer questions about society?"

"You have actually told me quite a bit, and," She paused, "I have been invited to dine with one of the Royal Elite familes, on the condition that you also come."

Ghost correctly assumed that Royal Elite was a name for a rich family, ones that somehow had quite a bit of sway in the dragon society enough to distract the heads of military. He wasn't quite sure if he was seen by the parade crowd, though it would make sense that the rich would want an audience with a curiosity, "So, that's all I am."

"They think us mere playthings, but we do all the work while they just sit around. If I had a say they wouldn't be allowed to be anywhere near a planet still being conquered." Maribelle's stern nature was coming through, at least she understood Ghost's train of thought, "We can't refuse. It will be trying, you don't have to speak about everything. My husband will do most of the talking. He always does."

"I've heard rumors about him." Maribelle winced, "I see. Arranged marriages never end well." Ghost hated the thought of having to be an ornament for rich people, but learning more about how to manipulate his wardens could be worth it, "I'll go, but I expect an escort and the chance to leave whenever I wish."

"Agreed. They won't be able to say otherwise. For now, let's finish today's work."

Hours upon hours passed as he descibed the habits of rich humans. It was all common knowledge to him, but Maribelle was once again fascinated, "It seems that there is much in common between our species, at least in eating habits."

"Don't ask why. People everywhere like to have things that commoners can't get. Even if they are commoners. There was a phrase, but I can't remember. Always have to keep up appearances, even if you can't afford it."

Maribelle checked her notes, "That would explain the middle class areas that hold so much debt..."

Power was important here, and if Miel was right, then altering the balance could be advantageous in the long run. For now, he had to be a loyal little servant. Maribelle checked over some more notes while Ghost thought of the possibilities for that evening. At worst, they would quickly apologize if he acted offended, but would mainly ask him questions. He needed to divert the attention to Maribelle's chatty husband and observe closely. Obvious weaknesses and blackmail targets would be a godsend, "Even the poor do it. Sometimes the rich, they just hide their debt better."

"Devious planning, none of my business." Ghost grimaced. Maribelle saw right through his poker face, "As long as you don't embarrass yourself, do whatever you wish. Ah, lunch." A woman in a standard jumpsuit brought in two plates of food. Nothing too fancy, just meat and vegetables. The meat was usually spicy, leading Ghost to think that dragons needed more kick than a human. Otherwise, it was cooked about as well as a chain restaurant, "Eat. For tonight I will arrange an escort."

"I have something to ask you."

Mirabelle was genuinely curious, "Go on."

"What are the chances that someone will try to kill me there?"

"Well, low..." She paused for several seconds, and the look in her eyes told Ghost everything he needed to know, "But now that you mention it, several of their sons are brats. I would assume there would be no violence, but if things get too bad I will step in."

"I doubt it." He mumbled to himself.

Mirabelle sighed, "I know you don't trust me, or my people, but try to make an effort. Here, today's payment. Try to spend some time in the mall and find something to purchase. It will take your mind off of things." She pulled a bronze flask from a pocket on her tight armor, "Drink first, it will help."

He snatched the flask and took a large swig, "Why so nice?"

"It is my duty." He handed her the flask and started to leave the room, "While you are only my guide, I would like it to someday be considered a fellow citizen, even a friend."

"Citizen? I'm a human from a dominated species."

"Yes, but if you prove yourself, which if I had final say you have, a council will convene and potentially offer you citizenship, granting you all rights and priveleges. I hope that this will one day come to pass."

Ghost was curious about why Mirabelle thought he had proved himself already, "Why have-"

"Your bravery to begin with, and your openness about culture. Never have I had a guide so knowledgeable and willing to share. In two days you have told me enough hat I can hold a solid grasp on this society's ideals and behaviors." That almost seemed cheerful, as though she was holding something back, "Now go." Her last words were abrupt though. She was reading Ghost as well as he was reading her.

Ghost found his way to an elevator and went down to the mall, the only other place he was allowed to wander. On the trip down, or perhaps up, the alcohol started to kick in. The doors open and he stepped out with a calm gait. With all of the stores, there was bound to be something he could, and wanted to, buy. He began his search by heading to a higher floor than before. Immediately dragons attempted to get him into their stores.

"Hey! Human! I got games!"

"Over here! Finest books in the world!"

"Appliances! Cook up a feast for yourself!"

"Annoying, isn't it?" Miel's voice was discernable from the others, "Well, you're a celebrity in a way, so get used to it." She walked by his side, "I bet you could stand to buy something to drink-"

"Hey, Miel! I got some new... merchandise." A hushed whisper from the right. Ghost looked over and first saw Miel tense up and look nervous. Beyond her was a store with darkened windows and a sign on the door. Just by the context clues, he assumed that it was an adult store, "Come on, I got a batch ready for you. Quick purchase."

"Uh, Ghost, right? Why don't you, uh, just sit on that bench over there and I'll be right out..." She was just the right height to blend into the crowd and slip into the store. In a minute she was out with a plain red paper bag, "Ready?"

"What did you buy?"

"None of your business, now let's march to the liquor store." The bag was slightly open at the corners, and a glance gave Ghost an unnecessary idea about Miel's sexual orientation. It could be used as blackmail, but she didn't seem important enough to blackmail. They walked to the corner and found the liquor store, "So, strong or weak?"

Ghost glared at her, "I thought officers were supposed to be observant."

"Right right, no need to get your panties in a twist. Get a bottle of that brown stuff and a flask. Can't just carry around a bottle all day now can we?" The clerk heard the unofficial order and rang it up. Ghost paid and they left the store, "So, anything else you need today?"

"You're talking more formal than before."

"Well, yeah. My superior gave me a talking to the other day and I just remembered."

There was a small gap in the crowd, so Ghost whispered, "And what did he say about buying porn?" She tensed up and released a short, nervous laugh, "Guessing that was bad too."

"A girl's got needs." The walked around the mall for about an hour, only exchanging little bits of small talk, "Speaking of needs..."

"That was a bit late."

"Sorry, mind gets a bit jittery sometimes. You got a girl of your own? Or a guy?"

Ghost wanted to shout at Miel. She was a scatterbrain and quite unaware of people outside of her own personal world, "How did you ever get to be an officer?" She flashed a goofy smile and shrugged, "I was homeless, I did NOT have a relationship with anyone at all, romantic or otherwise."

"Aww, no booty for the human. Want to stop by my favorite shop and pick up something to... release tension?"

"I think I'm good for now."

"Stripclub?"

"Miel... are you looking for an excuse to do those things?"

She sighed, caught red handed, "Fine, fine. Hey look, ain't that Mirabelle- shit, I mean the Grand Inquisitor?"

She was easy to spot, being a foot taller than most dragons. She was also entering a store Ghost hadn't noticed, primarily because he didn't need any furniture, "She's probably busy."

"Come on!" Miel grabbed him by the forearm and dragged him to the store, "Excuse us Grand Inquisitor, but may we be of any helo today?"

"No thank you, I'm quite alright- Ghost?"

"This was her decision, not mine." Miel continued to act oblivious.

Mirabelle looked at Miel, "I suppose since both of you are here, I am looking to replace a table in my room. Mine has broken and is no longer usable."

"What happened? Faulty craftsmanship? Slammed down some papers too hard?" Mirabelle winced, and Ghost thought back to what the strange groomer said. Mirabelle was forced into a marriage with someone who was very likely abusive, but judging by her size he was not stronger. The table was then broken by her frustration, "Oh, a nasty spill?"

"Miel, drop it. Unless you would like Mirabelle to pry into your bag." Miel started to whistle to herself, "Look for something sturdy, or easily replacable if you want to be cheap."

"Thank you, Ghost. I would perfer a sturdy table. Would you have any suggestions?"

Most of the small tables were made cheaply, but a few appeared solid, "One of the wooden tables. Metal survives better, but dents are harder to remove. Wood has enough give and it's easier to repair scratches and stains."

"Once again, I'm impressed by your knowledge. Very well, I have made my decision, thank you again. Someone should arrive at your room in two hours to escort you to the dinner."

Ghost and Miel left the store, "O-o-o, you're going to a fancy dinner. I thought we were buddies, why didn't you tell me?"

"Not relevant."

"Aww, don't be mean. Who's it with? Do you get to wear a different robe? What kind of food? What kind of drink? What kind of dinner? Eating or talking?"

"One of those rich families wants me as a conversation piece. And since they're rich, I'm guessing that the food will be in tiny portions paired with expensive wine that tastes like shit."

"Uh... yeah, probably. Them rich folks don't know how to eat. Our kind though, we eat like we mean it! Meat! Spices! Sauces! Food until your belly wants to burst!"

"All food is better than what I've been surviving on."

Miel nodded, "Right, well, after you're done your little dinner party, we're going to hang out on my day off and eat 'til we drop! Only the best! Jikael's! That one place with the unpronounceable name! Those places!"

Agreeing would be easier than arguing, "Alright, that sounds fine. You're paying though."

"Fine by me! That just means I get to order. You're off work in a couple of days, same as me. Meet me by the elevators before lunch. But for now, last chance. Do you want something to get rid of some tension?"

"Miel, please stop."

"Come on, boob or butt man? I won't tell! Wait, where are you going?! Hold up!"