Cid’s eyes casted on the window watching how the people had disperse and sheltered on some establishments. He cranes his neck and glances on the people from behind that’s entering the store and cautiously town down his voice.

“The assassins that the nobles funded, they’re gathering in various places in different cities. Even now, they’re spreading like insects, man. The only way out of this is to get her straight back to the palace.”

A silence fell over them. Alastor massages his head and heaved a heavy sigh.

“Shit.”

“What is it?”

“It must be them.”

“Who?” Cid raised a brow.

“Them, the people who attack us previously. We managed to escape them, but they…”

Alastor sighed and continued. “They were marking and camping some roads. This tactics of them are becoming a pain in the ass.”

Cid could only offer a small nod. “I understand. So that’s the reason why there’s reports about men wearing in black suits and bronze armors attacking people on their way.”

“What?!”

Alastor was surprised about this. He only heard about marking roads but he didn’t know that they would go that far.

Alastor rubs his cheek.

“I guess that’s to be expected.”

“Yeah. Now that they’re desperate the political envoy’s life is in grave danger, they’re not going to consider a stealthy approach.”

“Is that the reason why you came here?”

“Yes.” Cid replied.

Alastor glance at his companion. His thoughts spiraled about her.

When Cid notice that he hasn’t introduces his companion, he let out a breath.

“Oh, um, this is my partner, Misty.”

“Partner?”

“Yes.” He naughtily smiled.

Misty’s eyes caught on his ridiculous grin and quickly elbowed him.

“Don’t get the wrong idea.” She exclaimed. “I was assigned to assist him in his mission. Ever since the incident back in Kayon city, Rod became stricter about our assignment…”

“Which I told him… it’s going smoothly.”

“You only had one chance on taking ride with her but you blew it up.”

“That is not my fault. These kids were happened to be in the city and needed my help. I got distracted. How many times do I have to tell you that? Jeez.”

Misty fell silence, her eyes remained static.

Cid continued. “Anyways, we have to make sure that the political envoy will able to cross the border safely.”

“Safely you say? There is no such thing as safe.”

“Yes, yes, I know. We only have few men to spare.”

“I wish Rod would reconsider adding more men. Seriously, those bastards gaining more advantage over catching us. I don’t how long we will manage this but shit, they more men and has firepower.”

Cid nodded eagerly while his eyes close. Alastor grunted.

“You’re not listening, aren’t you?”

“I am.” Cid resigned. “By the way, who is this political envoy? I still don’t know who is this guy.”

“It’s a she.”

Cid paused and broke to grin. “Really?”

“Cid, I will warn you in advance. Don’t. Just don’t.”

“Well, it depends.”

“There’s no depending here. I’m gonna kick your ass if you lay hand on her.”

Cid’s eyes widened. He looks at him completely surprise as if a toddler who just learned a new word.

“Wow. This is the first time I heard so protective tone coming from you. You sure you’re not having a fever their bud?”

Alastor showed his fist. “Do you want this stick on your face?”

“No, no.” Cid playfully back away. “I’m not going to hit whoever she is.”

“Good.”

“Returning to the concern, we need a plan. A strong one. Although, we already had one before, but I don’t think it’s going to work.”

“What is it?”

“Pretend to be a merchant.”

“A merchant? What’re you guys pretend to sell?”

“Paintings.”

“Oh really? Well, I doubt that would work.”

“I know, I know. You don’t have to remind me that.”

Cid resigned and dismisses him. “The enemies are going to block and attack us. The only thing we can do is to move forward.”

“How?”

Cid firmly responded. “By ramming our way. It would be messy, that’s for sure.”

“Then what?”

It may be sound desperate but they have no other choice. They were taught that they must be stealthy as much as possible. They must have an element of surprise to have the advantage over the enemies. Cid’s suggestion is the complete opposite of what they have thought. Alastor could only hope that it’s going to be well. It’s not like he doesn’t fully trust Cid. He did not how Cid had helped them back in Kayon city, without him they won’t be able to snuck inside the chemical factory and obtained series of information.

Cid had noticed Alastor’s wordless thoughts about his plans. Cid gently smiles. He was very much aware the risks of his plan. Cid looked at him interestedly, recognizing his thinking face whenever he felt there’s amiss.

“I know that you doubt my proposal, but it’s the option we have left. After we cross the border, we will meet with some people.”

“Some people?” Alastor addressed his worried thoughts. “You mean like us?”

“Not exactly. They can be trusted, don’t worry. They’re just some adventurers that owed me some favors.”

“Ok. And then…?”

Cid was hesitant to tell more as the people suddenly grew large.

“Can we just talk to somewhere else?”

“Yeah, yeah. Sure. After the rain stop, of course.”

Cid nodded.

Alastor interestingly casted his eyes at the group of people who seems to be eyeing on someone. As the man got up and jostled his way, Alastor’s eyes caught two certain women. Two thin figures who stood in front of the crowd. They wore luxurious dress and appeared to caught by the rain when they got here.

They seem familiar.

Alastor recognize who they are.

The lady who has red hair, her blue dress delicately features and hones the tone of her body. Her burning red hair pulled back and knotted tightly on her top. She stood with such confident. She slightly turned and he saw her aristocratic nose, her eyes keep wandering. She made a sighed and looked around.

The girl was conscious of her surrounding, unsure what to do. She held her companion on her arm. She’s completely wary of her simple jet-black hair that is tied into a tight bun on the back of her head. Her green dress hanged loose and expose her long legs. Despite the uneasiness, she stands tall. Her bulging twins was covered by her dress. On her neck, the orange rock dangled. Her bronze yes reflected in light as she turned over her heel.

Their eyes met.

Alastor felt somehow flustered the way she looks. Alastor unconsciously looked down.

The lady clutches to her and nodded, pointing at him.

All men parted as the divines strode forward to him with magnificence and elegance. Some dared to approach them, but they were utterly rejected. They’re hopelessly stared at them.

When the ladies stop in front of him, all men’s attention gathered to a certain man, Alastor.

Just who is this lucky young man? The question circulated among them.

Cid, whose face is thicker than the walls of bricks had annoyingly started.

“Damn.” Cid whispered. “Is this the one? She’s thicker than what you’ve said.”

Alastor motherfuckingly stares at him. Misty clutches his mouth to shut up.

He uneasily looked up.

“Um.” Caroline was unsure what to say but gathered her breath. “What do you think?”

Alastor was dumbfounded. “Yeah.”

The way they dress and look fresh, they must’ve went shopping and went to spa.

He never felt this before. His heart was feels like it’s about to explode.

Alastor is sure that there is something rising, and it isn’t his sword.

Linda caught on and broke the awkward silence.

“Cid? What’re you doing here?”

Cid snapped. He hasn’t forgot his objective. “Oh yes.” He shook his head. “Can we talk to somewhere else… private?”