When Bunty returned to the ninth floor, the hub was just as lively as before. The first lights of dawn painted the sky red and pink, but the locals showed no signs of slowing down. Traffic appeared to be heading out of the settlement instead of staying within its walls, though. Much to his alarm, there were more DeLawney men on the streets. Bunty couldn’t tell whether it was because the crowds had thinned or someone had spotted Gwyneth and spread the news.

Bunty’s heartrate picked up. Heidi might’ve provided Gwyneth with an escort, but there were no guarantees regarding their effectiveness. Bunty pictured the worst. The more he imagined a DeLawney party cornering Gwyneth and her entourage, the faster his heart beat.

“Calm the hell down,” Bunty whispered to himself. He hoped she was still with the council or secure somewhere with the FTF guards.

None of the DeLawney Climbers was looking at Bunty directly, but he still pulled his hood up. Edgar would have filled them in on his identity. Thanks to the British colony ships that first settled around Gaia’s Ark, Indian Climbers were in abundance. Hopefully, the news of him joining the FTF hadn’t gotten out yet.

“Oss.” Finding him would hopefully get him answers. Bunty hurried towards their planned meeting spot. They weren’t due to rendezvous for another twenty-four hours. However, the likelihood of Oss holing up in view of the binding stone was high. So, he made a beeline for the spot while intently scanning his surroundings. Bunty told himself that he was overthinking it. Just because there appeared to be more DeLawneys around than before didn’t mean the house had located or captured Gwyneth. They could be gathering for a local expedition or preparing for an assault on the tenth floor.

A familiar helplessness took over Bunty. The feeling reminded him of when Baba told him about Alexander—not getting to see him had left Bunty feeling worse. He didn’t want the same to happen to Gwyneth. Bunty was starting to curse himself for agreeing to separate when he spotted Lydia. She was walking briskly down the street towards the square, surrounded by FTF guards.

“Lydia!” Bunty called out even though she appeared to be locked in conversation with one of her companions. The escort closed around her as he rushed towards them, and hands shot to sheathed swords. Bunty skidded to a stop six feet from them.

“It’s alright,” Lydia said, placing a hand on the closest escort’s shoulder. “He’s one of us.” She stepped out of the huddle, approaching Bunty. “What’s wrong? You look miserable.”

“Gwyneth,” Bunty said, breathing heavily. “We split up for a bit, and there are DeLawneys all over the place. Heidi leant her a couple of guards, but I’m worried—”

“Breathe.” Lydia chuckled, placing her hands on Bunty’s shoulders and looking into his eyes. “I’m aware you’ve suffered trauma concerning your close friends before, but you can’t jump to such conclusions when apart from your companions. Everything is alright.”

“Do you know where Gwyneth or Oss is?”

“I’m right here, love,” Gwyneth said, pushing through the huddle of FTF guards. Bunty’s shoulders relaxed straight away, and his heart rate slowed, but the look on everyone’s face left him feeling pathetic.

“I’m sorry,” Bunty said, pushing away the temptation to embrace her. “With all the DeLawneys around, I assumed the worst. They could’ve jumped you while you were passing through the gate or returning to the tower.”

“I didn’t leave at all.” Gwyneth smiled, taking Bunty’s place. She gave him a reassuring hug. “I’m touched you were so concerned. Heidi and I were talking after you left, and she suggested I meet with Lydia.”

Bunty raised an eyebrow, looking between the two women. He still wasn’t sure what was going on. “Heidi recommended Gwyneth for a consultant position with us,” Lydia explained. “The FTF can make good use of her knowledge.”

“If I publicly join the organisation, the DeLawneys will think twice about come after us too,” Gwyneth said. “If they attack us or capture me, they’ll instantly make enemies out of the Free Trade Federation.”

“That’s great,” Bunty mumbled, eyes widening. “Are you sure about this, though? That goes for both of you. You’re attracting drama with this, Lydia. The DeLawneys won’t accept this laying down.” He took Gwyneth side and lowered his voice. “Are you sure you want them hoarding your research?”

“That’s the thing, Bunty!” Gwyneth exclaimed. “The contract Lydia offered me won’t involve hoarding of any kind. They’ll have priority over it, of course, but I’ll get to publish, share and collaborate everything I learn!”

“Only the nobles and East India Company are interested in monopolies,” Lydia said. “The FTF is all for equality. We believe in sharing knowledge for the betterment and survival of our people. We heard good things about Gwyneth from an independent business owner on the sixth floor, and the DeLawneys have been making a big fuss over her. I’d like to believe she’s a worthy investment.”

Lydia looked past Bunty at the street corner. A small party of DeLawneys had gathered and was watching them. Gwyneth had her hood down, and the lantern floating next to her made her extra identifiable.

“I wanted to do this in the square in the public eye, but we’ve got enough of an audience for this to work.” Lydia pulled the signature compass out of her coat pocket and held it out in front of her. “As the Free Trade Federation’s operation manager between floors one to ten, I officially welcome you into the organisation, Gwyneth Frie.” Lydia raised her volume as she continued. The huddle of FTF guards spread out, ensuring everyone in the area had a clear view. Then she handed the compass to Lydia. “Your research is valuable to the organisation, and we’re happy to invest in your security.”

The theatrics felt unnecessary to Bunty, but he understood the importance of sending a message to the onlookers. He wasn’t sure whether Lydia was going above and beyond for his sake, or Gwyneth had truly done something extraordinary in his absence. Bunty refused to believe any organisation would go to such extents for an unproven unknown. They likely wanted something in return, and the extent of their wants concerned Bunty.

Gwyneth had already signed the FTF’s contract, and Lydia had promised to get the DeLawneys off her back. Bunty couldn’t help but feel disappointed that the deal involved not pursuing legal action against the crooked noble house. As an FTF employee, Gwyneth would benefit from their protection. At the same time, acting against the FTF’s interests would void the deal. Even though the organisation didn’t directly deal with the DeLawneys, they stayed out of one another’s way. Pissing them off further would result in problems not just in the tower but also in New Calcutta. Gwyneth and Bunty could protect themselves, of course, but going to the council to expose the DeLawneys was a big no.

When Bunty tried to voice his suspicions and concerns, Gwyneth shook her head. She likely understood the complications that accompanied the new allegiance but had plans of her own. Besides, he didn’t know the minutia of their deal, so he held his tongue.

Lydia updated Bunty regarding how things were progressing on the first floor. The farming operation was more or less settled now, and its focus would be feeding and defending the Ice Spiders. The resident zoologist advised only harvesting once a quarter so the spiders would continue to feed, reproduce and live almost normal lives. It would encourage their eyes’ growth. As a result, Bunty would receive his percentage of the profits from a quarter at the end of the next. He didn’t mind as much since he had more money than he needed at the moment. However, Bunty stated that now he had a better understanding of dealings within the tower, he’d want to negotiate contracts for future discoveries based on the products potential market value. Lydia didn’t seem to like the idea, but she didn’t argue.

While bidding Lydia goodbye, she surprised him. Since they were in a hurry to get through the interval and the party’s spirits were sufficiently upgraded, Lydia had arranged passage for them to a nearby door. A caravan would soon be leaving the hub for a nearby FTF settlement, and she offered them seats on the vessel. Bunty wanted to get away from Lydia and talk to Gwyneth in person, so he accepted the offer before leaving to find Oss.

“I thought you’d be happy for me,” Gwyneth commented as they left the hub behind. The arranged transport was a titanic sledge covered with over-sized crates. A pair of white-maned porcine beasts dragged it with no ease, parting the snow as they ventured into the white wilderness. “I have protection and the means to ensure my research reaches the publics’ eyes.”

“That’s all well and good, but I get the feeling the FTF want more from you,” Bunty replied. “It just sounds too good to be true. Supporting you involves pissing off the DeLawneys, and that’s a huge risk. Doubly so when they rely on the canal system in New Calcutta.”

“Well, their current pursuit was illegal and against the council’s wishes. The DeLawneys would be admitting guilt if they did anything un-towards.” Gwyneth scooted close to Bunty, so they were pressed up against one another. “I understand you’re protective of me. It’s expected after you’ve lost almost your entire support system overnight, but you need to trust me, okay? I’ve been in the tower longer than you, Bunty and I know what I’m doing.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, Gwyn. I just got scared of losing someone close to me, that’s all.” Bunty sighed. “It’s my issue. I know. Just give me some time to deal with it on my own.”

“No.” Gwyneth chuckled. “We’re friends and party members. We share our issues.”

Bunty laughed. “That’s by far the sappiest thing you’ve ever said.” He looked up at Oss. The man sat atop the crates, watching the landscape behind them. Bunty doubted Oss could hear them over the wind. “I got you something.” He got the dagger out of his pocket and handed it to him. “You can’t always rely on Slimeskin weapons, and I wanted to get you something for backup.”

Gwyneth’s eyes widened as she drew the dagger. Falling snowflakes shot towards the blade. They orbited it, staying a hair’s length away from the metal. Bunty realised her spirit probably let her see the wind swirling around the blade in greater detail than him. “This is too much, Bunty!” She exclaimed, sheathing the dagger. “I don’t have the martial training to use an enchanted weapon effectively.”

“It’s your emergency tool,” Bunty told her. “If any DeLawney member gets past me and your spirit, stab up into the ribs. It will shred their insides. Once you’ve attuned the blade to your blood, it won’t hurt you anymore, and you can damage your foes by just grazing them with the blade. It’ll do you good, trust me.”

“Thank you, Bunty,” she said, smiling and kissed his cheek. “It’ll work well with the lamp’s upgrade. I have spells that enlarge the spikes, shoot them as projectiles, and regrow them.”

“That’s great!” Bunty exclaimed. “If you get them in a foe, the spikes will turn into lightning rods.”

“Exactly.”

“Once we’re on the twelfth floor, you can use telekinesis to manipulate the lamp and the expelled spikes too.”

“I’ll need to find a Core with telekinesis first,” Gwyneth stated.

Instead of responding, Bunty fished the silver Core out of his coat pocket and placed it in Gwyneth’s hand. “Before you say anything, it’s from the profits of Red Charger’s Core. Kartik received it as trade plus cash. He kept his cut, and I claimed the Core.”

“You should’ve gotten something for yourself.” Gwyneth’s wide eyes watched the swirling silver lights within the sphere. “That Core was payment for helping me, Bunty.”

“Well, you helped me kill the Slime Lord afterwards and get Uzeth’s Core afterwards. Just hold onto it, alright.” Bunty looked away from Gwyneth to watch the snow-covered hills speeding by. “I’ve lost everyone that mattered to me besides Baba. A friend I made in the first interval is likely dead too. You’re all I’ve got left, and I want to ensure you don’t disappear too. Besides, we’re equals in this party and must share the loot evenly.

Gwyneth put her arms around Bunty and hugged him tightly. “Is that all, Bunty?” She asked. “Is there something more you want to tell me?”

“Like what?” He asked, looking back at her.

She didn’t answer. Gwyneth pressed her lips to Bunty’s as soon as he faced him. He was surprised at first and froze. Seeing the DeLawney crowds and the fear of losing Gwyneth had helped Bunty come to a realisation. No matter what he told himself, his feelings towards her weren’t just platonic. He wanted to figure them out first, but Gwyneth had shown otherwise. Bunty told himself to stop overthinking things and kissed her back.

The kiss didn’t last particularly long, but he felt it said more than he could put in words. When Gwyneth pulled away, she exhaled deeply before opening her eyes and looking into his. She smiled at Bunty before cuddling into him and turning her eyes to the landscape.

If not for the FTF’s sledge, the journey would’ve taken the trio several days. According to the floor map, the distance wasn’t particularly long. However, treading snow, dealing with the many inclines would slow them down and tire the party out. The tortoise’s Core had tempered Gwyneth’s endurance and increased her resilience too. Gaia had told Gwyneth that she would need less food and water to survive too. However, her body wasn’t yet used to nonstop hikes through unfavourable terrain. She’d need to get used to it sooner or later, but Bunty wanted to leave such training until after the twelfth floor.

During their journey, the sledge passed beasts similar to the pair dragging the sledge. They were not as big as the creatures tamed by the FTF, but their manes were longer and matted. He guessed the voluminous hair kept moisture out and air in, providing insulation against the low temperature.

Around midday, Gwyneth pointed out humanoid shapes in the distance. Despite her enhanced eyesight, Gwyneth could discern the species under the fur and horns. Their unevenness suggested it was clothing and not their physiology too. The crude metal weapons they carried left the pair with more questions. Bunty found recounts of gremlin-like creatures on the floor but nothing taller than four-feet tall. The figures Gwyneth saw would dwarf the pair, though. They disappeared minutes later, leaving Bunty to wonder whether the shapes were individuals like Oss.

The sledge reached its destination not long after sunset. Bunty thanked their escort before bidding them goodbye. The next leg of their journey wouldn’t be as smooth as the first since the FTF didn’t have any settlements on the tenth floor. As far as he knew, no one had successfully settled anywhere on the level outside the hub. Oss hadn’t healed all the way and still needed to finish his armour too. So, they agreed to spend the night on the floor before carrying on. Much to Bunty and Gwyneth’s disappointment, they ended up in a hut with three single beds, and they had no choice but to share it with Oss. So, they kissed each other goodnight and retired to their individual beds.