As the group headed towards the barracks, Ran heard hurried footsteps, it was Era, she was approaching quickly and looked quite angry. She started to lecture Ran for coming home so late.

The 5 soldiers nodded sympathetically and hurried away.

‘Traitors…’

Ran apologized and awkwardly stroked the back of his head. She was really cute when she was worried about him.

Since they started living together, their relationship had grown, Ran was opening up more with her around, she had become his psychological and emotional support. It was quite funny for others to see the genetically enhanced soldier meekly obeying the woman that was less than a third of his mass and a head shorter.

After they discussed for a bit the issue with money came up

"A merchant? Sure, I know one if you want, she's a childhood friend, she went to Hua last year so its been quite some time since I last saw her, a real shark in business for sure but she would never scam a friend."

Well that was easy, one less thing to worry about, He REALLY didn’t want to go to that creepy casino lady, Roxy was it ? He shuddered slightly, that was a can of worms for another time.

Ran would set out at dawn to meet this merchant, but for now he simply spent a very pleasant night in Era's arms.

In the morning, he had to bow down when she insisted on accompanying him, she was her childhood friend after all and he had no right nor reason to force her to stay. They took two horses from the newly built stable and rode all morning. Not hurrying, they arrived in Hua in the middle of the afternoon.

They were able to enter the city without any problems, Ran was secretly relieved that the guards either didn’t recognise him or smartly decided to not kick up a fuss. Now insde he was finally able to observe the daily life of the city after that the princess had left. The streets were full of stalls and people, way less than the day of the parade but still quite packed.

They had to weave through the crowds to find the store they were looking for.

It was the exact opposite of Graam's, with large windows letting in light and many items of all kinds on display.

They entered and a light chime announced their presence, the interior was well decorated, bright and clean. The counter was empty but a noise was heard in the back room.

A beautiful young girl appeared, brown hairs with green eyes, with a few freckles reminiscent of Era's.

"One second I'm coming, hello what can I do for yo... Era?!"

As soon as they saw each other they threw themselves into each other's arms.

"What are you doing here? I heard what happened to the village, are you okay?

“Everything's fine now, don't worry, and it's all thanks to him," she turned to Ran, "Illa, this is Ran, he's... saved us more than once.”

Illa smiled wryly.

“Oh, oh? So our little Era has finally found a suitable man?”

Era blushed and began to gibber, Ran smiled.

"And so? What can I do for you?"

Ran told her about his project.

"Hmm... It depends on the product you're looking to sell but it shouldn't be a problem."

Her tone had changed as she answered Ran, he perceived... distrust?

She then turned to Era, gave her a big smile and asked her to go buy something to eat while they talked business. Which she gladly accepted.

But as soon as the door closed, Illa locked it, her smile disappeared and her tone became icy.

"Follow me."

They went upstairs to a windowless office, lit only by a few candles.

They sat down and Illa stared at him.

"You know, Era is my dearest friend, obviously, I've been asking about everything that was happening in the village and I thank you very much for saving her but I'll get straight to the point, who are you?”