Before we continue Lune’s story after he and Marina barely escaped from Sibirus by a hair’s breadth, we should check on our dear Homesick Traveler, Edward, and what he did after he parted ways with ARA. But for that, we need to go back in time a bit…

“Well, Grim.” Ed stated as he dropped the books off at the post office with Lune, “I guess this is goodbye for now.”

“Wait, you’re leaving already??” Lune gave a shocked reply.

“The transport wagon is arriving in a couple minutes, to tell you the truth it’s gonna be a tight schedule making it in time, but I just couldn’t bring myself to leave without saying goodbye to my best friend.” He said, wearing a youthful smile on his face.

Tears started trickling down Lune’s cheeks as he tried my best to wipe them away before giving his friend a fist bump to remember.

“See ya later, Ed.”

“See ya later, Grim.”

For the time being, we’ll let Lune rest a bit as we focus on the story of Edward Saint.

***

“Hey kid,” The wagon driver called out, “You doin’ alright?”

“Sniff, yeah…” I tried and failed at hiding my sorrow, “It’s just, I parted ways with some good friends since I’m going back home.”

“Home?” The driver sounded puzzled, “Kid, this wagon is set to pass by Addams Village and over to Carmen City. You sure you didn’t get on the wrong one?”

“Well actually,” I said to him, “I live in a small village known as Whitehood. It’s just that I gotta pass by Carmen City in order to get to Trivis Numerica.”

“T-!” He jolted upon hearing me utter those words, “Trivis Numerica!?! What then what the hell are you doing all the way out here in Bilgam?!”

“Ehe…” I chuckled awkwardly, “Despite my age, I am in fact an ITA licensed traveler. A friend of mine wanted us to explore the entire world together, but I guess I’m just not cut out for it.”

Upon saying this, Carter’s face, along with many others we’ve lost jumped to my mind. We’ve lost way too many people on this journey, and it hasn’t even properly started yet. I’m sure things would’ve gone differently had we not butted in. Maybe Carter would still be alive if we hadn’t…

“If traveling means we lose this much,” I said to the driver with a resolute face, “Then I’m better off staying home.”

“Eh, all I’m hearing from your story is that you’re a coward who’s running away from responsibility.” The driver mocked, “You do realize you still have to do monthly check ins and commissions for the ITA otherwise you’ll be branded a deserter, right?”

“Geez, I knew that! I’m planning on doing easier commissions in Trivis Numerica to keep myself safe. I may be what you’d call a coward, but I’m not stupid!”

The tired driver simply sighed after a long pause and continued driving while muttering Suit yourself under his breath. I really don’t like his attitude, but I won’t say anything, I might get kicked off if I do.

We rode on for what felt like another hour or so before we made it to the border between Great Hiana and The Kingdom of Carmen. The driver whipped out his passport, and after him it was my turn.

“Passport, please.” The border guard asked nicely.

“Sure,” I said as I reached into my bag, “It’s right… here?”

Wait, where is it? Nonononono, this can’t be! It’s gotta be somewhere around here…!

“Sir?” The kind guard called out to me, “Sir you do realize you can’t cross the border without a passport?”

“I know, I know, it’s just… I can’t seem to find it with me, heheh…” I tried to sound friendly, “I… I couldn’t have forgotten it, could I?”

“Oh you gotta be kidding me!” The wagon driver cried out, “You’re saying I gotta take you all the way back to Bilgam because of your forgetfulness?”

“I’m so sorry!” I clasped my hands as I asked for forgiveness, “Would you mind doing just that? I’ll tip you a handsome sum!”

“…It better be worth it.” The wagon driver grumbled.

As such, we had to drive all the way back. It was getting to be quite dark out, so I didn’t know how to approach this awkward situation. I thought about just sneaking in and grabbing my passport, but I of all people know just how tight security of The Base’s belongings is. It was then that I realized how much the guys from ARA would make fun of me, so I didn’t want that either.

In the end, I tipped the driver 50% of the fare, and left for the ITA Agency over at Melgam. Why, you ask? Well, I’m gonna get a new passport, of course! It’s the best way to avoid embarrassment!

I’ve been riding around from transport wagon to transport wagon the entire day, huh? I’m starting to feel a bit sick. Well, guess it’s just my punishment for being a klutz. In any case, I definitely didn’t think I’d be coming back to Melgam this quickly. The last time we visited this place was back during the Neo Urbana dispute.

I recalled the party that was rigged against us by the leader of a rival gang. Not the fondest of memories, since Max almost died, but even still I was glad we all made it out of there safe and sound. We also got their entire gang and territory liquidated into ARA, so all’s well that ends well.

I made it to Melgam in the morning, and quickly grabbed my luggage before departing from the transport wagon (and double checking if I grabbed everything). I walked around town a bit, but I couldn’t shake this lonely feeling I felt the entire time since yesterday.

“It’s weird, isn’t it, Grim?” I turned to face the person next to me before realizing he’s not there, “Oh, right… Grim stayed at Bilgam with Cecily and the gang…”

I looked around to see if anyone witnessed that embarrassing sight, but thankfully there was no one around. I decided to just go to the ITA and get this over with as quickly as possible. I’m not cut out for being alone.

“Hello, I’m Edward Saint, and I would like to request a replacement passport, please.” I said as a matter of fact to the ITA Agent in the booth.

“Alright, sir, do you have a witness?” He asked.

“…Wit…ness?” I looked on at him with a blank stare.

“Well sir, as you know, I can’t just give you Mr. Saint’s passport without concrete evidence that that’s you.” He went on to explain, “It’s because of this that we need a witness with an active passport of their own to vouch for your validity, otherwise we’d have thousands of impersonators trying to steal our recruits’ identity.”

That’s stupid… You’re a stupid guild…

“I-I see. Well, that makes sense. Thank you, I’ll come back later.” I said as I turned away.

“Take your time.” The Agent said with a smug grin.

Asshole.

I was now walking around Melgam, frantically trying to find someone willing to be my witness. Since I didn’t register in the town hall over at Bilgam like Lune did, there was no other way for me to prove my identity. I walked and walked until I ran out of energy.

Sitting around all tired and hungry, I began to imagine all sorts of food. Salads, meaty foods, oily food, anything really. I just wanted to eat, especially something from the Arthur’s menu. I’d kill for some Arthur’s right now…

Just then, as if one of the Gods heard my prayer, I turned the corner and found just that. With a red coat of paint, before my eyes laid a giant building with a unique shape and a large letter A on it. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I ran in as quickly as possible. The person who greeted me was equally as surprising.

“Good day, fine customer, please have a… seat.” He stopped upon seeing me, “Lil’ Bro!?”

“Carl!?” I said, equally as perplexed, “You’re working in Melgam?! No wait, Arthur’s already made its way to Melgam?!”

“Yeah!” He said with a proud smile, “It’s quite the story, have a seat, food’s on the house for a friend!”

“Oh, you don’t have to.” I waved my hands as I declined the offer, “I’ve earned quite a hefty amount of money since the last time we’ve met. I can pay for the food, no worries.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” He said, “But I still insist. You, Big Bro and Lil’ Sis did so much for us, it’s only fair.”

I finally caved and sat down by a nearby table. I ordered a Latte (my preferred drink of choice) and after I got my order, Carl started with the questioning.

“So,” He asked, “What brings you here to Melgam?”

“Well…” I explained everything about my time in Great Hiana, then how I want to go back home, but the ITA won’t give me a replacement.

“Hold on, I’m still trying to process this. You’re in a gang?” He said with a worried expression.

“Don’t worry,” I calmed him down, “They’re good people.”

“…Well, I trust you.” He said after a pause, “But what are you gonna do now?”

“Dunno, I’m just glad I got to meet you here.” I said, “I was thinking of helping you guys out a bit. Like old times.”

He didn’t particularly appreciate my lack of a plan, but he did sigh in relief after hearing my willingness to help them. I noticed this immediately, but Carl isn’t the best at marketing. No offense to him, but if he’s the boss anywhere, then the business most probably won’t succeed. That’s probably why he was dispatched to Melgam, Anna probably sent him away.

“I’m glad, Lil’ Bro.” He said, “In that case, let’s make a little bet.”

“A bet?” I asked.

“Yep. I bet that with your help, we’ll get things back on track here in about a month.” He sounded proud.

“Heh, you overestimate my power.” I chuckled, “But I’ll try my best.”

He immediately called every one of the workers present to introduce me to them. I felt like he was doting on me more than ever. Guess he really missed me.

“Everyone! This is Edward Saint!” He yelled out, “And he’s our miracle! He’s a good friend of the founders, and his logistical skills are top notch! Have faith in him and all will be good!”

The workers seemed very much uninterested. It’s as if they’re completely doing this for the money and not for the passion of creating a worldwide enterprise. This is gonna be tough…