Aciel kept his hair down and followed Eden through the building. Although it was much shorter, it was still enough to hide his face. They headed straight to the back and through a door that led them to a small alley sized yard. There a group of people sat by a table drinking and playing mah-jong.

They finished the game and all left except for one. He signaled for them and the two headed to the table. As soon as Eden sat down, she threw a wooden talisman.

“How can I help you General Grace?”

“I need information and a method out of here Khoa.”

“What information? When do you need to leave Vatou?”

“His name is Sun. We’ll be leaving as soon as you find his whereabouts.”

Khoa let out a whistle at the sound of Sun’s name. “Why do you need the former advisor?”

“I need his assistance.”

“He left the castle and disappeared. Do you really think he can be found?”

“Something tells me he never disappeared from your network at least.”

Khoa smiled at Eden’s compliment. He twirled the talisman by the string and pondered in thought. “Come back in two days, I’ll have everything prepared.”

“And the cost?”

“No need,” Khoa said. It was the first time Eden was surprised in the conversation. “Consider it a gift.”

“From you?” Eden said skeptically.

Instead of answering, Khoa just drank from his flat cup. He only added a note of packing for a long trip as they headed back inside.

One of Khoa’s workers found the duo two days later and led them to an alley where a group of merchants and Khoa were.

“Seeing your client off? That seems a bit out of character for you,” Eden said as she caught the talisman she gave Khoa.

“I figured I should stretch my legs. Watch my health you know.”

“Maybe you should stop drinking if you are really interested in taking care of yourself.”

“I’ll take that into consideration. Anyway, you two will be taking this one. I figured you two would prefer riding with some goods rather than people.” He gestured to a second wagon locked behind a first where a driver would sit.

“Alright.”

“Food and lodging are taken care of. Just try to not get sick on the ride, it will be a long one.”

“And all this is free of charge?” Eden once again questioned the information broker.

“Like I said, it’s a gift.”

Still skeptical but left with no choice, Eden and a disguised Aciel boarded their cart. Thanks to the tarp covering the wagon and distance from others, once inside, Aciel was able to take off his hood.

“Do you think he knew who I was?”

“Well, if he did, let’s hope he’s on our side.”

“We’re really leaving aren’t we?” He stated.

From the sliver of the sky he could see through the tarp opening, Aciel could see his former home. They stared at the castle as it disappeared into a mere speck in the white cloud covered sky. They would be back and when they do, it’ll be to claim the throne back.