The plan was to meet with Arthur at his residence after Sun finished his obligations at the shrine. The shrine had an upcoming ceremony to offer Sanzang, whom the shrine was dedicated to, the first harvest in appreciation for another year of successful cultivation.

“Do you not have better things to do Arthur?” Eden asked as Arthur once again appeared at the shrine.

“I let Mur do it after all, it is her area of expertise. How is he doing?” Arthur quickly changed the subject.

“Much better than before but it’s still a long way to go before he can pull his weight in a fight.”

“And how long has he been training like this?”

The two watched Aciel from their position in the trees. His body illuminated by the moonlight and sweat dripped down his face as he practiced the basics of sword fighting.

“Since our reunion last week. He’d sneak out when he thought I was asleep and come train on his own for two hours before returning. I must admit, I never thought I’d see Aciel do this.”

“Given the motivation, I guess anything could happen.” Arthur offered Eden half of his orange.

“Save the prying for three days from now.”

“Alright, my apologies.” Arthur raised both hands up in a surrender motion and changed the topic. “Are you worried that he’s exerting himself too much?”

“I will step in before that happens. Plus, I can count on you to provide the necessary treatment can I not?”

“Hmm,” Arthur said. “Funny enough, watching Prince Aciel train now makes me think back to when I first picked up the sword. What about you General?”

Eden did not answer and instead she continued to monitor Aciel. It was after a moment did she finally break the silence and ask, “How was she?”

“She seems the same as before. I spoke with her alone at the meeting and nothing changed. Well, I guess things have changed but I’ll wait for the explanation from you three days from now.”

“Lyn’s here to pick you up.” Eden nodded at Lyn who stood at the bottom of the tree.

“See you tomorrow then.”

“I’d rather not.” Eden joked.

She waited until Arthur and Lyn were gone before she quietly returned to their lodgings. Upon safely returning, Eden removed the sword around her waist. Her fingers traced the extruded details on the sheath and she fell asleep thinking about how much has changed since she first learned to use a straight sword.