The rising sun brought a morning gentleness that warmed Ori. It must be said that he had left very early to make sure he didn't have to say goodbye to anyone. He might have changed his mind if he saw Hana crying like the day before. When he got back last night, he had to face a terrifying Grandma, but he expected that. What he didn't expect was to see Hana burst into Grandma's room without knocking (which was a sacrilege at least as important as disappearing for a day without giving any news), and burst into tears while hugging Ori. He didn't know how long this scene lasted, but it felt good to him after that day. Then Grandma resumed, even louder, and Hana left, waiting outside.

After that, Ori and Hana went to the courtyard, and he told her what had happened. The chase, the explosion, the audience with the king... but he omitted the plan to find that strange man. Although he was glad to be back, Ori was determined to leave. And he didn't want to hurt Hana any more (nor let Grandma stop him). So he pretended to be tired and went to the boys' room. But excitement would keep him awake, he knew very well. So he packed his bag, wrote a letter to Grandma, and another one to Hana. What he had to tell her was more... personal. Ori couldn't close his eyes all night, and before the sun peeked over the horizon, he left.

The others had arranged to meet at the west gate at sunrise, and Ori arrived first. He didn't know this area well but had followed the carts of merchants, all grumpy about not being able to take the portals anymore. They were used to waiting and paying when entering the city, but to leave, they almost all used a portal. Since these were now off-limits, a nice mess was starting to form at the city exit. The outgoing carts were so numerous that they literally blocked the gate, and the merchants were starting to get impatient and call each other names. In the midst of this uproar, Ylva and Kuwa arrived, each carrying a large travel bag. Kuwa seemed rather fit, which didn't seem to be the case for Ylva. The Valkyrie had dull wings and halo compared to the day before, and especially, huge bags under her hazel eyes. Kuwa greeted Ori before approaching.

• Hey kiddo! So, you managed to escape from your prison in the end? That's good news!
• Yes. It wasn't easy to leave them, but... I wasn't going to stay there all my life either.
• You're right, my sister, Ylva said, yawning. It's important to take your independence.

Seeing Ylva, the tall and strong Valkyrie, in this state brought a little smile to Ori's face.

• Did you sleep well?
• Ylva came to stay in the same inn as me. Kuwa chuckled too. She wanted to teach a "too arrogant" man a lesson, he said, imitating a halo with his hands above his head.

Ori snickered, hands on his mouth.

• She did indeed kick his butt, but she completely destroyed the bar. So our friend spent the night cleaning up. That's what you get for fighting anywhere.
• He called me "my little kitty" and asked me to serve him. I couldn't let that go. And then at least now he won't do it again. It was worth a few broken chairs.

Another voice was then heard behind them.

• And well, I took you for the serious mom of the group... Ozan had also arrived, hidden behind the wings of the Valkyrie. Are you ready for three good days of walking?

Ori shrugged, swinging his bag in front of his chest.

• I don't have many things honestly, but yes, totally ready.

Kuwa continued quickly

• Well, we have everyone, let's go, hurry up!
• General... Ylva interrupted him. I know you don't get along with Nochi, but we made a commitment. I keep my word. He will come with us.
• And then, he will be useful to us if we find our man, added Ozan. If we need to fight, we'll have his big arms. He paused. And my mastery of the wind, obviously. I could handle it alone, but just in case.

A voice rang out above the group.

• Perfect, then I'll let you handle it?

Ori looked up to see Nochi leaning on a balcony. He jumped from it and landed lightly (a difficult feat given his size) next to the group.

• I'm kidding, I'll take care of it, he won't escape twice, this scoundrel.

Kuwa turned to the fighter.

• I hope it's not just talk...
• You want to see if it's just talk? Or do you prefer to leave without me because you're afraid I'll kick your butt?
• Don't start quarreling, Ylva intervened. The road might be long, so behave. I don't want to hear you arguing during our three days of walking.
• Hmm
• Yes

They said at the same time, pouting before Ylva continued.

• Well. This time we're all here, I think we can go. She then turned to the line of people leaving the city, which was getting longer and longer. Well, we can go when it's a bit less crowded, I suppose.
• I think it'll get worse and worse as the day goes on, Kuwa replied. We'll have to be patient and queue up like everyone else.
• Our "great adventure" is off to a good start, Ozan exclaimed with a laugh.
• You know, my little magus, Kuwa replied, heading towards the line, a good part of the adventurer's job is to walk on muddy paths, have sore feet, and sleep on the ground in the cold. It's not the dream trip you imagine.
• Have you been an adventurer? Ori asked, stars in his eyes.
• Not really. I just traveled a lot in my life.
• It must be really cool to be a general in Baru! You must have a lot of super useful tools! Ori had carefully approached Kawa and was closely examining his mechanical arm.
• Ha ha, being a general isn't all it's cracked up to be. If I could, I would have refused the promotion. And as for the tools, if you're interested, I'll show you a few. I'm an inventor before I'm a soldier!
• Yeah, that's so cool!

They continued to discuss Kuwa's tools while the minutes passed. The line was moving slowly but continued to grow behind their friends. And the merchants, impatient, began to complain, jostle each other, so that a hubbub was rising in intensity.

• Do you feel that? Nochi asked, there's a fight in the air.
• Yes... confirmed Ylva. I hope these merchants will know how to behave...

A wave of protest was heard at the back of the line.

• What's going on back there? Ozan asked, rising into the air on a current of air.
• Wow, you're too strong! Ori exclaimed. How do you do that?!
• It's my magus powers. I can control the winds. But I don't really master it yet...

Ozan flew above the crowd and twirled from side to side before crashing a few meters behind.

• Ah, indeed, that deserves a little training. Kuwa stood on tiptoe to try to see Ozan. He crashed into a cart. We'll have to repair the damage again. Hey, but wait... he's jumping the line! That's why everyone's complaining.

Indeed, a large carriage was making its way through the crowd, accompanied by guards. The latter were busy dispersing the merchants and advancing while shouting "Make way! Make way! Royal procession approaching."

• Well, well, sighed Ylva. This young man has gotten us into a real mess...

The procession stopped at the group, Ozan dusting himself off. He was at the back, facing...

• Princess Flore?!

The whole group exclaimed, sometimes surprised, sometimes intrigued by her presence here.

• Ah, here you are! I was afraid I was late. Everyone stared at her dumbfounded. Come on, get in! Don't waste any time...

They complied and climbed into the back of the carriage as well. It was of good quality, but they were crowded. And Ori, who had sat down next to Flore, was rather uncomfortable at the thought of being so close to her. Unlike the day before, she was dressed rather simply (as much as a princess could be) with a simple beige dress, no frills or cape, just a touch of lace around the collar and legs. Ori noticed that their knees were touching and moved away suddenly. She didn't pay attention and greeted everyone before being interrupted by Kuwa.

• Excuse me, princess, it's very kind of you to help us get out of the city a little faster, but... you weren't planning to accompany us anyway, were you?
• Of course I am! I'm bored to death at the palace, and then I don't particularly agree with my grandfather about the city.
• The old rusty one isn't wrong, princess. Nochi shrugged. I don't really care, but we're about to go hunt down a dangerous man. I wouldn't want the king of Potalu's little girl to get hurt and have it backfire on me.
• Don't worry, I told my mother, she let me go. Besides, she knows very well that if she says no, I'll leave anyway, hehe. But anyway, I won't bother you, I promise. And then, you see, it can be handy to have a princess with you.

Flore looked down at all the merchants, grumpy about being overtaken, then at Kuwa, raising her eyebrows proudly.

• Hmm, she's not wrong, it could be handy. And then we have Ylva who could protect her, she's trained for that.
• I'll take care of it, yes. None of you could anyway.
• Well perfect, that's great! Ozan exclaimed. It lowers the average age a bit more.

They arrived at the gate. The guards saluted each other, and the carriage moved forward a few meters before slowing down and stopping on the side. The one who was driving it got off and lined up with the others in front of Flore. They all bowed together, and the princess greeted them in return.

• Thank you, captain, fortunately you're here to help me with all my little whims. I'll miss you...

Ori hadn't noticed it, but indeed, one of the guards, the one who insisted on opening a passage, had some kind of headdress on his helmet. He then removed it to reveal a face with square features, aged by time, and adorned with an absolutely perfect crew cut, sparkling gray.

• It was a pleasure, miss. I hope you find the one you're looking for. Take care of yourself. See you soon... princess.

A mischievous smile formed on his face as he put his helmet back on. Flore made a little pout and grumbled.

• Stop it, you know I don't like it...
• Have a good trip, miss.

The little group then moved away and returned to the city. Watching them go, Ori looked at the city walls. It was the first time he had seen the outside of it. Kuwa sat silently at the front and took the reins of the horses. As they moved forward, Ori cast one last glance at the city and turned around.