Alastor watched the changing scenery on his left as he sat comfortably. He was able to caught a glimpse of the buildings of the town down just far ahead down the adjacent road that were covered in thick trees. He never expected that they would be able to come this far. Liber continuously galloping on a continuous straight line.

When Liber swayed around, in a blink, the town was completely gone out of his view replaced by the running film of greenery.

Once again, the distance gradually approached, and for another Liber took a wide turn descending to the slope. The scene was out of his eyes reach again, but he can tell that it’s going to get closer soon than he anticipated.

They came across several streets and shops before they reached the inn.

Linda talked to the manager of inn while Alastor came to the ranch just near to the inn.

It was still too early in the morning but the sky is already beckoning storm. The sky light had been completely replaced by the bruised gloomy clouds began to crawl out from here and there. There was a breeze, foreshadowing the fury that has yet to come. Even still the cloud rumbles and after that an eerie silence took over.

Though, this is not the first time that he saw a storm, there is uneasiness swirling inside him as if telling him that something’s going to happen. Out of the blue, a thunder rang loudly as lightning lit up the dark clouds. Alastor was completely overwhelm and startled, flinching over it. He heard a forceful suppressed laugh of Ken and Caroline.

He had completely forgotten that he’s in a restaurant sitting with the rest of them. His attention was completely on the sky. At least, the situation is calm for now. However, he cannot say the same thing to them. It may seem that Ken and Caroline found a way to piss him off.

The seemingly hours of waiting had finally arrived. Several foods have been placed in the table. Each is unique and has different designs.

At the end, Alastor has no appetite to eat at all. He barely ate half of his food.

Mr. Funny Man’s eyes settle on his plate. “Is there something wrong?”

Alastor shook his head. “Nothing.” He blandly replied. “Just had too much yesterday.”

“Is that so? Well, you better prepare to pack some in case if you change your mind.”

“Will do.”

Finally, Alastor has been leisurely enjoyed his time to rest. The others were busy, Ken was helping the man of shade in groceries, while Caroline and Linda found something in mutual. Dress. That’s right, when Linda talked about going to dress shop, Caroline’s eyes began to glimmered and came to tag along. Alastor did not expect that she’s on the trend. Well, she’s a girl after all, and he can find it reasonable ever since she’s busy traveling for the past months. Caroline deserves a treat for herself now that she will be confine.

Alastor was in the lounge of the inn. Enjoying his coffee while watching how things unfold outside through the window. He thoroughly enjoyed his black coffee.

“Hello young man.”

An unfamiliar voice beckons him. Alastor’s eyes withdrew from the window and look at the old man. He didn’t seem like a beggar. His clothing can somewhat be compared to noble. He wore an all-purple suit and pants. His dark trench coat hung on his shoulders.

Alastor could tell that he’s in his 60’s. The old man has a white curtly thick beard. The way he talks is gentle and calm.

He seems not alone. A young gal had bowed and sat in front of him. Even she has a fine slender body she stood tall. With her glass she might be taken as his secretary, unlike Linda, this young woman appeared to have gentler face and more feminine.

Alastor already had something in his mind, its either his a noble or a merchant from a big enterprise. But if his either both sides, it is still questionable what would a noble like figure like him is in this town.

Alastor raised a brow after his quick observation.

“Excuse me?”

“You’re not a mute, after all.”

The old man’s mocking words raised a question in his mind. But Alastor chose not to reply.

“You see young man. We were currently looking for new…”

Alastor let him continue to speak and heard about recruiting new members to expand their webs in the market. Alastor had heard enough and gestured to stop. His voice is discerned to end the old man’s agenda.

“I’ve heard enough.” Alastor coldly said.

“Aren’t you interested to earn money?”

“It’s a hard pass. I have made a descent amount of money.” Alastor showed his sword that was resting at the side. “I’m an adventurer.”

The old man sighed. “And here I thought that you’re broke.”

Alastor’s brow jerk annoyingly.

The old man continued. “But it appears that we have to do this the hard way.” He declared.

Alastor heard a clutch on the secretary’s side and he looked down. He saw the gun pointed at him.

There was a moment of silence. Alastor was completely oblivious that the lady had discreetly snuck out her gun out of her jacket. A silence filled the air.

Until now, a what it seems to be a droplet of water landed on the window. A tapping noise was then followed. The clouds grumbled and began to drizzle the dry land.

As the rained continued, a familiar distinctively laugh emerge from him, but it doesn’t sound like the kind of laugh from an old man.

“Although, your attitude is the same, your instincts have dulled.”

Cid removed his beard to show his childish grin and put it back.

Alastor calm himself down. “Cid, you son of a bitch.”

Cid laugh, “It’s a praaaaank! I can’t believe you got easily tricked like that.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Didn’t Rod brief you about my arrival?”

Of course. Alastor began to riled his mind. He remembered something about Cid heading out on his mission and would help them get in the kingdom’s domain, but clearly, they haven’t made it to the border yet.

“Why are you here? I thought you’re going to meet us in Yuelon?”

“Well,” A heavy silence had suddenly dominated the atmosphere. “Something’s change.”