“Interesting theory. If that’s the case, what do you suggest?” Crowley asks leaning to rest a hand on his chin.

“Simple. Transfer Prince Frey to Fort Plum. The battle distraction they have prepared will be of no use, and if they still wish to attack, the burden would be shared with Fort Plum. I’m sure Colonel Vlaire would not object; we are after all, ‘not kids anymore.’” Siyu says with a smile.

Crowley stares at him for a moment before bursting out in laughter. “Hahaha! Mr. Siyu, I’ll admit, you’re quite the eloquent speaker. But how can you be sure that Major Frey is the target?” He asks, still not quite confident.

Siyu smiles and says, “How should I say this? It’s written in the stars.”

…

…

Siyu was once again on a carriage, watching the scenery outside. But his mind was elsewhere, focusing on something unseen. He let it be, enjoying the peace.

Four days later, they arrived at Fort Plum.

…

…

Siyu let Frey handle the business of reporting to Colonel Vlaire. As was in his nature, he walks forward, guided, and explores the fort. His senses guide him to the training grounds, and his eyes were drawn to a maiden. She wore muddied steel armor, swinging her training sword, her dark auburn hair swaying in the air. She was sparring with a tall and muscular fellow dressed in a red-robe; he avoided her blows, giving her light pushes to imbalance her, until her stance faltered and his palm found her chest. The young female landed on her back, unhurt, which could be seen from her light laughter.

The red-robed man smiles, before looking up and finding Siyu's gaze. He looks away and helps the young lady to her feet and leans in to whisper something. The maiden then turns her head to Siyu, only to find him walking further away, a light scent lingering in his senses.

…

…

Siyu went to the room assigned to him to lay his head on the pillow. A figure dances in his mind. He closes his eyes but the figure wouldn’t dissipate. He was forcefully restraining his body, as it didn’t want to be here; it wanted to leave those doors and find her.

The room was still, but a song lingered on the edges of Siyu's mind; a voice singing softly. Siyu focuses on the voice until his heart calms, and his mind goes to sleep.

…

…

What will be, what will be;

In a place with you and me;

That is what I yearn to see.

…

…

Siyy forces his eyes open, his mind trying to connect to something gone. He could only give a deep sigh and say, “Who knows?”

…

…

Siyy went on a long walk, finding himself at Rose River. He takes off his clothes and jumps in, sinking until his feet touch the bottom, his heated body finding release.

Siyu could hear the sizzling as the water touches his skin, and he felt a barrier in my mind break. His cultivation had reached the next level.

When he left the river, he noticed something different; he could feel something unseen. It was like the trees, the grass, and the river were expressing emotions. It was as if the flavor he felt with his perception and the life he felt within nature added a completely new element to the story he was experiencing.

This feeling… It was exhilarating.

…

…

Scouts were currently tracing the movement of the scattered Paz soldiers, and so Siyu was left with nothing much to do. But life continues to move forward, and there is always more work to be done.

He did odd jobs where he was needed. And in this place, as in Starr, people came to know who he was. An unexpected turn was that he had somehow become a sort of matchmaker. As he assisted people with their requests, people were somehow finding love in the unlikeliest of circumstances. One person had lost a ring, only to find a lady had found it; one thing leads to another, and it turns out that the ring now belongs to the lady. One of the patrolling soldiers had asked for Siyu's assistance in finding a lost child; one thing led to another and that soldier is now that child’s step-mother.

These events continued to occur, and eventually Siyu came to be known as the Matchmaker of Fort Plum.

…

…

“We found the trail of the Paz soldiers. They are still scattered but in areas closer to Fort Plum. It seems Sir Siyu was correct; their target is Prince Frey. Our scouts are ready and waiting for the enemy to gather. We have also been informed that the Paz soldiers at Fort Cross are settling, and their gathering of supplies has stopped. We are unsure how Paz will move forward, but it is unlikely that they will give up.” Lieutenant-Colonel Sheya reports.

“They will most likely lean towards an assassination attempt.” Colonel Vlaire analyzes. “Make sure Major Frey is guarded at all times. It is still unsure how they will proceed.” She says.

“I disagree,” Frey speaks up.

Colonel Vlaire gives Frey a stern stare. “And why is that?” She asks with a tilt of her head, daring the man.

“I say, let them come. We’ll bait them out and give them the show they’ve been waiting for.” Frey says without fear.

Colonel Vlaire lets out a chuckle. “What a brave boy.” She teases. “Okay, we’ll do as you say. It hasn’t been long since you’ve settled here. We’ll send you back to that frivolous old man with a wagon and make it seem like you were sent here for supplies. When the enemy gathers, we will also move, and by the time we’re done, hopefully, you’ll still have the ability to breathe.” She says, amused.

“As you command, Colonel,” Frey says with a smile.