AN: Hello guys! I bring to you all the new update for this story! This story has received a lot of follows, favorites and reviews recently, so I wish to thank you all for that! I enjoy reading all of your feedback, it really makes me happy :) Other than that, not much more for me to rant on, so time to respond!

ydshahid: Hehehe, glad you enjoyed the skit lol

TheAnime4Fan: Ah yes, I'm glad you enjoyed that. It is difficult to explain after all, so it has to be shown properly, lol. Glad you liked the little hints of Milla learning human emotions as well, haha
Yes, the skit just sort of popped in my head, hahaha! And yes, you'll see how Ludger will try to convince Leia ;)

Nameless Knight: Damn it, I need to maintain my writing consistenty T_T Wooooo Leia! She's great, isn't she?

Radomaru: That Jude Milla moment too much for you?! Muahahaha! Well it's just a small fluff development, but I enjoyed writing that xD hehe, that comment by Jude's mom, *snicker snicker*
Ah yes, the Jude and Ludger bromance was evident in a number of ways, such as the victory moments. They're not too obvious though, so some people tend to not see that :/ Ahh... yes, I've noticed this pairing as well, quite popular xD
Lol yeah, I want to maintain her human development just like the game, but with Great Spirits still with her, there will be major differences in certain scenes, hehe.
Yes, Ludger can sense something from Alvin but he's not sure what. And even from the fractured dimension, they're just small hints. If Ludger never asked the party directly what happened, it's not too easy to piece everything together. Oh and don't worry, those Alvin terrible moments will have changes in this story. Whether or not it's worse or he redeems himself, you won't find out any time soon.
Oh and don't worry about the long review, I enjoy reading them. It really motivates me to update sooner, haha! Glad you enjoyed this chapter!

Aldehar: Haha, yeah well, I try to keep characters in characters. Then again, don't most writers in fanfiction do? xD She does have a very cheerful character doesn't she?
Lol, glad you liked the little bit of comedy in that skit. I almost thought most skits have to be among the party, but I remembered Driselle took part in a skit once, so I brought Jude's mom in!
Haha, I didn't plan to write it as a comedic chapter but I wanted to have both. That's how Tales games are, isn't it? Comedy moments and serious moments? hehe. Ah yes, Efreet does get jealous! I really want to explore Efreet and Sylph's role in this story since it's a major change from the game. So while they might not dominate screen time, I want to develop character for them, lol. OH MAN! I did NOT realize how it sounded like, but you're spot on! He denies being a 'suitor' but then asks Leia to join him, hahaha! Happy to give you some laughs ;)
Oh man! I did not know that! I thought Sylph was female! I've only played Tales of the Abyss as Tales games, although I'm aware of their elements and am currently planning to play all of them (Currently on Legendia). I've already changed Sylph's gender in previous chapters now, thanks!
Ah, the conversation with Alvin and Mathis will have some difference. And yes, with no Alvin to train her yet, she is now starting to train herself. But it definitely won't be enough! Whether she gets an expert or not, you'll have to wait and see, hehe.
Haha, normally my updates can be slow but I'm still really loving the Xillia game. It just gave me so much feels, I need to write and update ASAP. So yeah, I'm quite fast cause I've still got it rushing within me, hehe. Thanks for your concern! If I need a break, I'll let you all know! Glad you're enjoying my stories

Mr. AE Hachi-Roku: Yes, I do like your predictions. It gives me an insight of what a reader might think will happen, haha! Really helps me, but it's up to you xD
Yes, a small hint of jealousy from Efreet there. I plan to really try and develop Efreet and Slyph's character in this story. They won't be dominating the spotlight, but when they do, I really want to highlight them, hehe. And yes, we're approaching Sharilton, wooo! As for Elize and Teepo, it might be some time before they appear. But this chapter has a mention of them :D
This is a small step for the Jude Milla fluffs, but it will be a step by step process, haha. And yes, I totally ship them as well
Hmm... Unfortunately I don't think I've completed all of the Xillia sidequests. I don't read walkthroughs so I think I might have skipped some lol. So I'm writing fluffs whenever I feel the moment suits.
Ah yeah, that was a small error! Thanks for pointing it out!

Female Itachi: No problem! So long as it gives me your thoughts on the latest chapter or the story as a whole, I'll gladly accept them :)
Hmm... then the scene when Elize/Teepo appear might make you a little upset. That's all the hint I'm giving you, hehe
Unfortunately, that comment by Jude's mom is all just to make you guys laugh a little, hehe. Jude Ludger will jsut go for bromance, but no romance really.
Hahaha, yeah that was kinda ironic. He denies being a suitor then asks Leia to join him xD
Nah don't worry! It didn't sound rude to me. I don't really have a fixed date on my updates. I normally update a story, take a day break while thinking on how to write the next chapter and then begin writing the chapter the next day. Of course this is because I'm still highly motivated, so I can update at least 1 chapter in a week and 2 chapters maximum! I hope you'll continue to support me! hehe

xSporkyx: I'm glad you like this story so far! It really puts a smile on my face to know people enjoy reading my work :)
Oh... I've always thought Sylph was a girl. Damn it! I've already re-worked his gender from the previous chapter! Thanks for pointing that out, haha

Spiral Hearts: Thank you! So happy that you found this to be a good story!
Hmm... about that skit you mentioned, I'll see if I can somehow make it happen. So long as the chapter could somehow lead to that point, I'll happily insert it and credit it to you! :3

Eran: Don't worry, you'll find out what their conversation was about, haha
Hoho, will Leia join the party? Well you'll see soon enough! But indeed, asking her that so suddenly must have been shocking XD

F-ckthesystem125: Damn! Well, I'm happy that you liked my story, hehe! I hope the future chapters will continue to be enjoyable to you

Guest: Unfortunately Elize and Teepo will not appear until a little further on in the story. That's how it is for this story, sadly :S

Well that's it for reviews! Seriously, each of your reviews just makes me pumped up to write and update faster! Anyway, that's it from me! Hope you'll like this chapter!

CHAPTER 10: MOVEMENT

The capital of Auj Oule, Kanbalar, was a city to the northwest and well-known for its freezing temperatures. Despite its temperature, some of the people living there could wear regular clothing and not complain of the cold. Of course there were some who needed thick clothing but basically, the people were really resistant to the cold.

At the castle of the king, three of the Chimeriad had returned from their mission. Jiao returned the wyvern back to its cage while Presa and Agria going to the audience chamber. Their king was probably waiting for their report. Especially since they had acted on their own. King Gaius merely ordered Agria to gain information on Rashugal's secret weapon. But when Agria told Presa that the Lord of Spirits was involved and weakened, she thought they had to strike then. If they reported to the king first, the opportunity to capture the Lord of Spirits would be gone. But they failed miserably.

"I swear I'm gonna kill her the next time I see her!" Agria cursed, "Why did you let her escape? Just thinking about it just makes me… ugh!"

"Our situation was compromised." Presa answered, "You were unconscious and we were outnumbered. Despite being weakened, she still had powerful artes. We underestimated her."

"Tch, whatever! I'll pay her back ten times the next time we meet!" Agria spat in anger.

Once the pair arrived at the audience chamber, Wingul, the king's right-hand man approached them, "You've finally returned. His majesty is waiting for your report."

Indeed on the throne was King Gaius, the ruler of Auj Oule. His sharp gaze fell on Presa and Agria, piercing through their soul. Despite Presa's cool attitude and Agria's wild personality, the two immediately got down on one knee, staring downwards. Not too long later, Jiao made his appearance and also got into the same posture.

Presa did most of the talking, delivering the report and without leaving any detail out. After the report was done, silence filled the chamber with only the sound of the flickering flames dancing on the torches. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, Gaius got up from his throne and climbed down the small set of stairs. He sported what seemed like a fiery red trench coat, with a bright red armor and a long sheathed katana.

"Not only did you not obey my command to return after completing your mission, you then fail in capturing a mission you set on your own." Gaius chastised, his voice low and commanding. His very presence carried an authoritative atmosphere, "What do you say in your defense?"

"I apologize, your majesty." Presa said with regret, "I… I assumed that if we returned immediately after our original mission, we'd miss the chance to capture Maxwell. Since Maxwell was weakened and also seemed to possess information on Rashugal's secret project, we should capture her."

Gaius now began approaching his three personal bodyguards, Wingul at his side, "Are those not just assumptions you've made?" Gaius allowed his words to sink in, "You based your decision on guesses, without any confirmation. That simply led to a disastrous result, did it not?"

"I… can only apologize, your Majesty…"

Gaius's gaze was merciless but he spoke with reason, "However, you and the Chimeriad have served me loyally and I shall forgive you for this one mistake. I can understand your motives were for the better of my cause, but it was a failure. Do not repeat this same mistake. That is all."

And with that, the great King turned around and returned to his throne. Wingul returned to his position, just below the stairs leading to the throne. Although they were technically dismissed, they were the Chimeriad and instead returned to their position, which was at Gaius's side. Agria and Presa stood on the right side of the stairs, with Jiao on the left alongside Wingul.

Gaius then spoke to Jiao, "Jiao, the little girl in Hamil… is she still there?"

Jiao was confused as to why Gaius posed that question, but he answered, "Yes, your Majesty."

Gaius nodded and just looked straight ahead, "I think… it's time you bring her out of there." When Jiao still looked confused, Gaius added, "I have a feeling… she will prove useful."

XXXXXXXXXXX

"So what do you want to talk about?" Doctor Mathis questioned, his arms crossed on his chest, "I'm not going to do anything for Exodus. I left that thing behind! I have a family now, I don't want to involve myself in that anymore."

Alvin raised both his arms, "Hey, calm down doc. That's not what I wanna talk to you about." Doctor Mathis narrowed his eyes in suspicion but gave Alvin the go ahead, "It's… about that guy, the other one you helped. I'm sure you've realized… where I'm going with this."

Doctor Mathis at first did not understand what Alvin meant. Then, it hit him, "Oh you mean Ludger… from what you just asked, I assume then that you do not know him?"

Alvin shrugged, "Not a clue."

"Then that means he's not from Exodus." Doctor Mathis concluded, "But… the pair of guns that were on him… they are definitely weapons from Elympios."

"So you also think he's from Elympios huh?" Alvin said.

"Did he tell you anything?"

Alvin scratched the back of his neck, thinking back to the conversation on the ship, "Not… much really. He didn't say outright he was from Elympios, but he said he was a friend. And he used guns. I know I'm not a genius, but that just screams he's from Elympios."

The doctor rubbed his chin with his index finger, thinking, "An Elympion that's in this world, but not in Exodus? And it's not like he left the organization, or else you and I would have recognized him." Doctor Mathis thought for a little bit longer, then it suddenly hit him, "Wait… he carried two other weapons with him. A pair of… blades and a sledgehammer."

"Yeah, what about it?"

"Did you see him use them?" The doctor asked.

The mercenary scoffed at the question, "I engaged him in battle doc. I personally experienced him switching to dual blades and that pain-in-the-ass sledgehammer!" Alvin whistled at the memory, "He was a tough cookie, that's for sure."

Doctor Mathis suddenly got up from his seat and went to a cabinet, opening them and browsing through huge stack of files and papers. "Could he be…?" Doctor Mathis whispered to himself.

"Mind telling me what you're looking for?"

For five minutes, Doctor Mathis continued shuffling through papers and files in the cabinet. When the first cabinet had no result, he moved to the next one. But after a while, the doctor gave up and returned to the seat opposite of Alvin.

"I've heard of this before." The doctor finally said, "Dual blades, pistols and the sledgehammer… In Elympios, I recall an organization that had agents who needed its agents to specialize in all three weapons. But… I can't remember what the organization was called. It's been so long."

Alvin listened and asked, "So you think Ludger is from this organization thing?" Doctor Mathis nodded and Alvin felt that was good enough. He got up from his seat, "Well let me know if you find out anything. You know how to reach me."

"I'm not with Exodus anymore. If you want to know anything, you'll have to come to me personally." Doctor Mathis said with venom, "I won't send you a message like how Exodus does."

Alvin feigned a stab to his heart and jokingly said, "So harsh! But if that's the way you want it, fine." Alvin had to be honest, communicating by sending specially trained birds to pass messages made it much easier. However, Doctor Mathis seemed adamant on not using any sort of Exodus methods so that just made things harder, "So I'll come back at a later date then to see if you dug up anything useful."

"No promises." Jude's father insisted, "And I'm not doing this for you. I want to know personally if Ludger really is an Elympion. I'm doing this because I want the answers, not because you asked me to."

Alvin shrugged it off, "Anything is fine with me doc." The mercenary was about to make his way out when he remembered another reason he wanted to speak with the former Exodus, "By the way… your son, he's quite a fighter huh?"

Hearing this, Doctor Mathis's gaze instantly flew to Alvin, "What?! What have you done to Jude?"

"Relax, relax…" Alvin assured, "To be fair, I didn't know he was your son until I heard the conversation between Ludger and your lovely wife. I put two and two together and figured that kid I fought on the ship was your son. Besides I could see the resemblances. Sort of."

Doctor Mathis glared at Alvin with confusion, "Ship? What ship? He should be completing his studies at Fennmont!"

Alvin chuckled, "I guess the news hasn't reached here yet huh? Well you'll hear about it soon. Or once the wanted posters arrive."

"I don't know what my son did, but wanted posters? You're lying!" Doctor Mathis accused but Alvin merely shrugged it off. Alvin could easily tell a lie, but Doctor Mathis could see in Alvin's eyes that he was telling the truth here, "Whatever he did… I'll ask him myself when I see him. But if you encounter him again, just… make sure you don't let him be involved with Exodus or anything with it!"

Alvin laughed at that, "If anything, having me at his side will just keep him safe from Exodus. In a way."

Doctor Mathis shook his head, feeling an aching headache approaching "Is there anything else? Or are you just here to give me more ill news?"

"Nah, you're safe now doc. I'll take my leave then." Alvin opened the door of the doctor's office, "By the way, remember what I said yeah? If you find out anything about Ludger…"

"I know!" Doctor Mathis snapped, "And you… make sure Exodus stays away from Jude! I don't need any Exodus influence in my family!"

Alvin laughed and waved the doctor goodbye before shutting the door. Doctor Mathis was finally alone again. He needed more time to think. He recalled the shock he received when he saw the townspeople bringing in Alvin, an Exodus member, to his clinic. He thought nothing of it when Leia gave him a heads up, but if he had know it was Alvin, he probably would have been reluctant to accept them. Not that he hated the young mercenary. He just hated Exodus that much. And now hearing that Alvin had come across his son… he did not wish to think about it.

Outside the clinic, Alvin walked a little before he leaned on a wooden fence and stared into the night sky. 'I hate myself…' Alvin thought. He had one more thing he wanted to tell the doctor, but for some reason, he didn't. It was like he could not get the words out. He somehow lost his courage. After speaking with Ludger and being told that in the 'future' he left Exodus, it really got the mercenary thinking. He wanted to consult with the doctor… if he should leave that organization.

"Leaving Exodus huh…?" Alvin sighed heavily, "I don't know if I really can do that…"

No answer coming to him, Alvin started moving towards the inn, calling it a day.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The next morning, Leia Rolando got up from her sleep just as the sun was breaking the horizon. She then started the day by doing stretches outside the family inn. The morning fresh air was invigorating, really waking her up. After the stretches, she took her prized staff and started her morning warm-up, swinging around her staff with vigor. She did not have much actual combat experience, but no doubt she had talents with her weapon of choice. She could even defeat certain monsters outside of Leronde.

After ten minutes of this, she was done with it and went back into her room to shower and freshen herself up. She had work as a nurse of the Mathis clinic in an hour, so she needed to get ready. In the kitchen, she could hear her parents preparing breakfast for the guests. It was part of a package at staying here. Once she was in her regular outfit, there was a knock on her door.

"Leia, shouldn't you get going?" Her mother called from the other side of the door, although at her volume, it was like she was shouting.

"In a bit mom!" Leia called back.

"Alright! You should say goodbye to your little guests before you go though! They're leaving early and are already at the seahaven!"

It took Leia some time before she understood what her mom meant. The gravity of her words instantly reminded her of what happened last night.

"Fo-fo-follow you on your journey?!" Leia stuttered in complete shock, "What do you mean by that?!"

Ludger closed in, his face just inches away from her, "Exactly as I mean! You'll be a lot of help to us Leia."

"I barely know you!" Leia snapped back, catching Ludger by surprise, "A-a-and what's with you saying things like that? It's like… you're suggesting we e-elope!"

Ludger took a while to realize the weight of his choice of words. Once he understood, he blushed deeply but only for a second, "It-it's not like that!" Ludger insisted. He recalled how Leia's parents 'interrogated' him, "It's just that… I know your combat prowess! Your staff is just… wow! You'll really be a big help! And… I know you helped Jude in his journey so why not just join now?"

Leia shook her head, wondering if Ludger was insane, "Firstly I barely know you! And secondly, why should I join you? I don't even know what your 'journey' is. And how do you know that I use the staff?!" Now Leia wondered if Ludger was a stalker or something.

"It's… too long of an explanation to tell you tonight. If you join me and Alvin, I'll tell you everything. The whole story. Everything you'll need to know." Ludger explained. When he saw that Leia was still not convinced, he added in, "If that's not enough… think of it as a way to help Jude."

"Jude's involved?!" Leia demanded.

"Yeah, he is. I'm going to re-join him at Sharilton." Ludger then got up from his seat, looking down at Leia, "Besides, I think it's not so bad to join us, right? You get to leave the village, see places you've never been. And you get to be with Jude."

Ludger then ended the conversation there and climbed the stairs leading to his room. Leia remained in her seat for a long time, trying to consider what Ludger just offered. And then, she got up and went to her room.

Leia now realized Ludger was serious. He was already going to take the first ship to Sapstrath seahaven with Alvin. So she had to make a choice now.

Obviously she wanted to think Ludger was insane. No one in their right mind would ask someone they just met to join them on a 'journey'. But this guy was a friend of Jude and she knew Jude would not have an insane friend. Also from her questioning during last night's dinner, Ludger knew a lot about Jude so he must really know Jude. Unless he was some stalker, but she threw that image out of her mind.

'If you join me and Alvin, I'll tell you everything. The whole story. Everything you'll need to know.' Those were Ludger's words last night. Should she trust him? If he was telling the truth and she joined him, she could finally see Jude again. It had been far too long. Not to mention she could leave her hometown for a while. She had never been out of Leronde. And if Ludger was lying, she would teach him a lesson with her staff!

Finally with her mind made up, Leia grabbed her staff and anything of importance to her. She also wrote a letter explaining what she was doing, knowing her parents would find and read it. Then she exited her room. Downstairs, the guests were all happily feasting on her parents cooking. She could sneak out undetected since they were so preoccupied. As fast as she could, she escaped from the inn without letting her parents know.

Leia started running towards the seahaven, hoping to catch that ship, "I hope I'm not making the wrong choice here!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ludger and Alvin waited patiently along with the rest of the passengers at the seahaven. The sailors were all preparing for the journey, carrying in supplies and checking any damages that needed to be repaired. But from the looks of it, the ship would set sail on schedule.

"So you're really coming with me?" Ludger said rhetorically.

Alvin turned to Ludger with a smirk, "Oh, you don't want me to?" But before Ludger had a chance to reply, Alvin had more to say, "Ah, I'm joking. Of course I am. I told you right? You're my employer now, although you aren't paying anything. I'm just that generous."

"Well… I'm glad you're coming along." Ludger said sincerely.

Alvin waved it off, not used to someone actually giving thanks. Their thanks were normally through gald, "Hey remember, I'm only doing this because I want to see for myself if you're telling the truth. So take it that I'm only with you for a limited time. If you don't 'prove' to me about what you said, I'm just gonna leave."

"And how am I going to do that?"

Alvin shrugged, "That's your job." When he saw Ludger looked troubled, Alvin moved in and placed his arm around the back of Ludger's neck like an old friend, "Don't fret the small stuff! For now, let's just enjoy the little things, eh? It's nice to just enjoy some male bonding moment and-" Alvin's eyes then spotted something that required his attention, stopping what he was saying, "Sorry. I'm going to need to get that."

Alvin removed his arm and went to the edge of dock, raising his right hand. Ludger then saw a white bird land on Alvin's forearm. Ludger watched in silence as Alvin took what seemed like a small piece of paper from a small device on the bird's feet, reading it quickly before he pulled another small piece of paper from his brown jacket and placed it on the device. The bird then flew off.

"What's that all about?" Ludger asked, genuinely curious. He had never seen Alvin do that in the original timeline.

Alvin had his hands in his pocket, looking directly at Ludger in the eye. He had a choice to make. To tell the truth or lie. Ludger said he was from the 'future', but could Alvin believe that? And even then, he remembered Ludger said he only knew 'bits and pieces' of the current time. If Ludger's 'future' was not true, Alvin did not want to just leave Exodus. Not yet anyway. So Alvin chose to lie.

"It's nothing." Alvin dismissed it, "Just sending a message to a lady friend of mine. Need to make sure she knows I still think of her, know what I mean?" Alvin then winked.

"A lady friend…?" Ludger was surprised. He had not heard of this. He was about to pursue the matter more when he recalled the words of the Alvin he knew. 'I want to be in a relationship not based on lies!' Now Ludger knew what that shaky feeling he had on Alvin. Even now, he felt it. Alvin was lying to him. It was who he was a year before he met Alvin. Ludger decided he needed to break through Alvin, to show that he could be trusted.

"Looks like the ship's about to depart." Alvin remarked, seeing the other passengers getting on the boat.

Ludger nodded, "Looks like it. Let's go."

"You're the boss."

Alvin went ahead first, boarding the ship. Ludger however remained at the seahaven for a moment, looking at the entrance of Leronde. There was no sign of Leia. With a sigh of disappointment, he boarded the ship as well.

"Wait for me!" Leia screamed at the top of her lungs.

Ludger, Alvin and everyone at the seahaven saw Leia running towards the ship. Some of the townspeople tried to stop her, wondering why she was boarding a ship when she had to work at the clinic. But most were just surprised she was actually leaving. The brown-haired girl boarded the ship with a huge grin on her, panting lightly.

"So… it looks like you're coming along." Ludger said with a smile.

Leia nodded, "That's right! If you said I can help Jude, then count me in!"

Alvin stepped in, "Well glad to see you'll be joining us little lady. Since we're going to be travelling together, let me formally introduce myself. The name's Alf - Alf... Alvin. Yeah..."

"Ludger Will Kresnik." Ludger spoke out.

"Well I'm Leia. Leia Rolando." Leia then turned to Ludger, "Well we've got a couple of hours before we reach the Sapstrath seahaven. How about you explain to me everything I need to know."

"Oh boy…" Alvin said, running his hand through his hair, "This is going to be fun."

Ludger understood and gestured for Leia to follow him. Whether or not she believed him, which was up to her. For now, all he needed to do was tell her what he knew and hopefully, through future events, she and Alvin would believe him. All Ludger cared about, was recreating history. To make sure all his friends lived through until the end.

'Whether or not they believe me… I'll see to it that everyone smiles in the end… even if it's at the cost of my own life!' Ludger thought with determination.

XXXXXX

"I knew it! I knew he was lying!" Sonia Rolando cried out in anger, crumbling the note in her hands.

Her husband, Warrick Rolando, tried to calm his wife down, "Now now… let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe she-"

"Aw, shut up!" Sonia snapped back, forcing her husband to cower in fear. Indeed, Sonia was a terrifying woman when angered. She re-read the crumpled note once more. It was indeed her daughter's handwriting, "Leaving on a journey…? What is she talking about?! How dare that Rudder take my daughter from me! I knew he was her boyfriend!"

"Dear, his name's Ludger actually." Warrick corrected.

"Who cares what his name is?! He… he took our daughter! He lied to us! I knew it! I knew he was her boyfriend! When did she even get a boyfriend?!" Sonia continued mouthing off as she stormed out of Leia's room, with Warrick following her to try and calm her down.

Safe to say, the inn was very much lively that morning.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jude and Milla finally arrived at Sharilton. The Sapstrath Deepwood was troubling, but the variety of monsters there was a great opportunity for Milla to train. But that was over. Now Milla was one step closer to Fennmont.

Sharilton was a beautiful city, with merchants pouring in and setting up their businesses in the central plaza. There were also the large, great windmills that supply power to Sharilton, and grand windmills that attracted not only tourists but researchers as well. Basically Sharilton had a lot of different people, locals and outsiders, living together. And even then, there were little quarrels. This was all thanks to the policy introduced by Lord Cline, a young and just ruler.

As Jude entered the city and saw the large number of merchants and people, he was amazed, "Wow… I've heard about how impressive Sharilton was, but now that I'm actually here… it's just amazing!"

Milla had to agree, "Indeed. This place has a splendid view as well."

Jude then noticed two patrol guards in the area and quickly whispered, "They probably have wanted posters here as well. We should try and avoid their view. Come on, we should hurry."

Milla did not argue, trusting the young medical student's instincts. He had provided her with a safe path so far. The two blended into the crowds of people, mixing around to remain hidden. There were large chattering amongst the people, with merchants crying out their goods and prices.

As the pair walked through the crowd of people, the two came across a stall selling antiques such as several beautiful dining set. One of the several items was cups with impressive, red designs on the side of the cup. The sight of them piqued Milla's interest.

The Lord of Spirits approached the stall, carefully inspecting the beautiful cup. Jude followed, although he was reluctant and was watching for guards. A young lady appeared to browse the items as well, looking closely at the unique cups. The merchant, sensing customers had come, instantly began to advertise his goods.

"Ah yes, I see you've caught an interest in these beautiful cups." The merchant began, "But let me tell you, they're no ordinary cups! You see, these are genuine Efreet-fired cups! That's right! The Great Spirit itself carved these!"

The young lady with blonde hair looked honestly impressed, "Wow, really? So… these cups are made by Efreet?"

Upon hearing this, Efreet was greatly angered, "That looks nothing like what I've made! How dare this human try to use my reputation to sell his products!"

Sylph had to agree, seeing that the designs on the cup were a little off, "Yeah. The patterns seem a little… too wild. And knowing you, you always focus on perfecting the little details."

"That's correct!" Efreet said with pride, "The beauty of art is in recognizing the little details that the creator puts in! Not just as a whole!"

"Okay, okay, just don't go into your fanatic." Sylph said. One annoying trait of Efreet was that once he started talking about art, he could not stop. And it seemed he was on a roll now. Sylph knew nothing could stop Efreet now.

Milla picked the cup from the woman, startling her. Milla inspected the cup before she twirled it around on just one finger, showing a great sense of balance. "Well, I highly doubt that." Milla stated plainly regarding the cup being made by Efreet.

"Wh-what do you mean?" The merchant wondered.

"These patterns are far too wild." Milla observed, although she could still hear Efreet bickering about 'perfection' behind her. Thankfully only she could see and hear the Great Spirit, "Efreet values order over all else!"

"Indeed I do!" Efreet beamed with pride, "If not for that, I-" And Efreet continued on and on, much to Sylph's displeasure.

Jude had to hide a grin, since the merchant had obviously no idea he was speaking with the Lord of Spirits that had Efreet at her side. If he tried to argue with her, he would be crushed. But the merchant never had the opportunity to offer any responses. Behind the young lady, a man started chuckling from Milla's words. Jude, Milla and the merchant turned their gaze towards the man.

"My, you talk as though you've had the honor of breaking bread with one of the Great Spirits." The man offered. The man was an elderly aged man close to his late fifties or early sixties. He had his hands clasped behind his back, sporting a black tailcoat jacket and long gray hair, although it was neatly tied into a ponytail. "Your observation is correct," The old man continued, "True Efreet-fired ceramics are known for their geometric precision."

Jude and Milla stared at the old man as he humbly gave a courteous bow. Milla found it impressive that this human was able to discern that the cup was a fake. "And you are…?" She asked.

"Oh how rude of me." Rowen stood up straight and formally introduced himself, "I am Rowen, the butler who serves House Sharil of Sharitlon." He then gestured towards the young lady, "Lady Driselle is under my care for today."

Jude and Milla nodded at the introductions, completely unaware that meeting Rowen would be an addition to their strength. A knowledge that only Ludger carried.

CHAPTER END