As they continued their hike to a cliff, the multiple lights from the Sereg Circle fortress beamed from below, revealing two cloaked figures looking down below.

When Mireya noticed them, Obi silently signaled her to stay where she was but not without giving her a small smirk.

Mireya blinked but understandably nodded. Obi tapped a large boulder that was next to him. So, Mireya obediently hid behind it.

"You guys have so much bloodlust, I could see it all the way over here," Obi called out towards the two figures.

Mireya was even more confused. Obi is such an eccentric person. He knew how to fight and now casually talked of bloodlust like it was a lighthearted joke. Mireya still couldn't tell who the two people were until one of them finally spoke.

"Obi!" a young male voice said.

"Sorry, I'm a little late."

"Who cares if you're late, right now I just want to fly into your arms."

Obi sounded like he laughed from his stomach. Mireya was starting to feel like she wasn't supposed to be there.

"Me too," another voice said. This one was definitely a young woman.

The young woman continued, "However, before we get to that, were you gonna tell us about the person you brought with you?"

Obi stuttered, "O-of course, I was. Sorry, I just wanted to make it less complicated."

Mireya slowly stood up and walked next to Obi, keeping her head low.

"She, uh… kinda saved my life," Obi sheepishly laughed.

"Kinda? Well, anyway, I appreciate it. My name is Zen Wistalia, the Second Prince of Clarines. I also respect your humility, but I will need you to reveal yourself."

Mireya gasped, immediately taking her hood and kneeling before the prince.

"Pleased to meet your acquaintance, Your Highness. I am Mireya Tohzu, the daughter of that traitor Viscount Tohzu. I've arrived to pledge my allegiance to His Highness Zen."

"Well, she didn't waste no time," Obi thought.

Zen fell silent. He took a deep breath in. Mireya was waiting for him to scold her for her incapability to stop her family.

"Obi! Why didn't you say anything before I said all those things?! She probably heard me!" he blushed.

"Ahahahaha!" Obi laughed. "Sorry, Master. But I don't see Miss Kiki embarrassed." he grinned with his hands together.

"So, you knew but didn't say anything either?!" Steam was practically coming out of his ears.

"I knew Obi wouldn't lead someone he didn't trust to us for no reason," Kiki said.

Zen sighed deeply, "Fine…"

Still kneeling, Mireya's face was in shock. This conversation was… normal? This was the Prince of Clarines and they were talking to each other as if they were family. Mireya's throat felt a little too tight but as she tried to swallow it down, her eyes felt hot. The lights from below were looking distorted and dancing around in her vision. Even if she blinked a thousand times a second, the tears wouldn't stop.

Zen relaxed his face after he saw Mireya's tears down her face.

"Mireya-dono, I accept your allegiance. First, I would like for you to tell me what you know," Zen slightly smiled.

Mireya realized she was crying and immediately rubbed her tears with her sleeve, "Of course, Your Highness."

They all took their way to the Sereg Knight Circle. Because of his travels, Obi was offered food to eat. When Mireya was given the same offer, she refused, explaining she ate earlier. The four of them sat down in a corner of the fortress to exchange information. Obi mentioned a young miss who was safe and guarded but Mireya didn't know who this was. Zen was very relieved on hearing this information. When he asked Obi if he investigated the Tohzu house who testified against Mitsuhide, Obi gave the series of events that led up to his meeting with Mireya.

Zen then looked to Mireya, "Is there anything else you know?"

"Yes, sir," Mireya straightened up her sitting posture. Zen slightly leaned in to listen.

"Just as Obi-dono said, the Bergatts have been visiting the estate since a few months ago. However, I think they have been planning this for years. It just hasn't gotten this bold until recently. It's almost like it was an opportunity they couldn't pass up."

"What opportunity?" Kiki asked.

Mireya flinched and felt regret in her stomach. She secretly admired how smart Kiki was. Of course, she figured she would know by now what the situation was. Furthermore, she understood her feelings…

"I see. It's not your fault since what you're saying is true. Targeting all my potential suitors…" Kiki continued.

"I apologize if I seem rude. I'm no expert in anything, but I have been used by my own family. I know how they act, how they react, how they scheme…" Mireya's voice got lower.

"Please continue, Mireya-dono," Zen said.

"I don't know why but apparently I am to be married to Tariga Bergatt once Tsuruba Bergatt marries Lady Kiki."

"A political marriage…?" Obi asked.

"Yes, they wanted our families to be part of this as much as possible. As if it wasn't suspicious, to begin with…" Mireya scowled.

"Anyways, my oldest brother was the one who framed Mitsuhide-dono. He is also the one who has been attacking the victims."

Everyone's eyes tensed.

"I see… I believe you, but how are we able to prove this?" Zen asked.

"I'm so sorry, Your Highness. I merely have my words. I've been kept away from almost everything because apparently to my father, I'm just a woman who is to be of use to the family by marrying into the Bergatt family," Mireya bowed her head.

"No, you are of great help. It's just such a waste." Zen then paused, holding his hand to his forehead.

"Eh…?" Mireya stuttered.

"I mean, come on! Why would a so-called father call you to such minimal things when you're right here using a freakin' bow and arrow all by yourself?!" Zen motioned towards her quiver.

"Ahhh, Your Highness, um…"

"From what Obi described, you're very talented. If I was your father, I would be proud of you."

Mireya's eyes widened in shock with her mouth agap. That was a sentence she never thought she would ever hear from Prince Zen's mouth. Him as her father…

"Mmmhmhmhmhm~!" Obi quickly put his hand to his mouth. He was bursting with laughter so much he could barely sit up.

Kiki smiled warmingly, "That was a beautiful compliment, Your Highness."

Zen switched defensively, "What…?!"

Finally recovered, Obi broke the awkward silence, "Sorry, Master, that was the best joke yet."

Zen's eyes twitched in annoyance, "Oh, really…"

Mireya let a snicker escape. Everyone's attention was now on her.

"Ah! Um, I mean, my apologies. Thank you, Your Highness," Mireya gave a small yet genuine smile.

Zen sighed and returned the smile back, "You're welcome, Mireya-dono."

"Thank you, Obi, Mireya-dono. With all this information, we can finally plan our next move."

"I can still work, you know. I got to eat, anyway," Obi replied.

Suddenly, a messenger bird came to Obi. After reading the message, he announced that the head of the Bergatt family is coming to Sereg.

"Injuring young knights, playing with the name of Seiran, making someone fall as the mastermind, and using their own family members as pawns… What could they possibly be planning next? Those brothers?"

Mireya's hands clenched into fists under her cloak. There was no going back. She betrayed her family. No, her family betrayed her. She will put trust in the jurisdiction Wilant has been given. There is no one else she could possibly trust.

"Mireya-dono," Zen called.

"Ah! Yes, Your Highness!"

"You should give yourself a break. I'll come back to you when I need you. Right now, I need everyone to not know that you're here so stay with Obi until then," Zen smiled.

"Yes, sir. I will wait," Mireya nodded.

Mireya could almost feel the teasing smile from Obi burning a hole in the back of her head.