The main hall of Figaro Castle was all decorated out in elaborate banners and candles, giving off the massive room all the elegance one would expect with a royal ball. Flags bearing the arms of Figaro stood side by side with red flags bearing the image of the Empire. Edgar made his way back to the head table, pulling out his chair and sitting while looking out over the proceedings. Locke couldn't help but laugh at the king sitting next to him. "So she didn't fall for your awful come on's either did she?"

"I'll have you know that they are not come on's but rather womanly charms. And it's not a question of her falling for them, it's more that I believe being in the presence of someone as stunning as myself was too much for her to bear," Edgar spoke with a touch of extra vanity looking to his friend.

"And the previous four girls of the evening? They were also over come by your stunningness?"

"But of course!" Edgar shot back. Locke laughed again when a young man in the highest dress of the Empire came to the table and saluted King Edgar. "A good evening to you Colonel Leo."

"A good evening to you as well your highness."

"Please Colonel, Edgar will be fine," the king chuckled lightly, enjoying the evening while trying to remain somewhat dignified. "Besides which, it should be I giving you all the pleasantries. It is you who are the man of honor at our fine ball this evening. I am simply the willing host for one of the brightest and most highly touted soldiers of the Empire."

"You speak too highly of me," Leo gave a laugh himself, "I have not yet achieved that status."

"Although I have no doubt that you will," Edgar gave his trademark grin again. "Colonel Leo, I would like you to meet a dear friend of mine, Mr. Locke Cole."

"It's an honor to meet such a high ranking man as yourself," Locke nodded offering Leo his hand.

"Please, the honor is all mine," Leo answered shaking Locke's hand firmly.

Suddenly gasps and cries came from the far reaches of the hall where a crowd had gathered watching one of Leo's soldiers fall to the ground clutching his stomach. Another one near by held his hands to his knees looking extremely pale. He then stood up and covered his mouth, running out the door.

Leo blushed with embarrassment at his own troops. "My goodness! I apologize for their actions!"

Edgar laughed and slapped Leo on the back gently, "No need to worry my good Colonel. I'd like to think the Vector and Figaro are good enough allies that a few sick privates won't ruin our relationship. Besides which, we're out here in the desert. They're probably not used to it and got sun poisoning which is just effecting them now. Happens all the time, nothing to worry about."

"Well I better go check on them. I shall speak to you again soon," Leo gave a nod to Edgar and then one to Locke as well before taking his leave.

"Some gala you're throwing his Edgar," Locke joked again watching Leo check on his soldiers, most of whom seemed to be suffering from the same results.

"Yes well, some people just can't handle the enjoyment of another fantastic Figaro ball."

"I never thought a pauper like me would find myself in these royal looking threads attending a king's gala," Locke took a drink from a glass in front of him. "If only my grandma and the boys back home could see me now."

Edgar kept his eyes out at the party in full swing. "I take it that's where you're heading off to next? Back home to Kohlingen? You are a free man. I'm kind of surprised you even stayed for this night."

"Miss out on a once in a life time chance to attend a royal ball?" Locke laughed but followed it up with a sigh, allowing himself to slip into a moment of melancholy. "There really isn't much of a home for me in Kohlingen anyways. Just me traveling the world at my leisure."

"That must get terribly lonely," Edgar spoke turning to his friend this time, catching the change in his tone.

"On certain days."

"Well it could be worse," Edgar laughed trying to lighten up the mood. "You

could be a king, having to always be stuck in your stone castle, always having to be proper and classed. I can't tell you how much I envy the life you lead Locke, being able to travel where ever you want, whenever you want. But alas, that is not the life I was given by fate, so I am here at my place as king of Figaro enjoying the stories I hear from thieves about the world's premier treasure hunter."

"I'm sure they don't speak highly of me since most of the times I'm their competition," Locke laughed, brightening up a little.

"Oh I take that into account when I hear their stories. Thieves are not to be trusted."

"And yet you trusted me when I was one of them in your prison."

Edgar laughed looking back out over the hall, "Locke, you stole some harmless fruit from a produce stand. These thieves rob people blind and have no trouble in killing anyone in their way. Besides which, you aren't a thief, you're a treasure hunter."

"Then I don't know how much longer I can stay here in Figaro Edgar. You have been a wonderful host for me, but I can't keep my reputation up as the best if I am doing nothing but laying idly at royal parties."

"That's your decision then. Like I said, according to the law of Figaro you are a free man, and to be honest I hope that you return to visit our fine kingdom. Its doors are always open to you. I'll be waiting anxiously for the next story of your adventure."

Locke laughed, "You think I would miss the another grand party? I fully expect to be attending the next one, when ever it is."

"Your invitation is already in the mail my friend."