Chapter 2

"Get the hell outta here, you vagrants!"

The wooden gates reinforced with steel closed, hiding the massive mansion from outside view with its sturdy walls, a clear sign of wealth among other things. Bell and Kojiro could only blink as they were sitting on the dirt, a consequence of what was a small army of attendants and guards carrying them and throwing them out. Honestly, Bell was impressed that they even got inside in the first place, few steps as they were. If nothing else, the security was top notch, which put his worries to rest just a little bit. Still, he felt his face heat up at the murmurs they garnered. Dusting himself off, Kojiro wasn't nearly as affected by the attention and merely laughed casually.

"That went well."

"Why did I believe you when you said we could just walk in?" Bell muttered, more to himself than to him. In hindsight, it was a bit too much to expect nobodies to be allowed in with nothing more than their rather pitiful appearances.

"Audacity is a plan on its own," Kojiro said, shrugging nonchalantly. "It just didn't work this time."

"So much for just warning the Sanjouno... " The young man shook his head as he scratched the back of his head, biting his lip lightly before glancing at Kojiro. "What now?"

In response, the man turned around, arms crossed with a hum, as he stared at the closed estate. His eyes narrowed in thought, as they wandered over the wall. Bell began to sweat nervously at the intensity. Then, as sudden as it came, it vanished, leaving behind a chuckling man raising his finger.

"We could try again, just harder this time?" He suggested. Bell almost fell down on his face at the ridiculous idea.

"We are not picking a fight with the local nobles, Kojiro!"

"You're right." Bell tilted his head at his words. The sword fighter nodded gravely, a disappointed expression on his face as he sighed. "They don't seem particularly strong to begin with."

"Not the point!"

If there was one thing that Bell found weird about Kojiro was his desire to pick fights at any given turn. It was almost like an impulse. It got them into trouble more often than not. Then again, it would certainly explain why he was so strong, if he kept doing that before even meeting Bell a year ago. Still, it wasn't like he was a battle maniac. He could see reason, in a way. At least that Bell managed to figure out. Nevertheless, they were facing a wall, metaphorically and physically.

After finding a bench and having ordered one of those delicious rice balls, Bell frowned as he munched away at it. Now what? They were rejected before they could make their case. To be expected, in hindsight, but the worry was still there. He didn't understand where this 'fire' in his chest came from. That desire to help no matter what. Was this the Heroic Will grandpa was talking about? He didn't feel like one. It wasn't heroic to just warn people. It shouldn't be heroic that one just wanted to help.

His inner musings were cut short when a shadow was cast over them. Kojiro and Bell looked up, in confusion at who stopped in front of them. What immediately stood out was the style of clothing the man wore. Unlike the kimono most people wore in this place, he instead wore a suit Bell heard was common at the guild in Orario. Only instead of black, it was white in color. He could tell that he wore something blue underneath it, the fabric sticking out a bit from his sleeves, which fit the white hat with the blue ring around it. Around his hip was a katana, of much higher quality than Kojiro had, causing Bell to gulp nervously. However, instead of doing something threatening, the man was currently staring at Kojiro with wide eyes. To Bell's confusion, Kojiro's expression was the same, surprised as he stood up as well.

For a moment there was silence. Then suddenly, the two began to laugh quietly and shook each other's hand in perfect sync.

"Sasaki Kojiro! So it was you!"

"Sakamoto Ryoma! What a pleasant surprise! Here I thought I was the only one!"

Bell turned his head repeatedly, looking at the two with a gape. They knew each other? He tilted his head. It would make sense. Shaking hands was less common in the Far East, unless they were close friends from what he understood. And Bell didn't know a lot about Kojiro to begin with. Having a close friend in what Bell assumed was his home country? Entirely reasonable, if surprising. Not that he would ever say it out loud, but Kojiro didn't seem to be the type to have….friends.

"Well, considering the rumors in the world... " The man called Ryoma trailed off, amusement in his expression. Kojiro shrugged nonchalantly, crossing his arms as Ryoma took a step back.

"Seeing is believing after all." He raised an eyebrow at Ryoma, smirk still in place. "I suppose you don't know why we are here?"

The man in question shook his head.

"Not at all."

"Mayhaps this is a strange version of a Holy Grail War... ?"

Suddenly, Bell felt his spine freeze over. Choking for air, he felt that the atmosphere suddenly became heavy. The aura around Kojiro seemed to distort, enough that people began to murmur and be worried, unaware of what the source was. Even Ryoma was affected by it, who sweated a little bit. But quickly, he waved his hands with a nervous smile.

"A-ahahaha, I don't think so." He glanced down, licking his lips. "Please let go of your blade."

Bell followed his eyes and saw how Kojiro was stroking the hilt of his blade. As sudden as the glint in his eyes appeared, Kojiro's weird mood vanished, a lighthearted laugh escaping him as the air returned to morning.

"Very well. I was just joking."

Ryoma seemed almost serene as he sat down with them, to Kojiro's right. With a smile, he put his hand on the latter's shoulder, nodding a few times.

"We both know you weren't." The local glanced at Kojiro's back, clearing his throat politely before pointing at him. "On an entirely unrelated note, did you receive a Falna yet?"

"Not at all. Why?"

At the tilted head of utter confusion, Ryoma let out a sigh of relief, shaking his head as he leaned back on the bench.

"As I said, entirely unrelated note."

"Hm." Kojiro scratched his chin before snapping his fingers. "No Chaldea?"

Bell blinked. Chaldea? It sounded like the name of a location of some sort... but from all the stories grandpa told him, he never heard such a name. But it was apparently famous enough, or just something the two Eastern men knew, because Ryoma visibly perked up with a smile. It was as if some hidden message was passed between their glances. Then Ryoma shook his head with a sigh, his excitement diminished.

"Given our incarnation, I do not believe so, even if the memories we retain are confusing."

"Hm. Intriguing."

In this moment of silence, as the two adults pondered over what they said, Bell couldn't help but feel completely left out. He lowered his head, feeling as if there was a barrier between him and Kojiro. As quick as his frown came however, he banished the negative thoughts. Sure, he didn't understand what was going on, but that didn't mean he couldn't try! With that in mind, he cleared his throat and raised his hand.

"Uhm. Excuse me but... " When he gained their attention, he couldn't help but blush a bit, feeling a bit self conscious. With an awkward laugh, he scratched his cheek. "I... have no idea what's going on."

They blinked at him, as if only now realizing that he was around. Honestly it stung a bit. But he ignored it as they shared a glance, unsure about themselves. Kojiro raised an eyebrow. Ryoma shrugged helplessly. Closing his eyes, Kojiro nodded before turning to Bell, smile in place.

"Consider it an inside joke, young master."

The quiet air was deafening. Bell had an unreadable expression as he stared at Kojiro, whose small grin never wavered. He met Ryoma's expression, which was a total contrast with its disbelieving gape. But it decided to roll with it, as he shook his head and perfectly mimicked Kojiro's smile a second later. The young man slowly nodded his head a few times, biting his lip.

"Seems awfully complicated for an inside joke…" He muttered. Kojiro in response shared a look with his friend and both closed their eyes in amusement, lowering their head as if considering some deep wisdom.

"Jokes are the deepest of lore."

"That they are."

"...I see."

Bell didn't. Not at all. It felt like he was missing the context of several books or so to truly comprehend what was going on. Sighing, he decided to give up for now. It was clear they wouldn't clarify. It made sense, what with him not knowing them as long as they knew each other but still...

Suddenly a hand was reached towards him. He blinked and looked up, seeing Ryoma smile apologetically at him as he stood up and bowed politely in front of Bell.

"Apologies. We have not been introduced yet. I'm Sakamoto Ryoma."

"B-Bell Cranel." He paused, frowning a bit before tilting his head with a wry smile as he scratched the back of his head. "Or, I guess... Cranel Bell?"

"I am aware of Western naming conventions, no worries." Ryoma glanced at Kojiro before looking back at Bell. "So, what brings you to this part of the world?"

"Well, Kojiro got me interested in the Far East. And before getting to Orario, I thought it would be nice to gain some... experience in the world," Bell explained in a casual tone, internally hoping to heaven that Kojiro wouldn't reveal what exactly motivated him. While he really wanted to be a hero that saved girls in the dungeon, nobody needed to know or hear about his desire. He got teased enough by his teacher already. With a warm expression, Ryoma nodded in approval, patting Bell on his shoulder.

"Well, I hope this place has been hospitable to you." Bell flinched. The man picked up on it immediately, his smile wavering and replaced with a concerned frown. "Did something happen?"

Bell looked at Kojiro. A small nod caused him to take a deep breath. Alright, if Kojiro trusted him, then he had to share this problem with him. He shot up from the bench, his back straightened in attention.

"Uhm, Mr. Sakamoto, sir-!"

Before he could finish his shout, a calm hand was raised, interrupting him as Ryoma shook his head calmly.

"Please, call me Ryoma. No need for formalities."

"A-alright, R-ryoma!"

The two men smiled wryly at each other. Kojiro shrugged in a "what can you do" manner. For some reason Bell was having the suspicion they were making fun of him. Clearing his throat as he ignored the heat coming up his face, he raised his voice once more.

"Anyway! D-do you know Sanjouno Haruhime?"

The reaction was immediately. His mouth thinned. His body became more stiff. His eyes narrowed as he looked around, ever so subtly, before putting a hand on his hat, pulling it down just a bit over his eyes.

"...Why?" He asked in a quiet voice. Bell recognized the secrecy needed and lowered his voice as well as he leaned forward, with Kojiro closing in as well.

"There's a plot to frame her and get rid of her!"

"Non lethally."

"Right, that!" Bell hissed as he pointed at Kojiro. Then, quickly, he reached into his pockets and pulled out the piece of paper that started it all. "It's all in this letter!"

"May I see that?"

Without hesitation, he handed it over to Ryoma, who quickly let his eyes move over it, taking in the details. His eyes widened ever so slightly, expressing the same kind of horror Bell felt when he saw the "plans". Framing the noble daughter for ruining a sacred ritual. Taking advantage of the probable rage the head of the family would have to get her disowned. Having a smuggler ready to get her out of the country as fast as possible. He didn't understand why eating an offering would be such a dishonorable act, but judging from Ryoma's face, it was a big deal in the Far East.

"This is serious... " He muttered, the letter crumbling at his grip ever so slightly. With a deep breath, he calmed himself down before pocketing the letter. His hand touched his chin as he mulled over the situation. Bell began to fidget around before he couldn't take it anymore. Pointing over his shoulder, he had a hopeful look on his face.

"Do you have a way to warn them?"

"I can certainly enter the mansion, but it wouldn't be of any use. They are on tour right now."

"That's inconvenient," Kojiro said, describing Bell's exact thoughts on the situation. For some reason, Ryoma laughed, more in a self depreciating way, as he pulled his hat back a bit to show his awkward expression.

"Ironically enough it's my fault." At their confusion, the local shook his head, suddenly looking a lot more tired. "Politics. Getting them to show their support for... certain things was a fight on its own."

"Ah. A battlefield I had the fortune not to fight in."

"Lucky you," Ryoma muttered at Kojiro's pity. Shaking his head, he put up a smile, tipping his hat. "Still, I should be able to reach them in time, as long as they stuck to the schedule."

Bell felt a sigh of relief escape him. So they at least had this settled, in a way. However, that relief was replaced by worry. Worry about one simple question. Why? Why was this happening in the first place? Sure, he could see how kidnapping a noble girl would be done, it happened plenty of times in the stories. But there was just this subtle feeling that there was more to it. Because of that, he voiced his question as he crossed his arms, tilting his head with a frown.

"Do you know why they wanted to do something like this to Miss Sanjouno?"

The man hesitated, which told Bell more than enough. There was a secret that he knew. Naturally, Ryoma bit his lip, pondering over his choices. In the end, he gave Bell a worried look, showing how serious this situation was.

"...I have an idea. If I'm right, it might be really bad."

"If that is the case, how about a two front attack then?" Kojiro chimed in. At their confused looks, he twirled his hand at Ryoma. "I assume because of your standing, you are restricted?"

The latter's eyes widened in realization. Shaking his head, he frowned at his friend.

"I cannot ask you to get even more involved in this."

"Then you do not need to." Kojiro gave Bell a pointed look. "Isn't that right, young master?"

He jumped a bit at the question. Why was he asked that?! It was one thing to warn someone, but to potentially get involved with even more of those thugs? He recalled the pain. The humiliation as he was beaten up. To be frank, he shivered at the thought. However… For a girl to lose her family…

He remembered. It was not too long ago after all, the wound still fresh on his soul. The day he returned home with Kojiro. The day he lost grampa. Could he live with himself, allowing someone to experience that same pain? His hands were shaking but he formed them into fists nonetheless. With a deep breath, he nodded with determination.

"Well said," Kojiro announced, a wide grin on his face as he patted Bell's back. Ryoma nodded in approval as well, even if it was a bit more hesitant.

"Very well. We should meet up tomorrow." He pulled out a map and swiftly drew something on it."Here, I marked this location for you. It's a good inn."

"Good luck to you."

With one last handshake, they seperated, Ryoma wandering away from them. Kojiro clapped his hands together, a calm air around him as he led the way for Bell.

"Let us find this Pallum smuggler then."

As they walked, his previous determination gave away to worry once more. Bell just didn't get it. Why this much effort for one girl? It worried him. What was going on in the Far East, that he missed as an outsider?

What worried him even more however... was the fact that Kojiro didn't seem to care much for the potential victim at all. The thought caused Bell to grasp the hem of his shirt with worry. No. Kojiro was better than this. After all, Bell looked up to him for a reason. He had this aura, something that made him special.

Special like a hero. He was sure that the wandering swordsman would live up to that title.