She couldn't explain it, but she knew he'd already left. When Ylja entered the infirmary, she found Cid with another Ironworks employee. He was reading a piece of paper, though what it said, she couldn't see. What she could see was Cid's grip on the paper slowly tightening, his hands trembling as the employee spoke.
"...The entire amount was charged in your name, Master Garlond."
Ylja slowed her approach, attempting to keep a safe distance as Cid's shoulders rose and fell in time with heavy, furious breaths. She glanced over his shoulder, putting final confirmation on her suspicions when she spied the bed formerly occupied by Nero Scaeva.
"Find him! I want everyone searching for Nero right now! EVERYONE!"
The employee sprinted off, ignoring Ylja as he disappeared into the Reach, leaving her with the irate engineer.
"Master Garlond…"
"Ylja. As you can see, our mutual friend has decided to take a well paid leave of absence," Cid said as he turned to her. She could tell he was forcing his anger down for her, eager to get his hands on Nero. "I don't suppose he hinted at where he was planning to flee, did he?" he asked.
"If he did, I didn't pick up on it. I'm sorry he took so much," she apologised, looking away sheepishly.
"I doubt you had anything to do with it. Ah, before I forget…" he said, handing her an envelope. "He left this for you. At least he gave you the decency of an envelope."
"You don't want to read it first? He might have hinted at…"
"Oh, I'll find that thieving bastard, don't you worry. Seriously though, the contents of that letter are between you and him. Hardly be decent to pry, would it?" he explained, patting her on the shoulder before running off.
The sun was almost set by the time she arrived at Lockwatch, having aided in what she knew to be a futile search. As a former Frumentarii, Nero knew how to cover his tracks when he wanted to disappear, and this time was no different, much as she'd hoped otherwise. Ignoring the chill breeze, she sat against the tower wall before bringing out the letter. She gently ripped it open, taking care to keep Nero's seal intact. Putting the envelope away, she allowed the letter to fall open.
"My dear Ylja,
By the time you receive this letter, I will have already departed on my extended leave of absence. I know you would have gladly joined me, and though I do enjoy your ever-cheerful company, this time I'm afraid I must leave without you.
Now before you start blaming yourself, as you are unfortunately wont to do, know that I made this selfless decision entirely for your benefit. Ever since our reunion with the "heroes" of Eorzea, I've observed that you have been making new friends among them. I can't blame you. There is an undeniable quality to them that makes it difficult to truly dislike them, and this is coming from someone who had his life's work ruined by them!
Beyond that, while our opinions may differ on the matter, Ala Mhigo has been liberated, and while I am a son of Garlemald, you have proven yourself to be a daughter of Ala Mhigo, even if the cretins fail to see how lucky they are to have you. Unlike me, you are bound to this land by a family of choice, and I suspect that in the coming days she'll need your support more than ever.
I've never been one for goodbyes, as you well know. Of course, saying goodbye would imply that this is our final parting. Let me reassure you, you have not seen the last of Nero Scaeva, not while I still have Garlond to outdo! Speaking of which, I'd recommend avoiding him for the next few days. Let's just say he was unknowingly generous in compensating me for my services and leave it at that.
You don't need me to tell you to take good care of yourself. I expect you to accomplish great things by the time we next meet, and I'll be eager to compare notes. Do try to have fun doing so. I know you're obsessed with 'making amends', but seven hells, you needn't go around doing so with the look of a kicked pup! Perhaps take a few lessons from your new friends on the fine art of enjoying yourself.
And with that, I must take my leave. Do give Miss Lupus my regards next time you see her and take good care of that new blade of yours. I tailored it especially for you, and I'll be more than a little upset if you lose it!
Sincerely,
Your dearest friend,
Nero Scaeva.
P.S. Should you ever find yourself lacking in funds, I've left behind all you'll need to access Garlond's account. I doubt you'll use it, but then again, perhaps you'll surprise me."
