In which Cecile departs for Caleria in efforts to train and grow stronger.

Cecile went on hiatus for several months, and something was required to explain her absence.

"I expect all of you to do your very best to protect Budehuc in my absence! I anticipate a full report when I return!" Cecile surveyed her small ragtag group sitting outside the castle steps with pride. A balanced team for sure, but she still had some doubts.

Fred dipped into another knightly bow. "Lady Cecile, are you certain you don't require an escort? The nights are growing colder, and the days shorter...surely you could just use the blinking mirror to teleport to Caleria?"

"I could," she wagged a scolding finger, "but the whole purpose behind my trip is for training! I promised Master Thomas I was going to grow stronger! Using the blinking mirror would be cheating—!"

"It's not cheating, it's efficient," Clive glanced up from cleaning the barrel of his gun.

An older woman leaned against the front steps and tossed her bobbed hair over one ear with a grin. "Oh, a little travel never hurt anyone," she gave Cecile a wink. "If this is just because she's a woman, you boys need to lay off. I'm sure she's more than capable enough. We'll keep an eye on the place."

"Lady Queen! How long is the Southern Frontier Defense Force was visiting? Are you planning on staying while I'm gone?"

Queen gave a casual shrug. "I don't think the boys mind much. I've only got Geddoe and Ace in tow at the moment, we're all split up on separate jobs for the time being. But I think between the three of us we can still keep an eye on things for you."

"Eh." Juan yawned. "You'll keep an eye on the place. I've got plenty to do."

"Like what, pray tell?"

"More than you, that's for sure. At least I'm training between napping. You and your buddies are just spending all your time at the tavern."

Queen shot the dojo master a dirty look. "Training, huh? You want to put that to the test? We can duke it out here, if you prefer. Or did you forget I'm a mercenary and not just a pretty face?"

"You two, no fighting!" Cecile flailed. "I'm counting on you to keep an eye on things!"

Am I really making the right decision…?

Cecile looked out across the castle courtyard. The surrounding trees were tinged with red and orange. Traveling so far to Caleria this time of year on foot was probably not the most efficient—Clive was right about that. But after hearing about Yuber's return, the young commander of the guards was deeply unsettled. How could she manage to protect Thomas and the others if she didn't get stronger? The swordsman didn't seem to have any malicious intentions, but the way he sauntered across the castle grounds and demanded to stay...it didn't sit well with her, even if Thomas did insist everyone was deserving of a second chance.

Many times throughout her childhood her father often made trips to Caleria himself for supplies and training. If it worked for him, surely it would work for her as well. Just in case Yuber did decide to become a threat, she would be ready.

"Cecile," a gentle voice brought her back to the present, "I'm sure we'll all be fine. You are free to travel wherever and whenever you wish."

"M-Master Thomas!" she spun around and hastily bowed. "I promise I won't be gone long!"

Thomas regarded her with a quiet smile, his brown hair slightly askew in the afternoon breeze. She couldn't help but notice a smudge of ink along his right hand. It was unlike him to step away from paperwork until his work was complete, and she couldn't help but wonder if maybe her announcement interrupted him.

"You're the castle master," Clive quipped, looking up from his gun again. "Can't you just… I don't know, order one of us to accompany her? I don't like this much."

"I-I'd rather respect Cecile's wishes," Thomas stammered uncomfortably. "If she wishes to travel alone, I am positive she's more than capable enough."

A ticklish blush spread across her cheeks. Hearing that Thomas believed in her was the best parting gift she could ask for. "I promise, Master Thomas! I won't be gone long! After all, I am the commander of the guards! But it's my responsibility to get stronger in order to better protect Budehuc!"

"I have an idea," a new voice came from around the corner, and a dark-haired man approached the team, a large white wolf trotting at his side. "Why not take one of the dogs with you, Cecile? Then you're not traveling completely alone."

"Sir Kinnison!" Cecile waved. Although his arrival at Budehuc was only recent, the young archer quickly settled in. His wolf companion Shiro made fast friends with all the welcome basket dogs. "That is a wonderful idea!"

Fred and Clive exchanged glances. Clive didn't look reassured, but Fred's good cheer returned quickly. "That's a capital idea! Why, I myself have had the honor of fighting alongside Koroku and the others—"

Juan sniggered. "Pretty sure we've all had that misfortune."

Cecile squashed the rising urge to give Juan a good stomp on the foot. "If it makes Master Thomas happy, I think it's a wonderful idea too!"

Thomas knelt down and gave Shiro a pat. "I agree, I think Kinnison has a good point."

"T-then I'll bring Kosanji with me! He's most accustomed to mountainous terrain, so he'd be the perfect travel companion!"

The young castle master gave her an encouraging nod. Her stomach did a somersault seeing his smile. "So long as you're careful…"

"Feh," Clive scowled and resumed cleaning his gun. "Traveling with a dog…"

"I promise to be as careful as can be!" Cecile saluted to her friends and hoisted up her spear. "Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it."

The best way to get stronger is to travel, it's not like I'll be gone that long…!