A/N: Hi there, new chapter! Sorry if you might find this part boring. I'm just introducing a few characters in this chapter. It's more of a fill in to start on the next segment. It's also kind of rushed. Tell me if you think so. I really want to progress with the story, but if it seems like I did a bad job, let me know. And if you don't like it, I hope you will still leave a comment. Anything is fine. Have a nice read.

"Roze, you finally made it!" An old man with gray hair slicked back and a thin beard rushed over to the carriage.

I step out carefully, making it to the ground. Grandfather came to pick me up at the station in Naam, a city close to the cabin that Grandfather lives in. His home is located on the outskirt, in the woods behind the city.

"It's good to see you, Old Man," I say almost rudely. "Sorry." I add quickly while rubbing the back of my head.

He chuckles. "It's good to know you haven't changed much. You look to be in plenty health, wonderful."

"I can say the same to you." I scan him over quickly, remembering his letter. Although he was old and thin, the man was no where near being frail or crumpled looking. His arms were shaky though, because of years of hard labor.

"Come on, boy. We have much to talk about."

I nod and follow him through the city.

In less than an hour, we arrive at the cabin. It's worn and small, yet comfortable and...nostalgic.

"Welcome home, Roze."

My inside feels slightly fluttery and my cheeks feel kind of hot. It's kind of gross.

"Yeah, thanks," I splutter.

"My boy! What are you getting shy at?" He rubs my head roughly. Normally, I would feel...annoyed, I think. But right now, I can't help, but feel happy that he is...happy.

"There isn't much room, but make yourself at home. My doctor will be here in a while so keep yourself busy while I'm getting my check up."

I nod. I wonder how old he is now...70? 75? I wonder how much longer he can take care of himself.

"By the way, how are the Valendorf's?"

I pause for a brief minute before I reply, recalling what happened.

"Do you have everything you need, Mr. Roze?" asks Whim.

"Ah. That should be everything, thank you."

"Have a safe trip. We will be praying for you," bids Master Valendorf.

I nod.

I turn to Miss Lily who has yet to say a word. Her face is downcast and refuses to meet me with her eyes.

Three days ago, I announced my departure. It had been quite a shock to everyone, especially the Miss.

No one was prepared for what I was about to say, not even me.

Since then, Master Valendorf has arranged for my immediate departure after I had explained the anxious feeling welding inside of me. Miss Lily on the other hand had stayed quiet for most of the days, not speaking unless called upon. Whim had been by her side doing her best to bring up her spirits.

It's my fault, I know. She wanted me to be there when times were hard, but now I'm the one making it hardest on her.

"The letter...I guess I don't need it." I say, knowing that this time I have to be the one to strike a conversation. Because of my abrupt decision, I never sent it. Instead we sent an urgent note to my grandfather announcing my rather sudden visit.

She responds with a nod.

I want to apologize, but I can't. I feel as if I were to say, 'I'm sorry', I will truly never be forgiven.

"So this is goodbye..."

She remains silent and still, earning worried looks from her father and maid.

I open my mouth, trying to say something, hoping desperately that this isn't how it ends.

Life, love...things that are precious...memories.

Don't let it end like this.

"I'm sorry."

Miss Lily finally looks up at me with withheld tears. It renders me shocked and speechless.

"Because of my immaturity, I'm making it hard for you to leave. You don't have to worry about me anymore, Roze. I'm fine now, you've done more than enough."

"Miss Lily..."

"You should get going or it'll get dark really soon. Give your grandfather our best regards."

I nod.

"I should be the one thanking you."

She smiles.

"I guess we are even then."

"Ah. Goodbye, Miss Lily, Whim, Master Valendorf."

"Goodbye."

"I see. So you aren't going back?" I merely shake my head.

"No. I'm going to travel."

Grandfather doesn't say anything. It looks like he's thinking of something.

"What is it?" I ask.

He breaks into laughter, "Well, take your time. It's been a while since we last had a nice long chat. A few days here will have you prepared to take on the world!"

I cross my arms at his profound spirit.

"Yeah well, it's not like I decided where to go yet. Besides, shouldn't you be at your appointment, now?"

"Oh, is it time already? Well, guess we'll have to stop here for now. I'll see you in a bit, boy."

"Uhuh. See you later Old Man."

A while later, grandfather returns. I spent the last hour settling in and then just preparing dinner.

"Something smells delicious. Is it dinner time already?"

I raise an eyebrow at his odd behavior.

"It's just soup and bread."

"That may be, but your company makes it all the better."

Ah, it's that gross feeling again. Technically it isn't, but it's just kinda gross in a way.

"You're getting all shy again, Roze."

"You're imagining things," my tone is as flat and harsh as always, but he just laughs.

"I can take you into town for some shopping tomorrow. Get a few good deals, while we are at it. The benefits of living a long and cultivating life."

For the next hour and so, he bragged about his life. He would ask me how I am doing and about life living in the Valendorf mansion. I responded occasionally when I could.

The night goes by quickly and before we know it, we're out.

The next four days go without a hitch. Shopping was actually quite ideal. I was able to secure a lot of supplies and equipment thanks to the Old Man's connections. It had been fun to meet his acquaintances and be introduced as 'family'. Some of them I had met before when I was young. It took a while but I was eventually able to remember some things. Living with the Old Man had been some of the best years of my life.

He had asked me to go into town earlier to buy ingredients for dinner later, while he had his daily check up. I found out that a year ago, he had only needed to visit once a week, but his life is surely deteriorating. Age had not been too cruel, but it is starting to effect him.

I admit, I'm worried.

I...want to live with him. Again. I miss being at his side and training with him. I miss my childhood.

...But I can't. Memories are all I can ever have.

"Roze!" someone calls. I turn my attention ahead of me. It's my grandfather's nurse.

"Please come to the hospital immediately!" The blood inside me freezes. What is she doing here? What happened to the Old Man? Is he safe?

"Hurry!" Her cry shocks me out of my stupor and I immediately follow after.

When I arrive at his room, I find him hooked to many machines, weak and breathing painfully.

"Grandfather!" I shout.

No, I don't want to lose anything, anyone!

"...Roze, what are you doing here?"

I rush to his side and reach for his hand. They are really thin, frail even. His fingertips were slightly cold, but they held on.

"What a surprise to see you..."

"Shut up. It isn't the time to be joking!" I snap, but he only smiles.

"Don't get so worked up. It's only a mild fall."

"Fall my ass, you look like you just walked through death's door and came back."

"Sir!" The nurse calls me. "Please, you musn't bother the patient. He's still recovering."

Bothering? I'm the one who's bothered.

"Now, now. I'm fine, really. A bit of rest and I'll be back on my feet tomorrow."

"Grandfather..."

"I'll be fine, let me rest for now, my boy. I have a lot of things to tell you, but it has to wait."

I hold his hands tighter, while his only gets weaker. His breathing is steady so I know he is only sleeping.

"Mr. Roze, I think you should leave now."

"Let me stay a bit longer..."

"But visiting hours-"

"Please!" I beg hoarsely.

She nods and leaves.

Please.

Please don't take him from me.

I went home alone that night. I never knew the cabin could be so cold. I never thought it could be so frightening by myself. But grandfather spent years living alone in this room. How much more painful is it for him than for me?

I sit at the foot of my bed lost in thought, unable to let sleep overcome me.

There is squeaking and the sound of wheels rolling through a dirt road.

Why would there be anyone other than grandfather coming through the woods.

I rush to the front door and peer through the side window.

A small carriage stops by the doorway and off comes a robed man. It's dark and I can't quite see who it is.

Could he be an acquaintance? But it is ill timing on his part.

Something about the man is different.

He knocks on the door while I reach for a small knife hidden underneath the furniture and hide it under my sleeves.

I open the door cautiously, awaiting his response.

"Who are you?" I question, hostilely.

"Sorry for the intrusion, I mean no harm." The man pulls down his hood to reveal thick, short hair and horns going in on the side of his head.

A mana? What would a mana be doing here at this hour?

"Are you perhaps, Rozeluxe Meitzen?"

"Who wants to know?"

"I guess it's only fair trade. My name is Yun. I'm a mercenary."

"What do you want from me?"

"I want to know if you are the man I am looking for."

I glare at his alarmingly.

"Fine. I am. Now what do you want?"

"I apologize for the late arrival, but it will be safer if we speak indoors."

He removes his robe and empties his pocket and every other area to ensure he has nothing to hide, including removing a concealed stinger brace on his right hand.

"If it makes you feel any better, you can take out your weapon and press it against my neck."

Guess he caught on. I can tell he's trained by the way he pinpointed my concealed knife so easily. This mana is no ordinary mana.

I nod as he hands over his weapon as a sign of truce as I put away mine. Letting him in might not be a good decision, but I guess I'll just have to find out.

We take a seat in the comforts of the cabin and get down right to the subject.

"I have been hired to help you," je begins.

"Hired?" I question, not believing his testimony.

"Yes. I have contracted with the Valendorf name through monetary means in order to help you on your journey. My master has not detailed me any further of your curriculum, but a job is a job and I always see it through. As proof of my allegiance, I was given this."

He takes out something that appears to be a seal with the Valendorf crest.

"If you had this the whole time, why didn't you just show it to me in the beginning?"

"Like you, I was also being cautious. You could have lied and pretended to be him while staking out."

"I get it. Precautions aside, what are you doing here? At this time?"

"It is as I have said. My current master is none other than the next head of the Valendorf name."

"Miss Lily..."

What is she thinking? Sending a mercenary after me...

"She asked me to meet with you as soon as possible and true to her wish, I did just that even if it means an intrusion of privacy. I do apologize, I don't like the idea of letting others into my personal space either. Normally I wouldn't get into my client's business and I don't intend to start, however, if you can brief me into your situation, things will proceed much smoother."

I nod, understanding his situation.

"What do you want to know...Yun?"

Nodding, Yun slips the seal away into a hidden sleeve. To think I just let the guy in. He may have already killed me five times over.

"First off, what is your objective. Second, what do you intend to do? The rest we can work out later. As for payment, I have already received a down payment from my master. The rest will be given when the mission is complete."

"I see, thank you for your help."

"It is not a problem, just a job. I was informed that this cabin belonged to your grandfather...is he asleep."

I look at him sharply, still wary.

"No. He's not here."

"I see."

Sensing my hostility, he drops the subject completely and went back to our previous topic.

"So, what is your objective?"

I merely nod, continuing on. "I'm looking for someone."

"A search then? A name would suffice. Age, gender, hair color and any other information you can provide will be much more helpful."

"Sorry, I can't," I merely state.

"And the reason for that is?" I sense no irritation or dissatisfaction, but a cool allure had always been present.

Obviously, I do not completely trust him, but with the information I can provide, it isn't likely he can do much on his own.

"I only know that she is female with long hair. She's young, judging by her voice, I'd say late teen to early twenties."

"Is there anything else you can share?"

I shake my head, slightly disappointed, myself. I hadn't thought about it until now, but the person I am searching for could be anyone and anywhere.

"Not much to work with...this is an almost impossible request."

"You can go back if you want. The Miss will still pay you for your time."

"Don't get ahead of yourself. I said it is an 'almost' impossible request'. As long as there's a clue, we'll find her."

"So I guess that means we'll be cooperating with each other."

"Indeed it is so. We can deal with any other concerns tomorrow. Goodnight."

"Wait. Where are you staying?"

"You don't have to concern yourself with that. The important things have already been established, any more and we'll be wary for the trip."

"Basically, I stay out of your business and you stay out of mine? Fine, but we leave when I am ready."

"Alright, whatever business you have, get it done as soon as you can."

With that, he coolly walks out and vanishes into the night.

I watch momentarily to make sure he doesn't come back or tries a sneak attack.

His sudden entrance and departure leaves me wary and worn, but maybe I can finally hit the hay. When I check to see no more signs, I lock up everything and head to bed.

Too much happened too suddenly. That's the only way I can look at today. If I'm about to embark on a journey, I have to keep my guard up.

If I'm going to leave, I have to make sure not to leave any loose ends.

The thought of grandfather in the hospital comes to mind and also the thought that I may never see him again.

I have to make sure I won't regret it later.

Things only seem to get harder.

End of Chapter 4

A/N: So yay! Yun and Eugene! If you are waiting for Ulrika, sorry but she won't make an appearance just yet. More characters to come, especially if you are looking forward to some of the characters from Mana Khemia 1. I won't reveal who they are yet, but some of them will appear in the story. Have a nice read, until then!