I was carried into a room and laid down on a bed.

The blood from my nose had dried due to the cold air outside, and someone was in the process of wiping it clean.

I took that as an opportunity to wake up.

Ugh where am I?

I made a show of looking around everywhere confused.

It was another private room. While the dimensions were the same as the room Zack was using, this room was a lot more modest, containing only necessities and no leisure items.

Clara was beside the bed, and one of her faction men was standing at the door giving me the stink eye.

Im so glad youre alright. You were struck hard so try not to move right away.

Huh, arent you

Oh pardon me, Ive yet to introduce myself. Though its likely you already know, Im Clara Oriana.

M-my names Cid Kageno. I, uh, see you took care of me. My utmost thanks

I spoke in a shaky voice as if trying my best not to offend the royalty before me.

Its all right. In the first place, you were unluckily caught up between our dispute.

No, I

That was when the man in front of the door clicked his tongue.

Lady Clara, I believe youve done enough. We have no need to concern ourselves with him any longer.

Guin I understand, but hes still not able to move with his injuries.

He might be a ploy to approach you, milady. We do not have time to deal with such minor things. We have a duty to our people, do we not?

The guy called Guin was looking at me in contempt.

Youre not wrong, Guin, but that doesnt make it fine to ignore someone so injured right in front of me.

Please under

Enough. Guin, he doesnt know anything. And to my eyes, he seems no criminal. Is that not so?

Clara turned her eyes to me.

I, yes. I accidentally ran into bodies left in alley by OWL. They said I was suspicious and

If I cant even help a single injured boy, how could I possibly try to protect my country?

Clara declared and grasped my hand.

By your will. I shall be outside. Guin said and then left the room.

Before the door was fully closed, he gave me one last mean glare. But if I wasnt seeing it incorrectly, it wasnt just at me, but also towards Clara.

Once the door was shut, Clara let out a sigh.

I apologize. He means well for me, its just

No, Im alright.

Everyones under a lot pressure. Even I The one whos supposed to have this role isnt even me, but Clara spoke glumly.

Um

Dont worry about that. Its really none of your concern after all. Youre, not from Oriana, are you?

Th-thats right. Im a student from the Midgar Magisword Academy

Eh? The Magisword Academy? Then, do you perhaps know of my sister?

Clara turned and faced me curiously.

Er, yes, I do know Miss Rose. Ive spoken to her before.

You have? Then do you know about the incident where she killed my father?

Yes. I was among the spectators when it happened.

Are you sure? Was it really her who did it?

Yes, it was definitely Miss Rose.

So it was

Claras shoulders drooped in defeat.

Father had been strange for some time before, and I knew that she was looking for the cause. Really, why did it have to end up like this Everyone is calling her a traitor to the nation now. I couldnt believe it, I didnt want to

I was somewhat at a loss as to what I should say.

I let out a sigh and decided to just speak whats on my mind.

The way I saw it, she had an important reason for doing what she did. I dont know what that reason was, and I cant say if youll be able to accept it even if you knew her reasons. What I do know is that Miss Rose had done it with the utmost of resolve.

Resolve is that how it looked? Haha, thank you, that made me feel somewhat better. You know, I really loved my sister who could do anything and everything. I looked up to her. So when I heard of the tragedy, I couldnt, I still wanted to believe in her

Clara shook her head side to side, as if driving away the negativity.

You mustve gotten along with her well.

Well actually, I faced her once in the Senbatsu Tournament during the God of War Festival.

You have! What happened?

I completely lost.

Well, you do look terribly weak.

Clara said with a mischievous grin.

Cid, may I call you Cid? You can simply call me Clara as well.

Thats kind of

Oh, no need to be shy. In here, Im a prisoner same as you.

Uh, well then sure. But only when in private, please?

Right. If Guin were to find out, Id never hear the end of it. That aside, tell me more about how my sister was at the Academy.

And thats what I did for the next few hours.

This might not seem like the thing a mob should be doing, but not to worry. I can fix it. I am simply one of Miss Roses many mob friends and because of that fact, I am a mob who Clara can talk to.