Cid Why are you here, of all places Said Miss Rose, eyes wide in surprise.

Uh, I was worried for a friend and travelled here. Then they said I was suspicious and I said in mob-like stutters, trying to get across the feeling that I got mistakenly involved.

S-so, you were that worried for me?

Huh? Uh, I mean

I just said a friend, not her in particular, but, actually, isnt her misunderstanding sort of convenient for now?

Yes, thats right. I was so worried after what happened

Cid She looked at me earnestly. Im so sorry, because of me you ended up in this sort of place Still, to think you could tell it was me right away

She finished with a slight smile.

Oh, never mind me. I did this on my own accord so.

No, this is wrong! I, I I cant return anymore

She shook her head furiously, amber eyes stained in tears.

Cant return?

Please, just forget about me.

Eh?

Im sorry, I cant say why. If I do, even youd become involved

Um, I dont understand.

Sorry, ya totally lost me there.

My feelings are still the same. On the last day we spoke, I said I wanted you to believe in me. And you did. You even came all the way here. And thats enough for me. I wont ask for anything more. So please I, I dont want you to get hurt because of me

Miss Rose tightly held my hands.

Cid, you dont need to worry about me anymore. Ill make sure you escape from this camp. So please. Just, just forget about me

Okay.

I nodded seriously.

Yeah, shes technically a criminal after all. A mob isnt someone involved with criminals.

Still, its surprising how far shed go to take the throne.

Very well. I should help out in a way that she succeeds.

Thank you for understanding. You and I dont know each other Were complete strangers and our paths with never cross again

Of course.

Farewell.

She said, still smiling. The tears in her amber eyes rolled down her cheeks.

Farew

I was about to also bid farewell when,

Oi, you the one called Cid?

Someone roughly grabbed my shoulder and turned me around.

Yes, that is me?

All of a sudden, people from the Doem Camp were surrounding me.

Youre the brat Marco hired, right?

Marco?

Do I know a Marco?

Dont play dumb!! Yer the one those guys called out!!

The man grabbed me by the collar and looked mad.

Eh, please, I don

I really dont know a Marco. People are misunderstanding things a lot today.

I made a stealthy glance at Mr. Zack, and and he just gave me a nod.

Whats that supposed to mean? Why did you nod, man?

Quiet down.

Someone put a hand on the angry mans shoulder.

Boss

It was the gray haired handsome man I saw in the cellar. Their leader.

I am Maximilian. I run things around here. Five men have recently approached you for a task, no?

Uh

Oh. The drug and kidnap the princess mission.

Yeah, they all suddenly got holes in their chests so mission failed I guess.

Those five were mysteriously killed last night.

A!

Wait, am I a suspect?

You will tell us everything.

Said Maximilian in a tone that wont take no for an answer.

Y-yes

And so I nodded in assent. And with my shoulder still held, I was about to be taken away.

Which is when,

Move it.

One of the Maximilians men shoved Miss Rose aside as she was standing blankly in the way.

Ah I voiced worriedly.

Hm? Do you know him?

No. I shook my head as she hid away her face. I dont know him.

Move along.

I was then pushed to go wherever they would take me.

Behind me, I could feel her gaze on me the whole way.