"Thank you! Thank you all! It is truly an honor to win at this esteemed competition once again. Though it was our train, which can revolutionize the global industries and connect not just Carthage Harbor, and not just the Federation of Merchant Cities, but all our allies to strengthen our ties and progress forward for the betterment of all, we did not embark on this journey alone..

"What you see there, on the Exhibition floor, is just a portion of the advancements we have created and will create in the future. And I am not only referring to myself and my partner, Hana Nobuya, but to our peers and colleagues from all over the Iverias who we have gone to for guidance and inspiration.

"I'd like to name them all now-"

"Ash, you only have a few minutes of speech. I don't think you'll have time to mention everyone's names in your winner's speech," Henry said as he stood in the kitchen, frying some battered sea food.

"You also haven't won, yet," Cio said from the kitchen table.

Ash put down his prepared speech, which he'd written on a piece of paper, and gave the child a dull look. "Cio, our nomination to the finals was by such a wide margin, someone hissed when the finalists were revealed."

"There could be a dark horse who wins at the last moment," Effie replied, sitting across from Cio.

"If I was allowed to vote, I would've voted for that churn that froze juice and milk into a slush," Terry said. The other two children voiced their agreement.

Henry plucked the battered, golden-brown seafood and some vegetables, and put them on a bamboo grid above a plate to allow them to cool. "A frozen slurry churn already exists, Terry."

"Yes, but this one was automated!" Terry perked up. She made a motion with her arms. "No more hand cranking and having your arms cramp up! Just set it-"

"And forget it!" Effie shouted in excitement. She put on a smug look and almost puffed out his chest. "Normal attendees can't buy them yet, but we're familiar, and Lord Omar made an exception for me. I already put in an order for a few."

"A few?"

"How are you familiar?" Both brothers spoke out at the same time.

"Lord Omar is from Sabami Merchant City, but he does a lot of business in West Wind Valley and gets help for magic to use from Elder Kosal's granddaughter."

"Oh, that's right. Sophea Kosal is also a mage, but her focus is more theoretical," Ash muttered. The families of the Council of Elders typically focused on particular subjects and specialties, as well as sought mastery in any powers they had. There were plenty of Lunapsar mages, though it Ash would classify the majority as average at best, as well as leaning towards more classic study than practical application.

"Yes, and I have a good relationship with Sister Sophea."

"Sophea is almost my age," Henry said with a raised brow. "What could you two possibly have in common?"

Effie scrunched her face. "I helped her communicate with some animals to help search for something she needed for an experiment."

"All right, but what does that have to do with Lord Omar?" Hana was sitting across the couch with only her feet hanging off one side visible.

A little diabolical look appeared on the child's face. "Lord Omar likes Sister Sophea and he knows that Sister Sophea likes me."

Shuffling was heard as Hana grabbed the back of the sofa and pulled herself up to look over the back and give Effie a quizzical look. "Effie, don't tell me you bribed him with Sophea."

Effie gasped with dismay and quickly shook her head. "Of course, not!"

"Then what does Lord Omar liking Miss Kosal have to do with anything?" Cio asked, looking lost.

"Sister Sophea likes me, so Lord Omar made an exception for her sake!"

"And Sophea was never involved in this entire transaction?" Henry asked, crossing his arms as he leaned against the counter.

"Brother, Sister Sophea was there!" Effie waved at the door, as if Sophea would appear at any moment. "You were busy with Talam, so I took one of our guards over. She came with Elder Kosal. I saw them talking at Lord Omar's exhibition and went to greet her, because I am a polite little girl, and when I asked if the frozen slurry churn was available for purchase, she looked at Lord Omar and he nodded his head." Effie snorted and slumped back against her chair. "I am an honest merchant!"

"Okay, no one is accusing you of being dishonest," Henry said, returning to cooking dinner. "But why did you order a few?"

"I plan to franchise a frozen and baked dessert shop!" As if injected with energy, she sat up again, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Sometimes combining both, for both refreshing cold over melting warmth of a pastry."

Hana stared at Effie with intensity. "What are you planning to make?"

Effie reached for her bag and reached in. She took out one of her bound note books about the size of Henry's hand. It looked well-worn and opened easily, revealing pages filled with scribbles and sketches.

"In my travels, I've spoken to many people to try to find out what their tastes are. There is a distinct lack of frozen desserts outside of cold climates, as most people do not have the technology to make frozen desserts efficiently." Effie looked at Ash. "But we do."

Cio looked over at her notes. "Ice cream on a freshly baked cookie. Fruit juice with fruit chunks in a frozen slurry, custards, mashed sweets...Then there is a list of bread you can put ice cream into and a picture of a donut piled with something like a mountain."

"Effie!" Hana jumped over the back of the sofa and rushed over. "Have you considered making the bread portion into the shape of an animal? Like a fish?"

Effie's eyes widened and she seemed to hold her breath. She let out a whisper. "I love it."

"Have you considered what to name it?" Ash asked.

"My store?" Effie asked. She nodded. "Snow Garden."

"That's a cute name," Hana agreed. "But what about your medicinal plants business?"

"Food has a faster turnover and it will take a lot of time for the plants we need to grow well enough for harvest," Effie replied. "So, opening up a dessert shop will earn money to put towards the other business." She scrunched her face once more. "But since we came here, I've been thinking a lot about the setting or environment that a restaurant provides. I think having seating areas in a relaxing area will be good for Snow Garden." She reached for her bag and took out another notebook. "I've already started taking notes."

She handed it to Terry, who hadn't won her silent battle against Cio to look at Effie's dessert research notebook.

"Multi-storied buildings with a garden?" Terry looked concerned as she looked over the notebook and back at Effie. "It's that too much for a new store?"

"You need to see my vision first, Terry," Effie told her, somewhat mysteriously. "People will pay more for a good experience."

"She's not wrong," Ash agreed.

"My winnings are more than enough to start construction and I already have some property in mind that I can purchase that I think would be the ideal setting. It will be on the mainland."

"Why on the mainland and not on the island?" Hana asked.

"The best view is of the island and I want people to see it," Effie said. "Besides, there are more people on the mainland. Lodging is limited on the island, so most people, if they spend time on the island, will return to the mainland for lodgings at night. There are high traffic areas I am eyeing."

"Do you need additional investment?" Henry asked. Effie shook her head.

"No, I have enough."

Hana let out a hum. "You know, we do get a monetary prize for winning the Exhibition. If you need any additional funds let me know."

Effie shook her head again and lifted her hand. "You have Moonflower to support. I can't take your hard-earned money."

"Also, what will you do if you don't win?" Cio asked, looking back at Ash and his winner's speech. Ash glared at him.

"You know, Cio, you're being quite negative for a guest…."

Effie looked at Ash with concern. "Second Brother, no matter what, you are a winner in my heart."

"I haven't lost yet," Ash admonished as he sent her a small glare. "If I don't win, I don't win. The point is that practically everyone who entered the Exhibition Hall's doors now knows of Moonflower."

Hana nodded. "Exhibition to represent Carthage Harbor was one thing, but our ultimate goal was to debut and market Moonflower."

"That reminds me." Ash lifted his pre-written speech. "Thank you to everyone for their guidance and support in this endeavor...blah, blah, blah...." Ash flipped over the page and nodded with satisfaction before reading. "The Exhibition has inspired us...something, something...ah, here we go! So, today, my partner, Hana Nobuya." He looked up and motioned an arm to Hana, who nodded. Ash looked back at his speech. "And I would like to announce the establishment of a magic product research, development, and production company based in Carthage Harbor Merchant City, Moonflower."

"And then cue the band and streamers," Hana nodded.

Henry squinted at the two of them as he walked out of the kitchen with a large tray of battered seafood and vegetables, as well as some mixed rice. "You hired a band?"

"No, we've spoken to the band present," Hana replied. "Brother, we didn't have room to bring a band with us."

"All right, I'm glad you two are prepared for this and want to encourage collaboration with our allies, but don't think winning is a sure thing," Henry said. He put the food on the table and motioned for the children to put their things away so they could eat. "Effie's right. There could be a surprise winner."

"I'm just preparing for the best-case scenario," Ash replied and put his speech away. "I'm not going to throw a tantrum if we don't win...." He lowered his eyes as he walked to the table and muttered under his breath. "But I will question the results."

"Sit down." Henry smacked his arm as he passed and gave him a stern look. He then looked at Hana. "Hana, same to you. Don't be too disappointed if you don't win first. I'm positive you two will at least place."

Hana nodded her head obediently. "Don't worry, Brother. I am prepared for that possible outcome." She took her seat and the children organized the plates on the table. "When will you be leaving for Suna?"

"We're going to leave after all the Exhibition material and you all are on a ship and returning home," Ash replied. "It'll also give us a little time to make any final arrangements with our colleagues."

Hana pursed her lips. "Is His Highness Prince Tae all right with waiting that long?"

"He can wait," both brothers said at once.

"Auntie told him to go with us, so he won't leave without us," Henry assured her. "We also need to bring Talam with us so he has a chance to talk to her."

"When will you be returning to Carthage Harbor?" Hana asked.

"We have to make a few rounds at other cities before we return, including stopping by West Wind Valley," Henry said.

"Momma may also want to check on the territories."

"Right, that's going to take time. We'll need to cross the continent again." Henry sighed, almost dreading the long journey. There really wasn't anything like being comfortable in one's own home.

"Then, I'll get started on the plans," Hana replied, looking at Ash, who nodded.

"Notify the city guards and check with the tea house to see if Sumak or Cyrus have arrived," Ash told her. "I don't expect Cyrus to arrive so soon, but when he does, the research building should be ready to house at least a few people."

"Don't worry, I know what to do," Hana said.

Effie sighed. "Everyone is going home. It won't be the same when I travel with only my brothers."

Ash narrowed his eyes at her. "You say that as if you don't want to travel with us."

"Second Brother, travel with you is either boring or something happen,s and you and Brother need to run off to save someone or solve something. When you do, what happens to me? I just have to wait in the carriage or in a village," Effie retorted.

"That only happened a few times!" Ash argued.

"Twice is a coincidence, but anything more is a habit!" Effie argued back.

"Both of you, sit down and eat!" Henry grabbed both their shoulders and pushed them into their seats. "Ash, you're the one who usually drags us into things, so you're at fault."

Ash almost choked. "What!"

"And Effie, you only find it boring because we make you ride in the carriage instead of on a horse or Commodore."

"My butt loses feeling after sitting in the carriage for so long!"

"Why don't you ever complain when you're with Momma?" Ash retorted.

Effie lifted her chin. "Momma lets me play when we're traveling!" She pouted and picked up her utensils to eat. Her voice lowered. "Momma is warm and takes care of me. I miss Momma...."

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"Destroy it all." The order was given and the dragon let out a snort before whipping her tail and launching herself into the sky.

Behind Nera, a large group of people visibly pale at her order.

"Master, you want to destroy the base?" one of the old men asked in a trembling voice.

Nera kept her eyes on the dragon as it rose higher and higher. "What's the use of a secret base if it's no longer a secret?" she asked. "And didn't we agree? Semut Mountain is no more."

She didn't see the lost and resentful expressions on their faces. It wasn't that they agreed to the dismantling and subsequent physical destruction of Semut Mountain, but Nera announced it and the sheer weight of her oppression kept them silent.

It took three days for the entire underground crater base to be evacuated. Nera personally checked every room to ensure that there was no one left behind. Mercenaries took what they could carry, though the most senior leaders present were stunned to find that the records and vaults had been cleared.

"I took care of it," Nera had told them, matter of fact. She didn't tell them what she would do with everything or where everything had gone. They were forced to accept.

The individuals who had been allowed entry into the base during Wendel's leadership as guests were gathered together and kept under close watch for days. Though the weather was mild, they slept outside without blankets or tarps.

Two days after the evacuation started, Nera approached them and gave them a brutal choice. Silence or death. They were all people who willingly entered the base for money and influence, so how could they accept death so easily? They swore on everything imaginable that they would be silent and never tell a soul about Semut Mountain.

Nera nodded. "Then I have your consent." They should have asked for more information or been suspicious that she had agreed so readily.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

The next morning, none of them could speak. Panic swept through the group as they grasped at their throats, opened their mouths, but found that they couldn't utter a sound. For those who sang, this was like a death sentence.

They clamored for help, but the mercenaries guarding them didn't respond. They only told them to remain in place. The area was filled with awkward cries that sounded more like animals in the woods than people.

When Nera appeared in front of them again, her entire demeanor was very calm. Calm to the point that it chilled them.

"While you will never be able to speak for the rest of your lives, I am aware that there is a risk of releasing you, and you retaliation by reporting us by writing." Nera had paused and leaned forward. "I've not taken your limbs, so count this as my mercy. If you write so much as a stroke revealing the existence of Semut Mountain or anything that happened here, not only will you be unable to speak, but you will become unable to move. I won't kill you," she told them. "But I can make your lives worse than death."

Resentment, bitterness, and anger all seemed to be overpowered by fear. Nera didn't know if they took her threat seriously or not, but she was a beast master. Not just any beast master, but one of the best in the world. If not, the best, according to her children. Nera could speak to legendary beasts, wild predators, and other magnificent, awe-inspiring creatures; however, that was not her forte.

She'd always known the importance of information. One time she dropped her guard, she'd been drugged and hauled off to marry a bastard emperor, so now, she wouldn't take any risks if she could help it.

Small animals, including birds, reptiles, and insects, often went unnoticed. A spider in the corner of a ceiling, a snake under a bed, or a bug shaped like a twig hidden against a tree trunk; they were all her eyes and ears.

And for the select few with the right abilities, they were her secret army.

There was a reason that after the two princes were killed, the Old Bastard was no longer able to have children, and that reason was her.

If she could cut off the fertility of Ashtar's most powerful man, permanently silencing a bunch of musicians who dared enter a mercenary base was nothing.

Nera had a small group of mercenaries escort pairs to different towns. If those mercenaries wished to continue their career, or at least something similar, she gave them the name of a Lt. General under her orders who would integrate them into the army she'd prepared for Henry.

This offer was only given after speaking to each of those mercenaries individually and assessing their loyalty. Unlike Ash, she could see aura even when a person was guarded, which all mercenaries were all the time. She could see their sincerity and loyalty.

Nera turned around to face the group of remaining mercenaries. Their auras varied, which she accepted. Not everyone could accept her takeover, despite having been the true master of Semut Mountain for years. She never appeared, so her existence and status were in the back of their minds, if not forgotten.

Now, she had returned, exuded strength, and easily proved her skill was enough to not only destroy the crater base, but destroy each and every one of them.

"Semut Mountain, henceforth, no longer exists; however, I am well aware that this was your livelihood. For so many of you, this was your home for most of your lives," Nera's eyes swept over a group of senior mercenaries. "Though I've disbanded it-"

Her words were cut off by the boom of lightning in everyone's ears before a loud rumbling filled the air. In the distance, a good half-day's walk away, the smoke rose from the crater as a long, massive beast flew overhead, occasionally breathing lightning into the crater.

The terrible sight was enough to take half the life out of the remaining mercenaries. Nera watched their auras fluctuate to confusion, fear, and worry.

Nera took out a small slip of paper from her pocket and carefully injected it with her little magic energy to activate it. It was only slightly better than using a drop of her blood to activate it. The slip began to glow with characters and Nera threw it on the ground.

A corner embedded in the dirt and then seemed to dissolve into it. The sounds of dragon-caused destruction faded away before the area around her was sealed in a silence sphere.

Several mercenaries were staring at the spot where the slip had dissolved with wide eyes.

"As I was saying," Nera continued. "Though I've disbanded Semut Mountain, I do not wish to deprive you of a livelihood. First, I will distribute the remaining wages in accordance to the records. Unfortunately, Wendel's...administration did not properly record work in the last three months. So, at that point, everyone will receive an even amount across the board. If you have proof of mission completion or a mission report, you may submit that to me and I will pay accordingly."

At this, several senior mercenaries looked relieved. It was a habit that mission reports were written, so they had proof that they earned money.

"Second, once you accept the last of your wages, you are free to go; however, you are never to mention Semut Mountain again. If you do so, you will face the same punishment as the unwelcome guests I sent away earlier." Nera narrowed her eyes. "If you cannot accept such a term, I am more than willing to silence you here and now, permanently."

The auras that were not satisfied, if not angry, were stifled once more. At least, most of them were.

"Madam Moon, isn't this unrealistic?" Someone muttered with a frown. "Everyone in the industry knows the skill of a Semut Mountain mercenary."

"Yes, speaking of our prior membership into the organization will make us more valuable in the job market."

"By the time you reach the nearest town, rumors will have already spread that Semut Mountain no longer exists, and that those who were part of it have retreated into obscurity. They will not admit to having ever been part of it," Nera told them. "This means that if you try to tout that you were once part of Semut Mountain, they will think you are lying. After all, no one knows who you are. Informants who gathered mission requests have already been notified."

"You're going to silence all of us?" someone asked with resentment laced in their voice.

Nera gave him a defiant look. "I won't have to silence you if you don't open your mouth." The man who spoke up snapped his mouth closed. "All of you are now free to seek employment elsewhere."

"Madam!" One of the seniors rushed forward and knelt in front of Nera. He lowered his head and cupped his hands in front of him in a respectful manner. "May I follow you?"

The option suddenly took root. Like a wave through the crowd, many knelt down, mirroring the man's position and bowing their heads to her in a sign that they wished to follow her, who was technically still their master.

Nera's eyes swept through the crowd and nodded to herself, satisfied. Her original organization and control over Semut Mountain was not in vain. Many of the senior mercenaries still accepted and respected her.

She wouldn't fail them. "I will sort the wages first. Think carefully if you wish to follow me. If you agree, I will not forsake you. In fact, I have some jobs for you."

The act of allowing them to make the decision for themselves was more to show that she was a thoughtful and sincere leader to her followers than it was to have them really consider their choices.

As the crater was turned into a pile of rubble in the distance, Nera paid each mercenary accordingly. She took record book after record book from her bag, and produced corresponding payment from it, without fear. Ash's security measures on the bag allowed only her and her children to access the space storage compartment. Anyone else would only reach into a leather bag.

In addition, who would try to steal from her at this point?

She had a dragon and the spot where she sat was guarded by local wolves she'd asked to assist her.

She had noticed during this time that of those who seemed hesitant to follow her, many saw her beast mastery as strength, making her even more worthy of being followed. At the very least, she could protect them.

Many of the new and young mercenaries choose to leave. They were still young, after all, and had long futures ahead of them. There was no need to tie themselves to a random woman who'd appeared and strongarmed the destruction of an infamous mercenary group.

There were about two hundred or so people left, almost all of whom were older. Many of the young mercenaries in this second group were mentored by older mercenaries, so they seemed to want to follow who their mentors followed.

On the fifth day, after wages were paid and the group was divided, Nera brought the remaining mercenaries back to the crater. After taking a moment to take in the ruins of their former base, Nera issued orders.

She selected the team leaders, had them pick mercenaries that were suitable for each of their respective missions, and then gave them gold plates.

These fifty people unevenly split into five groups, were to track down the missing senior leaders and masters following the notes she'd compiled out of all the communication she'd looked through.

"How did you....when did you have time to do this?" One of the senior mercenaries who had been made a team leader had red eyes as he read the notes. "Madam....."

"They don't know that Semut Mountain is disbanded, and as such, they are still my people," Nera said. "So, we must find out what happened to them. If they can be saved, save them. If they are dead, retrieve their bodies for burial. If it is difficult to bring them back, tell the birds I sent with you."

She pointed up and they saw several hawks circling the air.

Their listless, but moved looks brightened at once. "Yes, Madam!"

Nera spread out a map on a rock and pointed to a region above the territories that were in transition. It was over a mountain range away from West Wind Valley. "You are to take them to a military installation on the southwestern most foot of this mountain range. You will look for General Vidyana. Instruction has been sent to him to accept you. He will arrange for you accordingly."

"Yes, Madam!" The team leaders knelt in front of her and Nera stopped them.

"From now on, when you receive my order, you will put your hands together and bow your head, reciting that you have 'received my order'. Then, you will be dismissed."

Following her instructions, they put their hands together and bowed. "We receive your order!"

"You are dismissed," Nera said with a solemn nod. "Go." She then raised her arm and pointed. Above them, there were several screeches from the hawks who swept down. "Each team will be followed by two for communication. They received their orders."

"I kind of wish I was chosen...." one of the remaining mercenaries whispered as they watched the five teams leave. "Madam Moon seems to have given them an important mission."

"Madam Moon had a good relationship with Master Kaj. They agreed on many things when reorganizing Semut Mountain back then," the old mercenary who was the oldest of the group of remaining mercenaries, had been injured, and so was not selected to lead a team for an active mission.

He had long been assigned to the mundane, but still useful, administrative work.

"Where will she send us?" the younger mercenary asked.

"You will all be sent to the same military installation I told them earlier." The young man jumped when he heard Nera's voice. His face flushed. He didn't think she'd hear him. "General Vidyana will arrange for you. You will be taken in and assigned in accordance to your ability and interest. This is to ensure that you are most productive in the army."

"Army?" someone asked.

"Of course, an army. The Madam is sending us to a general!" Someone sounded irritated at the other person's ignorance. "This is an opportunity for us!"

"That's a good attitude," Nera said with a nod. "I'll assign section leaders for the journey, along with money to get you there. The next time we meet, I expect all of you to have taken up a position, and successfully integrated into it."

"Madam." The old man raised his arm once more and waited until she gave him a nod to speak. "What army will we be assigned to?"

"It is referred to as the Reserve Guard," Nera told them. "They are also sent to do escort work, as you often do now, for merchant caravans."

A few people looked disappointed that the glamorous images in their head turned to regular escort work.

"Don't look so disappointed; escort work is a steady income!" someone pointed out.

"Have you heard of Snake, Scarab, and Sons?" Nera asked. Everyone nodded and voiced their acknowledgement. It wasn't surprising considering the popularity and brand recognition of her family's business. "Their caravans have dominated the security of various trans-continental caravans, including the Smiya-Suna route for the last ten or so years. Many of the Federation, Dareisol, and Suna's merchant caravans depend on Snake, Scarab, and Son's escorts and guards to secure the routes. This is not an easy job, and not everyone can handle the constant travel and need for endurance, but mercenaries should be able to. If you were inactive, the Reserve Guard will find a place for you in logistics. They will be conscientious of placement, so you won't be forced to do active work like escort guarding. I've checked, and their pay is the best in the business."

"Are you sure they will accept us?" someone asked, sounding hesitant. "What if we don't meet the caliber of guard they want?"

Nera noticed the uncertainty in the group, particularly in the younger people, but she was unfazed. "The requirement of Semut Mountain was not low, either. You will undergo additional training before final assessment. Since you have put your lives in my hands and wish to follow me, I will not let you down. The same benefits arranged eight years ago will apply."

"If it's the same, we won't be at a loss."

"Madam, I agree!"

Nera nodded. "Remember that Semut Mountain cannot be spoken of again, otherwise, if enemies of Semut Mountain know that you are still alive somewhere, they will come after you without the protective reputation of the organization. The Reserve Guard is low-profile on purpose, but this can also make opposition too daring. We must take precautions."

In a way, her words were still a threat, but far less directly hostile to them. The remaining mercenaries agreed, and Nera began the process of grouping them for organizational purposes. She gave the leaders letters of recommendation to give to General Vidyana, as well as a map and money each.

The leaders took her instructions seriously, as did most of the remaining mercenaries. Nera also gave each group a hawk for communication and told them to stay together, as there were some conflicts happening and she didn't want them involved.

A week after she left Shae Merchant City, Nera had successfully overtaken, disbanded, and reorganized the mercenaries of Semut Mountain.

She sat behind Inazuma's horns and looked down at the mercenary herd that moved swiftly through the forest in the direction of the military grounds run by her people. Inazuma let out a low rumble and Nera leaned forward to stroke the side of her head.

"Their auras are clear. As long as they follow, they will be taken care of. If we have any deflectors, we will take care of them as is appropriate."

"What about the mercenaries who were not here when we arrived?" the dragon asked.

Nera took a deep breath and exhaled, gathering her thoughts. "Notifications have been sent regarding the dissolution of Semut Mountain. If they need new work, they can go to the border. Otherwise, they can work independently or join another organization."

"What about those who went missing?" Inazuma lazily flew in a circle. "Do you think they are alive?"

"Perhaps not the younger mercenaries, but the older ones who were sent, including Vicente Kaj, are veterans. They won't die so easily; they may be in hiding or are trapped."

"You think so highly of them, how can they be trapped?"

"They may have gone willingly to avoid endangering Semut Mountain. As long as they find Vicente Kaj, we'll get our answers."

"Madam believes in him."

"I saved his life and the life of his family when they fled their home in Ashtar. He knows that I know where his family is; if he betrays me, he also knows what I can do to them."

"Madam would not kill innocent people."

"Yes, but he's not so sure of that, and that's what matters," Nera shrugged. "Besides, though I rampaged my way through the organization eight years ago, the turnover of control went so smoothly, it was over in a matter of days. Why else if not because of Vicente Kaj?"

"I didn't expect an Ashtari famine refugee to become a leader in a mercenary organization," the dragon mused. "Humans are impressive."

Nera nodded. "You'd be surprised how far people will go out of spite. Do you know what his primary reason for becoming a mercenary was?"

"What, Madam?"

"To rebel against the Emperor of Ashtar for allowing so many people to die during a natural disaster while he lived in wasteful luxury," Nera replied. "You see, Inazuma, the master of Semut Mountain was not only my subordinate, but my ally."

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"Your mother entrusted you with me, so I'll have to go with you rather than take the royal ship," Prince Tae said as they stood at the edge of the docks, which no long longer had a floating stage and stands. The dawn had just broken, and many ships were taking advantage of the tides to leave. "Besides, we can't fit your hoses or carriages on the ship, so we'll need to drive them to the capital."

"We appreciate your arrangement, Your Highness," Henry told him. Prince Tae's royal vessel had left halfway through the Exhibition, but they were there to see off the Snake, Scarab, and Sons ships that were loaded with Exhibition cargo, as well as Hana and the others.

A good half dozen ships with the familiar green sails baring the entwined snake and scarab logo sailed out of the harbor in a neat line.

Prince Tae waved his hand, accepting the gratitude with grace. Then, his nephew opened his mouth and blabbered.

"Ship makes me sick," Prince Muran said, rubbing his pudgy tummy pitifully as he looked down, making the toddler appear even sadder than he was. "Horsies are better."

Henry and Ash narrowed their eyes and turned to Prince Tae.

"Our chubby little friend got seasick, so that's why we're taking the land route?" Ash asked.

Prince Tae let out a little cough. "We didn't know he'd get seasick in the open ocean until after we set sail. We wouldn't have made it here in time if we went the land route from the capital."

"So, you tortured him?" Ash prodded. Prince Tae shot him a glare.

"I didn't torture my nephew! We tried to get to Shae as soon as possible and he recovered well!"

"Sister." Prince Muran grabbed on to Effie and buried his sticky face in her arms. In broken, awkward Iverian Common, he gave her a quiet plea. "I don't like ship."

Effie hugged him and gently stroked the back of his head. "We won't take a ship. We'll go by carriage. You can ride with me." She smiled and tried to pick him up, but he was a big toddler and she struggled. "Sister has packed pancakes from Pancake Cafe."

Ash and Prince Tae struggled to keep from looking disgusted. Aside from Hana, all the adults seemed to have grown sick of the sugary dishes found at Pancake Cafe, which were the children's favorite.

Henry's lips were in a line. He was hoping that he wouldn't have to smell syrup and fruit again until they reached Suna, but fate was unkind to him.

The only person who seemed happy about this was Prince Muran.

"We should start the journey now," Prince Tae clapped his hands. "Everything is packed and we should go before the city gates get busy. It will take us a few days to get to the capital."

"Breakfast?" Prince Muran looked at his uncle with big, wondrous dark eyes. Prince Tae tried not to wince.

"We can eat in the carriage."

"Pancakes!" Prince Muran clapped his hands together in excitement. Prince Tae opened his mouth, but Effie cut him off.

"Yes, we have lots of pancakes!"

"I'm going to ride a horse." Ash seemed to disappear from one side of Prince Tae and reappear by a horse to avoid being made to stay in the same carriage as the children.

"I'm also riding," Henry said before Prince Tae could protest. Henry patted Prince Tae on the shoulder. "I leave my sister in your hands!"

Prince Tae grit his teeth. "I was going to ride, too. Nanny Wu can watch the children."

"Effie, did you only bring pancakes from Pancake Cafe?" Talam, who had been in seated in a modest horse drawn wagon they'd purchased at the last minute to carry him and his escorts, so that they wouldn't be left behind, pulled aside the curtain, and looked towards Effie.

Effie perked up and a predatory glint flashed in her eyes. Prince Tae didn't notice, and neither did Talam, but her brothers saw.

"You know, I was worried about food on the journey, since there are few stops where we can buy fresh cooked meals," Effie began as she handed Prince Muran back to Prince Tae and then walked towards Talam's wagon. She looked up towards where the man sat. "So, I purchased meals from many famous and hard to get into restaurants from around the city." She stressed the rarity of the restaurants and Henry knew she was going to try to get money from Talam.

"Oh! What do you have?" The naive young lord looked hopeful.

Effie's smile widened. "What is your budget?"

"Effie, he doesn't have a lot of money," Henry said, frowning. Though Talam was given some money by the exiled elders, it wasn't much. Most of Talam's money likely still came from his wife's dowry. Meaning the money was from Henry and Ash's biological sister.

"Don't worry, don't worry!" Effie waved her hand at Henry. "I won't charge him...much."

"Effie." At Henry's stern voice, Effie winced inwardly.

"All right, how about five dinari gold standard per meal." She held up one hand with all five fingers up.

"Euphemia."

"Three dinari gold standard."

"Euphemia Atractas."

The child's face wrinkled into a scowl. "One. One dinari gold standard." She held up one finger. Talam looked pleasantly surprised and seemed to open his mouth to agree.

"For him and his escorts," Henry said.

Effie almost balked. She whirled around and gave her brother an accusatory look. "Three for one? Are you killing me, Brother?"

"We are traveling in one group; can you be more reasonable?" Henry asked. He rode by on horseback and then leaned over, easily grabbing his sister by the collar and lifting her on to the saddle.

"Isn't one dinari gold standard already a lot for a meal?" Ash asked. "Besides, you didn't have to pay full price for your food."

Effie gasped as her rosy face paled at being caught. "How did you know?"

"Tch. Wouldn't you like to know?" Ash sneered at her as Henry carried her to Prince Tae's carriage and put her inside. Their belongings were all inside the carriage she and Nera had arrived in. If Ash or Henry got tired from riding, they could ride in the family's carriage.

"We'll stop to eat when we're out of the city. Auntie is expecting us to leave by now. If we're lucky, we'll meet her before we reach the capital," Henry told them.

Effie looked out the door of the carriage, lifting her head up to look at the clear morning sky. She let out a heavy breath. "I hope she'll come back soon."

"So, do I." Talam agreed from his horse drawn wagon. He looked up at the sky, as well, though he likely didn't know what he was looking for. "Everyone has told me that I need to speak with her. She may be the person to help Ashtar the most."

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