The next few weeks passed by swiftly. There was but one day left before the students of Year One would leave the North with the Fifth Aerial Battalion, who had been apparently earmarked for extra duties due to conducts unbecoming a normal person. The teachers of every class were also going to tag along; each of them had Knight-level strength, more than enough to crush any low-level threat in their flight path.

Reinford came running over when school ended. “Your items are here.”

She took out three velvety boxes from somewhere inside her school uniform, and patted them proudly. “My family apparently spent a few days trying to find the best Engines they had for you.”

“The best?” Gaius asked. “Shouldn’t they try to limit the amount of treasures their prodigal daughter is giving away?”

“That’s a tad unfair,” Isabelle chimed in. “After all, you’ll be in charge of her safety, right? It would be a grave disservice if something happened and you left the countess behind because you got low-quality stuff.”

“Oh, so it’s an obligation of sorts.” Gaius rubbed his chin. “I could roll with this.”

“I’ll be in your care, then.” She grinned brightly, and for a moment, Reinford looked like a maiden in love. But this emotion, however, wasn’t directed at him, Isabelle or Nakama, by the sensation he got.

Gaius had a nagging feeling that she had something else in mind, but since the world didn’t revolve around him, whatever Reinford wanted was none of his business. There was a polite distance to be kept between business partners, after all.

“Still, are you really sure that tagging with me is really worth it?” Gaius asked, despite himself. “Three Engines just to group up with a bunch of artefact-lovers — no matter how I slice it, it’s a loss for you.”

“Not when it concerns my…happiness,” she replied. “By the way, I never really got to ask, but how do you know the Pinnacle and the Oracle?”

“Uh.” Gaius looked to Isabelle and Nakama for some help.

“I think it was at that ball, remember?” Isabelle supplied.

“Right, right.” Gaius nodded. “There was this social function going on at Upper Elyisum that we went to. And then the Oracle, who was talking to a bunch of other people, came over and talked to us for a moment, and then the Pinnacle showed up.”

“Yeah,” said Isabelle. “You proceeded to assault him because he was creeping you out, and then left him in bruises. The next day, it was all over on the news, but we were sound asleep by then.”

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“At least he knew he had it coming,” Gaius replied. “The guy’s a good sport, but I won’t trust him to behave while near beautiful ladies. And he isn’t one to hold grudges either, apparently.”

“We saw him at the ice-cream shop too!” Nakama said. “Can we go there today?”

“Way to change the topic.” Gaius rolled his eyes. “We just went two days ago too, but since we’re going to the Central Circle tomorrow, I suppose we can go again.”

He paused and looked at the countess. “Do you and your friends want to join us?”

“I don’t mind, but my followers are not contractually obliged to follow me once—”

“I’m going,” Barton said. “I have to spend some of my gold before I get pulled into the maelstrom tomorrow. My lady’s predictions are usually correct. I, at least, want to get some sweet foods inside me before I die a horrible death.”

Gaius glared at the youth, and then rolled his eyes. “You’re just making it worse, then. Shouldn’t you be hoping that nothing happens to us during the trip? You make it sound like we’re going to get attacked by some unidentified monster while we’re there.”

“It is my job, as the countess’ advisor, to think up and prepare for contingencies. Thinking of the worst scenarios is in my job description,” he replied. “Of course, given your abilities, whatever we can think of should be nothing to you, but just in case.”

“Do you have anything in case a Paragon or a Demigod drops by?” Gaius asked.

“And why are you expecting foes like this?” Barton asked.

“You wanted to be ready for anything, no?” Gaius replied. “I’ve faced off Paragons before. Knowing me, things like this might just happen during the trip. Make adequate preparations for it.”

“Didn’t you just say it was going to be fine? And why have you faced off against Paragons before?”

“Don’t sweat the small details.” Gaius paused. “Besides, your lady wants excitement. And above all, I feel that I should be helping out when you’re so diligent with your job.”

“But how am I to prepare for even a Paragon?” Barton was on the verge of tears, and he turned to Reinford. “He thinks a Paragon might show up! Can we not do this after all? I still have a family…”

“Wouldn’t it be more exciting if a Paragon shows up?” Reinford asked. “We’ll get to see him fight one too. It’s a great learning experience.”

“Trust in Gaius!” Nakama said.

“He’s survived through enough Paragons,” Isabelle added on. “You just need to worry if there’s more than one, or if a Demigod shows up.”

“I want to resign, Lady Reinford,” Barton said. He looked at the others, but none of them voiced anything.

“I’m afraid I cannot allow that.” The countess smiled. “You’re on the payroll for a good reason. That said, I permit you to use any and all artefacts that we’ve acquired, if emergencies like a Demigod showing up do arrive. And besides, we are travelling along the North’s military. What can go wrong?”

She got up. “C’mon, let’s go check out this ice-cream shop. My treat.”

Gaius watched as Barton followed his employer out helpfully, and then got up for their last ice-cream for the next few months. They had made adequate preparations for the trip, having brought rugged-terrain apparel and equipment. Gaius had also taught Nakama some basic moves with a knife, although it would be far better if she didn’t need to use them at all.

Ice-cream sounded like a nice treat after all this.