The ship had landed behind a building name Daedalus' Wings. It seems the building and the flying vessel were a father-and-son pair. In the large landing plot were several other ships. Some flying ships are unpacking cargo, and others are preparing to take flight. Cali followed the latter and quickly set off. She was the first to exit when the ship's bridge had lowered. Cali had never been to this building or Dalry, so the only thing she could do was head in the direction where the employees came. Maneuvering around the tall and bulky men made Cali feel like a scurrying rat. She did not like the appearance of fleeing to an exit.

The room after the first set of doors seems to be the storage unit. It was a large room filled with crates, boxes, and barrels, each having a label and belonging to someone. You would surely get noticed if you were not a container or a part of the bustling staff. Cali had to leave before that issue arose.

The next door opened to the building's main room. One had to believe it was a place made for giants as the roof seemed miles away. Cali felt as if voices could travel for centuries before anyone could hear an echo. The glassy appearance of the floor doubled the number of people scurrying around. In short, the extravagance was overbearing. All thoughts of quickly leaving the building had almost disappeared, and when they returned, it was too late. "Pardon me." A young man had approached her, head slightly tilted. His polished posture and formal attire could not hide his blatant interest in the woman before him. The boy's face resembled Cali's after witnessing a dark elf in the desert. Holding a folded piece of paper towards Cali, he spoke once again. "Captain Arkyn had asked to have this returned to you as you had left it aboard Icarus." The young fellow stole a few more glances at the woman who looked at the paper with dread. Cali might as well find out what is happening.

The folded paper felt heavy between Cali's fingers. Warning bells went off in her head as she could feel the gaze of many pinned against her back. The woman had gained more than simply a note. Perhaps, making friends with the desert heat was the better option for Cali.

Decisive and bold handwriting had set a time and place to meet on a thin piece of paper, and below it was Arkyn's signature. The only destination that Cali knew to make it to was Capulta Caverns. Arkyn needed to redefine his definition of making it up to someone. Arriving at a location she had never heard of on time was asking for too much. Does this man always expect so much? First, the questioning and now an invitation to a place she did not know existed.

"I have no idea where this is. I'm a tourist," Cali tore the paper to pieces. The note had no use to her either way. She could not find the place and did not want to move at Arkyn's pace. If he wanted to meet, he would have to find Cali. Unfortunately, the two shared the same idea. "The fault lies on my end. I was being inconsiderate." Ark had arrived early enough to witness his note torn. Ark had a pleasant smile plastered on his face, but the situation upset him. It looked like he was chasing this woman! Although he had only stopped upon realizing that she was a treasure hunter. The irritation quickly vanished when Ark realized something. He could put this situation to good use.

Stolen story; please report.

The smile Ark wore widened. The status he had in Dalry gave him an opportunity. Arkyn's previous plan involved a more conspicuous type of observation. However, using his reputation could keep Cali under the supervision of civilians. Rumours of her ambiguous relationship with Arkyn would spread. The attention Cali receives would provide Arkyn with eyes everywhere. It does not matter if she rejects his artificial advances. The outcome remains the same even if Arkyn does not like being the pursuing party.

"If you wouldn't mind, I can come to you." The young man who delivered the note took a step back, but no further. How could he miss such a show? From what he saw, the woman tried to rush out of the building before Arkyn could reach her. Cali turned down the first invite and did not seem to like Arkyn's second advance. Strange, usually, women cling to the man.

"My schedule is not fixed. I am not sure I can meet you, Arkyn." Cali felt as if she had stepped in something sticky. That must be why Arkyn had clung to her like this. "If you insist, I can stop by this week." She would not, but it was the quickest way to end this. The Arkyn's actions baffled Cali. Why couldn't she be the one that got away? Just a pretty face that he forgot the next day? Why must she be cornered like this?

"Once again, I ask that you call me Ark. I thought we had confirmed our relationship earlier. Did I misunderstand?"

'Yes! Look at him! The former playboy was made into an abandoned puppy by this woman.' Arkyn exercised all his willpower not to laugh. Cali's face had contorted several times after he spoke. Sounds of surprise had slipped from the people around them, eyes glued to the pair. Arkyn lowered his head in response to this commotion. What relationship had they confirmed? Were they not friends? Arkyn stifled another chuckle.

No matter how he tried to hide his amusement, Cali could see it. She glared at Ark, who met her eyes head-on. It was a passionate gaze in the eyes of Rye, the messenger, and everyone else. A story had formed in their mind at that moment. Arkyn, the former dandy, had fallen in love with a woman impassive to his charm. Cali sighed, "Are we not just friends?"

"I'd like to be something more," Arkyn replied immediately.

Cali had enough of his act and stormed through the doors. She should have left earlier. Yet, the man completely entangled her. Arkyn was one of a kind in the worst way. Hopefully, she would not run into people like him in the future.

Disgruntled, Cali could not notice the group observing her. She was abandoned in the desert and somehow made it to Dalry before sunset. Her former companions were interested in hearing the story behind that. "It seems our break is over." A competitor arrived in Dalry, and they needed to be the first to Capulta caverns. The prize was more than gold or silver. Artifacts fetched a high price on the market with many potential buyers. Of course, artifacts were more than ancient ornaments. Some gave the holders abilities.

Initially, Cali had hired the group to escort her. However, another woman gave them an offer to betray Cali and instead retrieve the artifact themselves. The group received less than a single gold coin for each member. Cali was not angry at the betrayal but at how cheap the group was.