The duo stepped out onto the streets of the city. A weird combination of buildings towered in front of them. Some would fit perfectly in ancient Rome, others blended the rounded arches, and beautifully carved facades, with sleek modern glass and steel beams. Everything together made up a fascinating patchwork of very unique architecture.

A large amount of open space stretched out around Ed and Kat. The courtyard belonged solely to their organization, several armed military personnel constantly monitored the surroundings, holding some very unusual rifles. They always made Edward feel wary, despite Valhalla's protection, those weapons seemed highly dangerous. Fortunately, the soldiers were on their side.

As the two friends looked back, the view made them halt their steps for a moment. A huge building, surrounded by marble columns blocked out the sky. Beautiful carvings and sculptures adorned the walls. Despite being thousands of years old, it looked as if it was just freshly renovated, showing no signs of any wear and tear.

That’s the House of Alexander. The largest and most important structure in the city.

Despite seeing it hundreds of times in their life, the feeling of awe never faded.

While they made their way towards the central district of the city, Katrina turned her head towards Ed.

“So where are we going to eat?” She asked innocently.

Edward’s face went pale for a moment. He didn’t even think of that, busy with all the training and recent changes. He strained his mind, trying to think of a good answer. About to open his mouth to explain himself, he was beaten to the word by Kat.

“I’m just messing with you. I knew you would probably forget, so I already made the reservation.” She teased him.

Edward thanked Valhalla for having such a considerate friend. She knew him so well after all.

As Katrina led the way between the buildings, passersby paid no attention to them. Today they were just two regular people, enjoying a regular weekend.

The duo admired the colorful trees, growing in the small patches of grass between the cobbled roads, signifying the beginning of the new season. As the wind gently ruffled their hair, they reminisced about the old times.

They used to spend a lot more time together as kids. They climbed the trees together, spied on their senior warrior’s training, and then mimicked their duels with thin sticks that they found on the ground. Edward felt a bit guilty about them splitting up, but they both understood that his new training was important. He could hold an important position in the House, and had to be prepared. Now especially, since both of them noticed the tension rising in the air.

Kat suddenly stopped, her boots pinning down some yellow leaves falling from the nearby tree. They stood before an entrance to a nice Italian restaurant. ‘Casa di Roma’ was written on the sign in clean handwritten letters. The glass doors with golden handles just screamed prestige. As Katrina opened the door and entered inside, Edward followed after her, brushing off a loose leaf from the shoulder of his coat.

They were greeted by an elegant woman wearing a suit and holding a clipboard. She asked for the name on their reservation.

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“Katrina Hasta.”

The woman’s eyes widened for a moment on the mention of the surname ‘Hasta’. She quickly controlled her expression.

“You may follow me then, I'd be happy to show you to your table.” Her already professional tone acquired a new tinge of respect.

When Katrina and Edward nodded in agreement, she left the reception stand unattended, and gestured for them to follow behind her. The employee led them on the second floor, where there was a lot more space available and everyone seated seemed either important or wealthy. She stopped near a semi enclosed niche in the remote part of the room. It housed a medium sized table and two comfortable couches, the placement offered a reasonable amount of privacy without cutting them off completely from the rest of the room.

Edward was honestly impressed by Katrina’s choice of venue. As the attendant left after taking their orders, he laid back on the couch and smiled, facing Kat’s serious face.

“So miss Hasta, you made quite an impression didn’t you.”

“Oh, stop it, that’s embarrassing. Do I have to remind you, that it should’ve been your name on the reservation mr. Thornfield?” she retorted.

Edward shut up after that, preferring to avoid any unforeseen consequences of his impulsive words.

Waiting for the food to come, Kat changed the subject.

“So how’s your training been going?”

“It’s tough… and that’s putting it lightly. But I‘ve gotten used to it.”

He picked up a butter knife, spinning it between his fingers.

“More importantly, I’ve gotten much stronger. Not only thanks to the legend. Master Tarquin might be sadistic, but he knows what he’s doing.”

“Pff, don’t get so full of yourself. We wouldn’t want you to die in battle because you got cocky. I’d probably be sad for at least a day if that happened.” She shot down his spinning knife with a toothpick.

“A day? That’s all I’m worth to you, huh?” He picked up the knife he dropped from the floor.

“Maybe two.” She shrugged her shoulders.

Finally the food arrived, saving both of them from each other's bickering. Ed ordered a Risotto alla Milanese, which he definitely did not regret. The velvet texture of the golden rice caressed his tongue, while the creamy broth warmed his throat. Katrina, on the other hand, ordered a simple Spaghetti Carbonara. She must have been enjoying it as well, since she barely spoke a word after she started eating the dish.

When the two friends left the restaurant the sun was already hanging low over the horizon, they wandered through some small charming alleys, enjoying a day together, outside of the constant tension of battle and competition ever present in the House.

“My parents left for the frontlines a couple days ago,” Katrina mentioned out of nowhere.

“What do you mean, why?” The information shook Edward deeply, making him worry for Kat.

“They said they couldn’t explain, but to train hard and stay ready. You must have noticed it too , didn’t you? Something is brewing.”

“We agree on that. There shouldn’t have been a Legend from the House of Lu Bu there that day. And the people I was fighting seemed very surprised by Alexander’s appearance as well.”

“Ehh, it’s all getting me worried about the future.” She exhaled deeply.

“Don’t worry. Your parents are strategists. They’ll be far from the heat of the battle. And I’m not leaving anywhere.” Ed tried to console his friend.

“For now.” She mumbled quietly under her breath.

The duo stayed mostly quiet on the way back, engaged in their thoughts all the way up until they reached the gate once again.

As the doors opened before them, and they walked inside, the voice of an old man pulled them out of their stupor.

“Hey Edward, I’m sorry to interrupt your free day like this, but it’s important…”