Steam ripples off me as I complete the last of the kata of the gliding Meenaora. It makes my blood boil, pump hard, and run with clarity.

I feel like I'm diving off the top of a mountain, soaring down into the desert to snatch up my prey. It's a good feeling. A strong feeling.

And even though I am stood in driving rain, excited fire spirits dance around me, making the rain boil away.

Mother always said that the fire of the Meenaora should be irrepressible. This is one of the core teachings of the art. And whilst many take this as a philosophical lesson about never surrendering and remaining stoic in the face of adversity, there is a more literal aspect to it as well.

Hah... it made me forget my woes for a moment.

Elijah and Aria in such a state. I could do nothing besides using my brute strength to put them on the table. I left, unable to bear to watch little Yuuzu at work.

And then... with the princess. I suppose I don't know why I thought they wouldn't already be that intimate. I should have realised when he didn't have much qualm about sleeping next to me.

Husband sharing is a normal thing... but I must be a weird one since it still feels odd to me.

I had to get out of there again. And training furiously in the courtyard of this inn was all I could do both times. I must have become quite absorbed though, because at least an hour has passed.

I stroll back around to go in the inn's front door.

But then, half a dozen guards walk out.

They are escorting Aria and Elijah along in shackles.

How... very odd. What did I miss here?

I crouch in a shadow to watch, and try to sneak between alleys and obstacles to follow.

The rain has become a light sprinkle now, but it is still steaming off my gauntlets and greaves, so I am not going to be very stealthy.

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However, I don't think caution was necessary after all. These guards seem like lazy cravens. The patrol force of this city is strange like that. There are some clearly diligent and competent members, like most of the gate guards, and then you get groups like this that are all pride and swagger, but couldn't fight their way out of a paper bag, never mind challenge a real combatant. I wonder why the princess seceded to them?

I lose sight of the men whilst in thought. Whoops. No matter. It is clear they are going to the central white tower. No need for Kali to follow more.

A shimmer then appears next to me, and that sneaky thief girl appears from it. Kaede... wasn't it? The one who cried alot this morning.

"You are a poor sneak, Kali." She chortles.

I shrug. "Kali feels much same. Strong girls meant to punch things. Delicate work for men, usually."

Kaede gives me quizzical smile.

"Ah... not that Kali thinks Kaede in wrongs for job. Kaede clearly made to sneak and kill."

She blinks and sighs.

"Is wrong?" I tilt my head.

"No, Kali." She smiles. "I was thinking how brutally honest you are. Made to sneak and kill, yes? You are quite right. A broken blade cannot be re-forged that easily."

This girl does like to wax philosophical for some reason. Whatever is she on about?

"In cases any, what is trouble caused now by Elijah and princess?" I wonder out loud.

"Ah, they have been apparently arrested on murder charges. Some noble law and some circumstantial evidence means the princess had to agree. Nii-sama just happened to be there, yes?"

"Surely much nonsense. Aria too much loving of people to kill randomly." I state.

"Yes, quite. I believe there has been a mix up. But Aria appeared with her white hair. The demon had a similar colour."

It was a demon?! Was that what attacked the two!?

"Kaede saw demon? It one hurting Elijah? Kali wants to punch it!" I shout.

I guess I'm ultimately a simple girl at heart.

She blinks.

"Ah... my apologies. I tracked it, yes? Aria had already wounded it, so I finished it off."

I didn't notice it before, but now she holds up something she was carrying. A bag, but strands of white hair are poking out, and the bag is stained with blood.

I see. She has already assassinated the assassin. How efficient.

"I believe bringing this to the local lord, along with its assignment letter, should be quite sufficient evidence to prove the princess and nii-sama innocent, yes?"

I blink.

But I then think of something.

"Hmm, plan not bad, but needs other thing." I state.

"Whatever would that be?" She queries, tilting her head.

"Authority." I pat my chest. "Me, Kaede are here random nobodies. Snob guards ignore. We should get help."

Kaede's brows crease.

"Perhaps you have a point... but then whoever should...?" She starts.

I pat her on the shoulder.

"Kali already knows well perfect person! Let's go!"