53

Regn bounds towards the gate of Ecg. As he approaches, the guards put up their spears, clearly apprehensive about the thought of fighting. Regn comes to a peaceful stop before even entering the range of the soldiers. Without a word, Sion disembarks and approaches the guards. The guards look up at Sion and shift the tips of their spears towards him.

“State your name and purpose!”

“I’m Sion. I have somebody I need to meet in Ecg.”

“Who?” Sion hadn’t thought out his plan, and has not sent word ahead of his arrival.

“I need to meet with… Weald Tredan.”

“Mr. Tredan, huh? And what business might you have with him?” Before Sion can come up with a further lie, Anima walks up beside him.

“Um… My name is Anima Tredan. He’s taking me to see my father.” The guards put down their spears.

“A homecoming for the harvest festival, then? Well, there’s no problem there, but…” The guard glances at Regn. Sion catches on quickly.

“Ah, that’s not a problem. I’ll have him stay away from the city while we’re here.”

“Then there’s no problem at all. We’ll have this gate opened up right away.” Sion walks back towards Regn, leaving Anima alone with the guards.

“Thank you, sirs.”

“No need to thank us. We’re just doing our duty. I hope you two kids enjoy the festival. I heard that the ministers were quite proud of their work this year.”

“Thank you.” The gates open up. Sion rushes over to join Anima in entering the city.

The city is in a festive mood, several stalls already set up running down the wide road cutting through the city center. As they walk in, Anima looks towards Sion.

“Why did you lie to the guards?”

“I hadn’t thought about the fact that I would need to talk to them.”

“Is your business with the Dracabanan minister?” Sion freezes for a second.

“How did you know?”

“If you needed to lie, then it must be something you knew they wouldn’t believe, and I can’t imagine you would know anybody else like that.”

“Well, that’s basically what it is.”

“Couldn’t you have sent a message ahead?”

“It slipped my mind. And the one I really want to see is his daughter anyway, and I would prefer it if Mr. Feoh didn’t know.” Anima quickly turns away from Sion.

“Ah, so, it was something like that… Then I’ll go see my dad, then.” Sion tilts his head, puzzled.

“Would it be bad for me to come with you?” Anima still doesn’t look at him.

“Don’t you want to see her? The minister’s daughter?”

“I do, but something like that is better saved for later in the day.”

“T-then, let’s go.”

The two of them make their way to the Tredan household. Anima opens the door and they step inside. Though by no means is it in a terrible state, the house is notably worse than when Anima had left. Weald isn’t in either. Despite not having initially intended to see him, Anima is dejected at her father’s absence.

“He must be in his office. What should we do until you… go to see her.” Sion answers plainly.

“Shouldn’t we go to his office?”

“No… He’s working, so I wouldn’t want to bother him.”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t bother him. I mean, you love each other.” Anima thinks for a moment, then makes up her mind.

“I guess you’re right. It’s nearby.”

Anima walks back through the door, Sion right behind her. They walk down several streets until they come to a larger building, the words “Tredan Company” above the door. The two of them walk inside.

The building has two stories. The first floor, which they enter onto, is a storefront. With the festival atmosphere settling in over Ecg, the store is bustling. Anina pays them no mind as she maneuvers past them to reach the staircase leading to the second floor. Anima and Sion make their way up, then all the way down the hall. Anima knocks on the door at the end of the hall gently. The puzzled voice of Weald Tredan answers back.

“Yes? Who is it?”

“It’s me. It’s Anima.” They hear a loud thud, as though Weald hit something against his desk.

“Come in! Come in! I’m just doing a little bit of paperwork!”

Anima opens up the door and steps into the office. Although belonging to the head of the company, the man from whom they get their name, it’s small and austere. On the far side of the room is a large window, the curtains currently drawn halfway, A desk in front of it. Weald sits at the desk. There’s a small stack of papers pushed to the side. The only decorations in the room are two small framed pictures sitting on the desk, facing Weald. Anima smiles when she sees him.

“I’m home, Dad.”

“Welcome home, Anima.” He becomes overcome with emotion when he sees her. “Ohh, it’s only been what, a month or two, but look how much you’ve grown. Everyday you look more like your mother, just so beautiful.” Sion walks into the office.

“Hello, Mr. Weald.”

“Geh. So you’re here too, Sion.”

“I’m the one who brought Anima here. And, as I promised you, I’ve made sure to keep her safe.” Weald sighs, unable to make himself dislike Sion too much.

“Fine! Good job, Sion!”

“Thank you, Mr. Weald.” Anima turns to look at Sion.

“Actually, Sion, can you give me and my dad a while alone?” Sion smiles gently.

“Of course.” Sion steps out of the room, closing the door to the office behind him. As he leaves, Weald gets slightly more serious.

“So? What’s getting you down, Anima?”

“You could tell?”

“Of course I could. Is it something to do with Sion?” Anima can’t look at her father, her cheeks slightly red.

“Just a little bit…” Weald quickly slams his fist against his desk.

“I knew I should’ve—” He clears his throat as he calms down. “Well, I’ll be happy to listen.”

“It’s really not anything. It’s just… it seems Sion wanted to come to Ecg because there’s a girl he wants to see…” Weald puts his head in his hands, unsure of what he’s meant to do. He raises his head once he has an answer for her.

“Well, if that’s hurting you, then all that means is that you really can’t give up. I never got anything by giving up.” He pauses for a moment. “The city is already getting into a festive mood, but I still need to prepare for the festival itself, so I’m stuck working. So… while you’re in the city, why don’t you and Sion go walk around?” Anima turns towards the door and nods.

“I’ll try it. Thanks, Dad.”