The cart path winding toward the outer gates of Crocus was relatively quiet.
Or at least, it would have been if Director Sunveil hadn't been treating the walk like a casual victory lap.
"Come on, don't be like that," Kai drawled, his hands buried in his trouser pockets as he stepped over a rut in the dirt. "You're making this way harder than it needs to be."
Beside him, Rei maintained a rigid stride, his expression suggesting he was beginning to regret ever agreeing to meet the man. Between their earlier fight and the recovery spell, he had little patience left for Kai's nonsense.
Unfortunately, Kai seemed determined to use every last bit of it.
He casually threw an arm over the swordsman's shoulders, leaning some of his weight against him.
"Let's review. You're carrying an ancient anti-dragon blade, you've spent years tracking Dragon Era ruins, and you've got coordinates scattered all over the continent. Did you really think I'd just wave goodbye and go back to signing municipal requisitions?"
"I expect nothing from you, Director," Rei replied flatly. "My records are private. I see little reason to share archaeological data with someone who treats ancient artifacts like scrap metal."
"First, I'm an independent research director. There's a difference." Kai glanced at him. "Second, I'm the only reason Captain Arcadios didn't drag you off to a subterranean holding cell for unauthorized deforestation. So, how about you stop being difficult?"
Rei stopped walking.
He looked at the arm resting across his shoulders, then slowly turned his crimson eyes towards Kai.
"Remove yourself."
Kai withdrew his arm.
"Hostile."
He stepped around to face the swordsman, a smirk spreading across his face.
"Look, let's skip the posturing. You need my help. If you didn't, you wouldn't have come looking for me."
Rei's expression remained unchanged.
"You spent weeks poking around Kaldor, trying to find a way into the central conduit network. I walked in, mapped the matrix, stabilized a deteriorating system, and integrated its operational framework into my own magic."
"You're making that sound considerably easier than it was."
"That's because I'm being modest."
"You're being insufferable."
Kai grinned.
"Anyway, you have the historical context and the coordinates. I have the means to examine ancient magical systems, bypass defensive arrays, and hopefully stop the occasional ceiling from collapsing on our heads. Seems like a decent arrangement to me."
Rei resumed walking.
For a while, neither spoke.
As much as he disliked admitting it, Kai had a point. The Director's methods were unconventional, and his attitude left much to be desired, but his work inside Kaldor had been difficult to dismiss.
Rei had spent weeks trying to understand the ruins. Kai had uncovered things he hadn't even known to look for.
"Your magic," Rei eventually said. "The technique you used inside Kaldor. I've studied several dead magical disciplines across different kingdoms. I've never seen anything capable of dismantling an active matrix with that level of precision."
Kai scratched the back of his neck.
"Tinkerer Arts. What's left of it, anyway. I pieced together its mechanics from fragmented texts, old spell matrices, and a ridiculous amount of trial and error."
He raised two fingers.
"The basic principle is simple. If I understand how a magical system works, I can replicate it, modify its parameters, or break it down into raw ethernano. The more I understand its architecture, the more control I have."
Rei considered that.
To someone who spent his life investigating ancient structures, the implications were obvious. Barriers, seals, automated defenses, forgotten magical infrastructure. A specialist capable of understanding and dismantling those systems would be invaluable.
"...A temporary arrangement may be worth considering."
Kai's face immediately brightened.
"See? I knew there was a reasonable scholar hiding under all that brooding."
"Do not celebrate. I haven't agreed to anything yet."
"Already thinking about our joint research logo."
"That is precisely what concerns me."
They continued towards the city. Crocus's golden spires were now clearly visible beyond the outer walls, catching the last of the afternoon sunlight.
Rei slowed slightly.
"Kairos, there's something you should understand."
Kai glanced at him.
"My search isn't commercial. I'm not looking for gold, fame, or royal favors. I want the true record of the Dragon Era. The civilizations that existed alongside dragons, the people who lived beneath their territories, and the knowledge that disappeared when modern history reduced that entire period to a collection of myths."
He looked towards the distant city.
"Kaldor was only one part of a much larger network. There are other settlements, research facilities, and ruins scattered across the continent. Most haven't been properly investigated."
Kai listened quietly.
"If we work together, I expect the historical records to be preserved. I don't intend to spend years recovering something only to have it dismantled or sold to the highest bidder."
Kai looked at him for a moment.
"Relax. I'm interested in understanding the things those civilizations built, not selling them off to some collector."
"Your habit of dismantling ancient mechanisms doesn't exactly inspire confidence."
"That's research. There's a difference."
"Is there?"
"Of course." Kai shrugged. "Besides, I'm not interested in breaking things just for the sake of it. I want to know how they work. What they were designed to do, how their systems connected, and why modern magic lost the ability to reproduce them."
He paused, then grinned.
"Although, now that you mention it, do you have any idea how many lost magical blueprints and circuit geometries we're talking about? Entire branches of magical engineering that modern society completely abandoned!"
His eyes lit up.
"Just imagine the hardware waiting down there!"
Rei just stared at him.
"You're aware those sites are heavily fortified and potentially lethal?"
"That just means the previous engineers cared about their work."
"That wasn't an invitation to be reckless."
"I didn't take it as one."
Rei gave him a look.
Kai shrugged.
"Mostly."
He fell quiet for a moment, tapping his chin as another thought occurred to him.
"Actually, there's a slight administrative problem."
"What is it?"
"You're an unregistered wanderer carrying high-grade ancient weaponry. If you start digging around state-protected ruins, the Council and the Royal Guard are going to bury you in paperwork."
"I've managed without their assistance so far."
"Yes, and I'm sure that's been wonderfully convenient."
Kai reached into his leather hip pouch. His arm disappeared past the elbow, followed by a faint metallic click from somewhere inside its enchanted interior.
He pulled out a smooth, pale-blue lacrima stone, roughly the size of a plum. Fine runic lines shifted faintly beneath its translucent surface.
He tossed it towards Rei.
The swordsman caught it and examined the device.
"What's this?"
"Private-frequency communication lacrima. Encrypted, tied to my personal network. If you find another site, run into a locked vault, or discover something you can't cut through with that sword, send a pulse through the core. It'll reach me anywhere on the continent."
Rei turned the lacrima over in his hand.
"You're giving a direct line to your personal communications to someone you've only recently met?"
"I'm a generous guy."
"Or you intend to track me."
Kai gave him a shameless grin.
"Well, both."
Rei looked up.
"Both?"
"Come on. If I wanted to keep tabs on you, I wouldn't need a communication lacrima. I already mapped your magical signature, your sword's operational output, and most of your footwork during our fight."
Rei stared at him.
"...That's deeply unsettling."
"You're welcome."
Kai clapped his hands together and continued walking.
"Anyway, about the actual arrangement. I don't particularly care about the manuscripts, but if we find ancient hardware, mechanical arrays, or lost magical frameworks, I'd like primary research rights."
"As long as the historical records are preserved, we can negotiate ownership of any recovered components."
"Sounds reasonable."
"Artifacts of particular historical importance will remain under my supervision until we've determined their significance."
Kai considered that.
"Fine. But I'm not spending three weeks staring at a sealed mechanism because someone thinks it's too historically important to open."
"That will depend on the mechanism."
"You're going to make this difficult, aren't you?"
"I suspect you will."
Rei slipped the lacrima into his coat.
"I'll contact you when I locate our next destination. And don't call me for trivial matters."
Kai placed a hand over his heart.
"Rei, I'm wounded. Do I look like someone who annoys people for fun?"
Rei stared at him.
"...Yes."
"Fair enough."
Before Rei could react, Kai threw an arm around his shoulders again and attempted to steer him towards a side street.
"This historic alliance calls for a celebration! I know a dockside tavern in the artisan district. Terrible ale, sticky floors, questionable hygiene. Perfect atmosphere. Thirty minutes, and we can exchange research notes."
"No."
"We could even examine your blade under proper lighting."
"No."
"I won't even use tools. I'll just stare at it really hard."
"Goodbye, Kairos."
Rei removed Kai's arm, straightened his coat, and took a step away.
"Do not touch my sword again."
"You're very protective of that thing."
"It's mine."
"Fair enough."
Rei gave him one last exhausted look before turning and disappearing into the afternoon crowd near the city gate.
Kai watched him go, shaking his head.
"Zero appreciation for the technical arts."
He slipped his hands back into his pockets, a grin returning to his face.
Still, an entire catalogue of Dragon Blood weapons and forgotten ruins?
Definitely worth getting stabbed in the chest for.
Meanwhile, in Crocus's bustling commercial district, Princess Hisui's little search party was occupied with considerably less dangerous matters.
"Where in this gilded city do they keep the actual liquor?" Cana demanded, leaning against a stone pillar with her arms crossed. "I'm talking aged spirits, high-proof imports, or whatever the royal court drinks when the paperwork gets out of hand."
Mira glanced at the nearby shops.
"Cana... we're official guests of the Crown."
"And?"
"I don't think we're supposed to spend the afternoon looking for expensive liquor."
Cana grinned.
"Which makes it all the more important that we find some."
Mira sighed, though the faint smile on her face made it clear she wasn't particularly upset.
A few steps away, Juvia was looking towards the road leading back to the royal quarters.
"Juvia still thinks we should return to the palace. Kai-sama needs proper rest. Someone should be preparing a soothing herbal compress for him."
Cana glanced over.
"Relax, rain-girl. He's fine. Knowing him, he's probably already found something to play with or stolen something he shouldn't have."
"How dare you! Kai-sama would never steal anything!"
Cana raised an eyebrow.
"How long have you even known him?"
"A... a week!"
There was a brief silence.
Cana looked at Mira.
Mira politely looked away, hiding her smile.
"Well, that's certainly a convincing argument."
"JUVIA KNOWS KAI-SAMA!"
"Sure you do."
"YOU'RE MAKING FUN OF JUVIA!"
Their bickering continued as Hisui wandered a little ahead, stopping to look at the shop windows along the street.
She'd been enjoying the afternoon more than she'd expected. Without the royal carriage, the usual schedule, or several elderly advisors constantly reminding her of her responsibilities, she could actually take her time and explore.
It was a rather refreshing change.
"Oh, look!"
She turned towards the others and pointed at a bakery with bright blue awnings.
"That shop is famous for its honey-cakes. We should try some before we leave."
Cana immediately perked up.
"Now you're speaking my language."
Before they could head towards the bakery, a small crowd nearby caught their attention. Several people had gathered around a large wooden notice board, discussing a freshly posted announcement.
A passing boy handed Mira a loose parchment copy.
"Oh, thank you."
Mira unfolded it and began reading.
Her eyes moved across the page.
Then stopped.
"Cana..."
Something about Mira's expression made Cana turn around.
"What?"
Mira didn't answer. She simply handed her the flyer.
Cana took it, glanced at the headline, and began reading.
A second passed.
Then another.
An awful, strained wheeze escaped her throat.
"PFFT—HAHAHAHA!"
She nearly doubled over, slapping her knee as her card pouch rattled.
"Oh, this is gold! Look at what those morons have gotten themselves into!"
Hisui and Juvia stepped closer, peering over Mira's shoulder.
Printed in dramatic, swirling ink across the parchment was:
THE ONIBUS GRAND THEATRE PRESENTS
A TALE OF PASSION AND TRAGEDY: FREDERICK & YANDERICA!
An unforgettable story of forbidden love, betrayal, heartbreak, and the madness of the human heart!
STARRING SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMERS:
NATSU DRAGNEEL
ERZA SCARLET
GRAY FULLBUSTER
LUCY HEARTFILIA
HAPPY THE CAT
Opening night in one week! Limited seating!
Hisui read the cast list curiously.
"Are these your guildmates?"
Mira nodded.
"They are."
"Are they professional actors?"
Cana burst out laughing again.
"Professional?! Princess, Natsu can barely read a script without setting something on fire. Gray will probably end up naked by Act Two, and Erza takes dramatic interpretation as an excuse to break furniture!"
Mira giggled.
"I actually assigned Lucy this job before we left. The theatre manager was having trouble attracting an audience, so I thought she could help him and earn some quick rent money."
"How did that turn into this?" Hisui asked.
"I honestly have no idea."
"Because they're idiots," Cana supplied.
Juvia folded her arms.
"Juvia doesn't understand why everyone is so excited about fictional romance. Watching people pretend to be in love is a waste of time when real romance is waiting!"
Cana's laughter slowly subsided.
Her eyes drifted towards Juvia.
A grin appeared.
"Oh?"
Juvia immediately looked suspicious.
"What?"
Cana casually draped an arm around her shoulders.
"You know, Onibus isn't that far away."
Juvia blinked.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Three hours on the express train."
"Yes?"
Cana leaned closer.
"Imagine it. A private first-class compartment. A nice little basket of pastries. Maybe some rain against the windows..."
She paused.
"Just you and Kai."
Juvia froze.
Cana's grin widened.
"And then you could sit together in the dark theatre."
A sudden burst of steam erupted from Juvia's head.
"A... A DATE?!"
Her face turned bright crimson, and her hands flew to her cheeks.
"A PRIVATE TRAIN COMPARTMENT WITH KAI-SAMA?! SHARED PASTRIES?! A ROMANTIC THEATRE?!"
She began vibrating in place.
"JUVIA MUST RESERVE THE ENTIRE TRAIN CAR! JUVIA MUST SEW MATCHING VELVET TRAVEL CLOAKS! AND PREPARE A SEVEN-COURSE LUNCHBOX!"
"Easy, water-works," Cana chuckled. "We haven't even asked him yet."
"JUVIA WILL CONVINCE HIM!"
Mira shook her head, amused.
Hisui, however, was still looking at the flyer.
The idea of travelling to another town sounded rather appealing. She'd spent most of her life attending formal events, royal ceremonies, and state functions. Even something as ordinary as visiting a theatre with friends was an unfamiliar experience.
"It actually sounds lovely."
The others turned towards her.
"I've only ever attended formal state operas. Everything is arranged beforehand, from the seating to the guests. It would be nice to go somewhere without all that."
She glanced at the flyer again.
"And perhaps we could visit the town afterwards. I've heard Onibus has some interesting shops."
Mira smiled.
"Then we should go."
Hisui looked at her.
"Really?"
"Of course. We could all use a little change of scenery."
Cana folded her arms.
"Well, that's settled."
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!"
The voice came from behind them.
Captain Arcadios approached, his armored boots striking the cobblestones. His expression was already strained, and he hadn't even reached the group yet.
"Your Highness! I must object. An unscheduled excursion outside the capital, to a public theatre filled with unvetted civilians and unfamiliar mages, is completely unacceptable!"
Hisui sighed.
"Captain, it's only three hours away. We're not leaving the kingdom."
"That is hardly the point!"
"We'll have an escort."
"An escort does not automatically eliminate the risks involved!"
Hisui thought for a moment.
Then her expression brightened.
"If I tell Father that Fairy Tail is coming with us, and that Kai will be there, he'll probably approve it."
Arcadios stopped.
He looked at the Princess.
Then at the flyer.
Then back at the Princess.
"...Director Sunveil will be providing security?"
"Yes!"
Arcadios closed his eyes.
For a few seconds, he said nothing.
"...I see. Then I shall prepare additional security arrangements."
Cana burst out laughing.
Mira covered her mouth, trying not to join her.
Hisui looked rather pleased with herself.
"Thank you, Captain."
"Please do not thank me yet, Your Highness. I haven't finished reading the security requirements."
He turned away, already looking as though he regretted the entire arrangement.
Mira folded the flyer neatly.
"Well, that leaves one problem."
Cana glanced at her.
"What?"
"We still have to convince Kai to leave his laboratory."
Juvia immediately stepped forward.
"Juvia will drag him out by her love if necessary!"
"Drag who out?"
The voice came from between Mira and Cana.
Neither of them had heard footsteps.
In fact, the speaker hadn't approached from the street at all.
He had simply appeared.
"GAAAAH!"
The reaction was immediate.
Cana jumped backwards, three explosive cards appearing between her fingers.
Arcadios's hand flew to his sword, the blade clearing its scabbard with a metallic clang.
Juvia whipped up a spinning torrent of water, while Hisui nearly jumped out of her shoes.
And standing in the middle of their little circle was Kai.
He was casually sipping from a pastel-colored fruit juice box.
His golden eyes moved from the drawn sword to the hovering cards, then to the water swirling around Juvia.
He blinked.
"...Well. That's welcoming."
Nobody answered.
Kai glanced at Mira, then noticed the flyer in her hand.
He reached over and plucked it from her fingers.
"What's this?"
Mira lowered her hands.
"An announcement for a theatre production in Onibus. Team Erza are apparently involved."
Kai looked down at the parchment.
His eyes moved across the headline.
Then the cast list.
He stopped.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Cana slowly lowered her cards.
"Well?"
Kai raised an eyebrow.
He read the names again, as though hoping he'd misunderstood something.
Then he lowered the flyer and took another sip of his juice.
"... What's with the fancy name?"
A faint, confused look appeared on his face.
"Also, why is the cat listed as a performer?"