Unlike the prosperous Tessi Province, as the capital of Marley, the entire city was shrouded in the shadow of war.
Most of the train station was filled with soldiers in white military uniforms. Batch after batch of soldiers boarded the trains, and most of them wore silver armbands on their arms, marking their identity—Eldian troops.
However, the expressions on these Eldian soldiers' faces were not very good. Clearly, the terrible situation at the front lines had already reached their ears.
Yago raised the collar of his trench coat, covering half his face. He stepped off the train and glanced back at his unarmed compatriots. It was said to be a tradition of the Marleyan army—only upon reaching the battlefield would weapons be issued to the Eldian troops.
No one knew how many of these Eldian compatriots would die in the war between Marley and the Middle Easterners. Yago's heart sank slightly. Lowering the brim of his hat, he kept his head down and left the train station of Marley's capital.
There were not many pedestrians on the streets, but after all, it was still the capital of Marley. Though cloaked in the shadow of war, faint traces of pride could still be seen on the faces of the Marleyans. Perhaps in their eyes, Marley was still the same Marley that once dominated the world.
He raised a hand to stop a carriage. After getting in, the driver enthusiastically asked Yago where he was headed, and Yago briefly gave the name of a place.
With a crack of the whip, the not-so-spacious carriage began to move.
Automobiles had only just started to become popular. For most people, they were still accustomed to riding the traditional carriage, so it had not yet been replaced by the faster and more convenient car. However, with the development of technology, its replacement was only a matter of time.
Sitting in the gently swaying carriage, Yago closed his eyes.
Ramzi's family was extremely warm. Yago visited them under the pretext of thanking Ramzi for helping him recover his precious Lute gold.
Those kind and hospitable people immediately brought out their best food and wine to entertain Yago and his companions. Though they would never indulge in such things on ordinary days, to them, guests were the most precious of all.
Their hospitality caught Yago somewhat off guard. After forcing himself to drink three bowls of grape wine and becoming friends with Ramzi's family, Yago finally stated his purpose. He hoped they could do him a favor—he wished for Annie to stay with them for a period of time. Of course, Yago would pay compensation.
Unexpectedly, Ramzi's family agreed without hesitation. Ramzi's grandfather even said that no payment was needed—being able to help a friend was enough. He only hoped their humble living conditions would not be despised.
That made Yago somewhat embarrassed. In the end, he insisted on leaving behind a modest sum of money before feeling at ease. Any more than that, and Ramzi's family simply would not accept it.
He could only wait until he resolved the matters in Marley's capital before making further plans.
"Sir, we've arrived." The driver's voice pulled Yago back to reality. After paying the fare, Yago stood before his destination.
An inconspicuous grocery store. Yago took a slip of paper from his coat pocket, glanced at it, and then walked inside.
A bell hung on the door, ringing crisply as he entered. Then he heard a lazy voice: "Tobacco and alcohol on the left shelf, daily necessities on the right shelf. Due to special circumstances, prices are slightly increased. No credit."
Yago turned his head and saw a blond young man sitting behind the counter near the door, legs propped up on the countertop, looking quite at ease.
If not for Yelena's introduction, Yago would never have guessed this grocery store was a contact point for their Marleyan Volunteers.
Placing the slip of paper on the counter, Yago said, "Yelena introduced me here."
The moment those words were spoken, the leisurely young man sprang up as if loaded with a spring, grabbed the note, and stared at it wide-eyed.
After a moment, as if transformed into a different person, he plastered a smile across his face and rubbed his hands nervously in front of Yago.
"I'm terribly sorry. It's just been too long since I've had contact with fellow Volunteers. Is this an order from Yelena? What do you need me to do?"
The blond youth looked at Yago expectantly, clearly excited about having a task to complete. Lying around in this grocery store every day had bored him stiff.
Seeing his excitement, Yago did not know whether to laugh or cry.
"I need a pass that allows entry and exit to the Liberio internment zone. Is that possible?"
"Liberio? The Eldians' area? Hmm… no problem! Easy!" The young man slapped his forehead and hurried toward the back of the store.
After some time, the young man returned, face covered in dust, holding a small blue booklet.
"This is it. Before the war broke out, Marleyans could come and go freely. But you know—war. So inspections have tightened again. This pass is used to enter and leave the Liberio internment zone."
Yago nodded. "Alright, thank you." Just as he turned to leave, he stopped, his expression slightly unnatural as he turned back and asked,
"Can you help me look up someone and his residence?"
The blond youth patted his chest confidently.
"Of course! Don't worry—if you wanted to know what time the Marleyan marshal goes to the bathroom, I could find that too. When Wick handles something, you can rest easy."
Looking at Wick's confident expression, Yago did not know what to say.
"Please help me investigate a Marleyan noble named Ebson Louis. I'd appreciate it."
"Ebson Louis? Sounds familiar. Don't worry, give me two days." Wick thought for a moment before giving his promise.
"Thank you." Yago finally let out a sigh of relief. For him to search for Doctor Ebson's whereabouts alone in Marley's capital would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
But when he thought of Annie's final request, Yago could only apologize silently in his heart. There were too many secrets surrounding Doctor Ebson. Yago had to uncover them.
His gaze unintentionally drifted to a neatly arranged row of grape wine and cigars inside the grocery store. Yago fell into thought for a while.
...
Liberio internment zone. Marleyan police with rifles slung over their backs stood at the entrance.
Yago arrived at the Liberio internment zone carrying two bottles of Marley's famous grape wine and several boxes of cigars.
After handing over his pass for inspection, the police officer raised his hand to signal that he could proceed.
Yago pressed down the brim of his hat and stepped into the Liberio internment zone. Looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings before him, memories from childhood suddenly surged into his mind.
Taking a deep breath, Yago lifted his head, his expression complicated as he said, "I'm back."
Carrying the gifts prepared for Mr. Leonhart, Yago suddenly felt a strange flutter of nervousness in his heart.
"Why am I nervous?" (Author: Nervous about meeting your future father-in-law? (?w??))