50. Clue

Welcome back, Lord Horus.

Hm? And why are you looking so happy?

Because everywhere I go, I hear Lord Horus has revived Gift of Waters so she could give me a gift!

As I am one of the parties involved, am I not permitted a little happiness?

So word got out, then?

Most likely from those two troopers.

I have got you a gift. But Gift of Waters requires a gift in return.

Have you got me one too?

A Gift of Waters themed dessert platter will arrive shortly. And my gift, Lord Horus?

Ah, you have bested me again. Look!

A pocket watch?

Do you like it?

It all depends on who is giving it. Since it is from you, Lord Horus, I like it.

Who needs dessert? Your smile is all I need to see.

Oh... yeah. About the Great Relic, I do know one thing about it.

What?!

Augustine.

The Empire?

Possibly, but possibly not.

You're not sure?

They have stolen many ancient texts from us over the years.

Who knows what secrets those texts might hold, concerning the Great Relic?

What kind of intel is that?!

Haha. A sage's words are never empty.

That's... what happened.

Does it... count as a lead?

I think it counts. It points to something Horus is concerned about...

...Which could be about the Great Relic, but it could also be about Rasparta.

Huh?

Horus knew that we were against Rasparta. As a response to the assassination plotted by Rasparta, Horus wants to create some trouble for Rasparta.

And we are the trouble.

Looks like Horus is working with us in a sense. If that's the case, then it's indeed worth paying the Empire a visit.

It's all because of you, rookie. You saved Horus from Rasparta and earned her trust.

Does that even count as saving her...

Now that you've found a lead, I'll fulfill my promise!

Huh? What promise?

Didn't I say if you find a lead, I'll make you the squad leader?

It wasn't a joke?!

Of course not!

But what about Captain Sova? I'm not capable of it...

In fact, it was Sova who suggested this.

Why?

I used to be like you, a lone ranger who advanced without caring about others.

So I think you should be the captain to help you think more from a team perspective.

But what if I make a wrong decision?

Then you'll be responsible for the mistakes!

(Gasp)

Are Eriri and Snezhana okay with that?

Hey! Why are you all eating?!

Oh... I don't mind.

￥%#@%... & (Chewing)

Swallow what's in your mouth first, okay?

Anyway, look forward to working with you, Captain.

Well... Argh... My pleasure...