Cerden definitely understood why the one called Ace distrusted him. If Cerden were the kid, he would distrust someone who just appeared out of nowhere and didn’t say but a single word until the danger that presented itself to him was gone. Even while one of the females spoke in Cerden’s defense, that didn’t change the attitude that Ace had towards Cerden at the moment. Perhaps if Cerden had introduced himself and explained himself first and not simply state that the machines were created by his brother, then maybe the first impression would be different. However, that was neither here nor there.

When the youth spoke to Cerden about giving him a reason to trust him and not walk away. Cerden eyed Ace for a few seconds. He had to give the kid his kudos for not being stupid. Cerden could definitely tell that this kid was the leader of the Unbound Hearts. He could also tell that for the Unbound Hearts to be a real threat to the Empire, he would have to be a good leader, one who his friends respect and at the same time, probably fear. Of course, it was probably the former more than the latter. 

Smiling, Cerden spoke. [b]“I like you, Ace.”[/b] Cerden said. [b]“You’re not one to trust strangers so easily and I can definitely tell why you Unbound Hearts are a threat to the Empire. The fact that Nomis had to spread that phony propaganda is absolute proof of that.” [/b]Cerden said to Ace, but he cleared his throat once. [b]“I’m getting off topic.”[/b] Cerden said, [b]“I can help you and your friends. I know a great deal about how those machines work and I can tell you how you can defeat them.”[/b] Cerden told Ace and the other teens.