[center]
[color=#736AFF][b][h1]Ranbu no Izayoi[/h1][/b][/color]
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In all honesty, Izayoi was more than surprised that this situation wasn't about to end in violence. For a moment, she found herself disappointed. She wouldn't have blamed Galahad a single whit should he have decided to heed his father's call, but it seemed sense won out in the end. 

Still, the fact that the remainder of their party set themselves against Artorias did bring some measure of reassurance to Izayoi. Well, Arton did, at least. Eliane was simply insisting on making a nuisance of herself. Given that Izayoi wasn't the host, nor did she care about offending the aforementioned, it wasn't her problem. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"If you insist."[/b][/color] She nodded in response to the dragoon's words, following him as the party made to leave. Her night wasn't quite over yet, if Galahad's insistence was any indication, but at least she wouldn't be spending any more of it in such intolerable company. 

___

The lodge was well-furnished and empty, resembling a knight's chapterhouse more than any hunter's home of the sort. Rich tapestries and dragon skull trophies aligned the walls, with plenty of lighting by way of candles and lanterns. By the time Eliane checked her effects, she would find a note on her person that certainly hadn't been there at any point in time she'd noticed before. On inspection, it opened to reveal the Skaelian royal insignia, along with SEED's emblem. It read:

[quote][i]Dame Commander Laruelle,

Destroy this message upon reading its contents. For the duration of your operation, you are under SEED's purview. This will be forwarded to Overseer Baramoux at the earliest possible time. Your orders are as follows:

Every single one of your companions is of interest to the security of the Skaelian crown. If you find actionable intelligence upon any of them that would be of detriment to Skael, it is your duty to report such. Of particular note is the mercenary referred to as Arton Yule. Any discrepancies regarding him are of highest priority to call in. 
[/i][/quote]

Following the directive was a detailed set of instructions regarding where to send information by courier and by what channels. At the end, the command to destroy the message upon memorizing it was issued again.

[@Click This]

___

By the next morning's dawn, Goug waited for the party in the lodge's common room, lifting a mug of coffee with both his hands. 

[b]"Top of the morning, kupo! There's staff with breakfast out shortly, then we ought to be on the road again. Just let me know when you want us to set off, kupo."[/b]