[h1]Rider[/h1]

“Hmm, now that you mention it, I suppose that wouldn’t be too far-fetched. I was never terribly familiar with the people of the Far East… there was the issue with the trade envoy of co-”

Catherine cut herself off, caught a bit off guard by the next comment. She turned back toward Naoko, looking at her with a vague mix of curiosity, understanding, and something else.

“Yes, right. A Magus family wouldn’t. It’d be something more akin to… a business relationship I suppose. A means to move forward.”

There was a slight, almost unnoticeable venom behind Rider’s words, which she promptly disguised with an eye roll and a shrug as she sat down and began adjusting the driver’s seat. 

“Oh, right! I’ll need a very low-key sort of outfit for this… hmm…”

Rider’s humble apron-centric work attire was replaced in a shower of colorful sparks by an all-black outfit consisting of a wool beanie, a cashmere turtleneck, skinny jeans, and designer combat boots. The Gucci shades also made a reappearance, of course. Holding a hand over the passenger seat, Sophie conjured up a matching beanie and shades for her Master.

“It is important that we match for this. Outfit synchronization is crucial to success.”

Rider turned the key, a genuine smile crossing her lips as the truck shuffled to life. This would be her first experience driving in the modern era, and she intended to make the most of it.

“Don’t worry about that. I have no desire for any outright confrontation with them, not yet at least.”

When Naoko gave the go-ahead, Rider’s hand snapped the gear shift into reverse and the Winter Palace screeched dramatically into the street. In an instant the vehicle was shifted into drive and whipping around the narrow streets of Boston. Rider giggled enthusiastically as they sped toward their destination.

“You know, Master, I was a bit disappointed with being summoned as a Rider, but I do believe I’m starting to take a liking to it!”

The tires of the Winter Palace spun furiously, the humble food truck now radiating with determination and purpose.