Right now, it was a race against time. The sun was already dipping toward the horizon, shadows stretching long across the streets. Trafalgar needed to find Barth before it got too late. If Barth went to bed early, dragging him out would be a hassle, and this wasn't the kind of night for delays.
He made his way quickly to the station and hopped on the train headed for the academy. Coincidentally, Aubrelle was on the same ride, seated a few meters ahead—in the section for people with money.
'It's her again,' Trafalgar thought as he stepped through the doorway into her carriage. 'I still don't know exactly who the Rosenthals are… but if she was at the Council, she's got to be from a wealthy, powerful family.'
She was easy to spot, sitting with perfect posture, a pale bird resting in her hands. The little creature stared up at her, occasionally making soft sounds. Trafalgar recognized it instantly. Pipin.
