After half an hour of back-and-forth, Bella and Wern finally decided on the best course of action. They had taken into account Lowminer presence, proximity to other Lowminer suppliers, travel timeframe and distance.

"Cardinal Steel supply route it is then." Wern sat back, sighing tiredly.

Bella nodded. "This is definitely the best choice all things considered. How soon we can leave?"

Wern considered her question for a second. "The next supply dispatch is in an hour so."

"That's perfect!" Bella's eyes lit up.

"I suggest waiting for a bit." Rui interjected. "You can hire a few more Martial Apprentice bodyguards to protect you during the journey." The mission range limit prevented him from joining her anyway, so Rui didn't have to worry about sharing credit, he would get paid his share regardless.

Bella nodded. "That's a good idea." She turned to Wern. "Can you help me with the mission funds Uncle? I'll repay you after I consolidate my position."

Wern smiled warmly. "Don't worry about it. You'll be travelling by yourself after all. I wouldn't want to repeat you getting almost caught by Lowminer gangs without a bodyguard in a dingy little inn like last time. I care for you too much." He said affectionately.

Bella laughed as she dove to hug Wern. "I love you so much uncle! Thank you."

"Oh careful! I'm an old man you know." Earning more laughter from Bella.

Rui couldn't help but smile at the warm scene.

Yet, suddenly, he felt an ominous chill.

('Wait a minute.') His face froze as he shuddered as though he'd seen a ghost.

"Hm." Bella noticed. "What's wrong?"

as he turned to Wern, sizing

man?" Wern asked with sharp

do you know...?" Rui gulped before continuing. "How do you know Bella was

Oh that." Wern replied a little too quickly. "Bella mentioned that

did not." Rui firmly denied. "She only mentioned the number of times we'd been

on to Rui's drift. She turned

the fifteen men beat up by a Martial Artist has

how you knew

"Bella! He doesn't know what he's talking about.

SLAP

through the room as Bella swung with everything. Tears streamed down

this company is EVERYTHING to me. You think I'm going to sacrifice my life's work for the daughter of the man who caused all this mess?" He spat. "I TOLD Karl to not mess with Lowminers. That he'd die for it. Did he listen to

scrunched in

the Lowminers." Bella

I thought it was too late for me. But they offered me a

with them for the capture

"Among other things."

large amount of control over supply routes and chains all over Hajin and between Hajin and Laxus, Wern was in a position that was of great utility to the Lowminers. Even if the Lowminers didn't predict that Bella

we're here?" Rui

"..."

said..." Rui grabbed him and used Vital Pressure

"AAAAAAGHH"

know we're

told me to stall for a

Wern out with a well-placed chop to the neck. "Fuck!" Rui cursed.

lifted her and sprinted out the

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