(The next day starts as Dante gets up, gets dressed & checks his gear & equipment. While this happens, Karasu flies in on Dante's shoulder.)
Dante: You're back already? How does the weather look? Good enough for some traveling?
Karasu: Yes. I'd say the winds are good today. Does this mean you're finally ready to seek out your clan?
Dante: Indeed so. It's time. If I am to complete my hunt and finally put an end to that lying piece of scum, Mason and his stooge, Mori. It'll require a lot of power and knowledge to overcome the both of them. So, I say we go to the location Kura wrote in the note. Maybe something there can help me in my hunt.
Karasu: A question, Dante. Right now, you plan to seek out aid from your father's clan, but what's wrong with asking your brother or your old comrades?
Dante: We live in different worlds. They won't abide nor take favor in my methods. While I prefer to work alone, this is something that I must do on my own. Maybe there will come a time that I will need their help, but I won't ask until it's my only choice.
Karasu: Very well. Whenever you're ready to leave, say the word.
Dante: I'm ready now, so if you will.
(Just as Dante says this, Karasu transforms into their larger form.)
Dante: Alright, let's go.
(Dante hops onto Karasu back then flies away. Elsewhere in the Lockheart Kingdom, Ken enters the Royal Palace garden where Stephen sits alone lost in his thoughts.)
Ken: There you are, Stephen. I have been looking all over the kingdom for you.
Stephen: You must forgive me, Ken. I've been in no mood for much of anything as of late. Now, my time is spent wondering why?
Ken: I couldn't imagine what you and the Queen must be going through, but you cannot just stand idly by. I too, am just baffled by it all. Like what could make him join Mikael?
Stephen: It's the very same question that haunts my head. I can hear what people say and whispers in the streets. Of how uncertain they are after their beloved King turned his back and betrayed them. My father and Mori's actions has caused a rift between us and our people we live to protect.
Ken: Don't worry about that. We'll restore their faith in us once again in due time. Also, I've been meaning to ask you something. What exactly is the Queen going to do with the remaining members of Ragnarock?
Stephen: No clue yet.
Ken: Do you think she'll turn them over to the Grand Court?
Stephen: No. I think she'll like to speak with them before doing something like that.
Ken: You think she could convince them to fight for us? I mean, the people who they sided with killed their own members. That has got to be burning a hole in them right now.
Stephen: True. Perhaps you may be onto something. It could be tricky letting them free. I'm sure you felt the magnitude of their strength, Vincent and Azura. The Mara output from Berserkers is insane. It wouldn't be easy stopping them if they were to betray us.
Ken: You fought against her, Azura. She's that strong?
Stephen: Stronger than that. She was more than a test for me. Thankfully, I managed to survive. I hope not to ever have to face her again.
Ken: Have you heard from your brother?
Stephen: I haven't. And he's made it very clear that he doesn't want any contact between us. Even if I tried, I'm not sure how to reach him.
Ken: I say leave him be. He's been out of your life for seven years. I'm not even sure he even considers himself your brother. At least that's how he carries himself.
Stephen: Enough, Ken. Dante has his own issues that he has to deal with.
Ken: And that's my point! He's a free man now and we all knows that nothing but destruction and death follows that man. Giving him his freedom was a mistake.
Stephen: I believe you've made the some of your point. We don't know what he's up to or what he's involved in. I don't like it as much as you do, but when it comes down to it, Dante stands on the right side of things.
Ken: Do you truly believe that?
Stephen: I have to believe it, Ken. If not then I'll be forced once again to stand against him. Hopefully it doesn't come to that. I don't think I could handle losing both my father and younger brother.
Ken: But if it comes to that, I trust you'll make the right decision.
(As Stephen thinks deeply about Ken's words, a messenger from the Kitsugu clan comes and tells Ken that his mother requests his presence. As Ken leaves, Stephen gets up and decides to walk through the kingdom. After some time, Stephen comes across pastry shop.)
Stephen: Hi, how much for two of your strawberry rolls?
Shop Owner: Oh my, it's the Prince! Why it's on the house, my lord.
Stephen: No please, I don't mind paying.
Shop Owner: Oh. Well if I can't convince you, then I'll accept. I'll bake you two fresh ones. It won't take no less than a few minutes.
Stephen: Why thank you. Take your time, I'll be here.
(As Stephen says this, the baker goes to the back and begins working. While Stephen waits, he's greeted by someone unexpected.)
Anna: Well if it isn't the Prince of the Kingdom. Were you craving something sweet that you didn't have in the palace?
Stephen: Oh, I remember you.
Anna: Oh you do huh? You don't even know my name. Anna Grayson at your service.
Stephen: You wouldn't be related to the old mage, Liam Grayson, the one who owns a shop not to far from here?
Anna: Yes I am, in fact.
Stephen: To think someone so strong is also here in the kingdom. I think I'd like to meet your grandfather one day.
Anna: He's been away for some time, but he just returned this morning. If you ever have the time, just stop by the shop. I'm sure he'll be really excited to meet the Prince.
(Taken aback by Anna's offer, Stephen cannot help, but to smile.)
Stephen: I may just take you up on that.
(Rushing from the back kitchen, the baker comes out with Stephen's order.
Shop Owner: Here you are, my Lord. I hope you enjoy you them.
(Stephen immediately opens the bag and tries one of the strawberry rolls. Off of one bite, Stephen eyes lights up in delight.)
Stephen: Wow! Thank you. This is truly amazing.
(Stephen then gives the other to Anna, then she bites in.)
Anna: Mmm...And to think I always hated strawberries. You're right theses are great.
Shop Owner: Why thank you. To have the Prince enjoy my craft. This is truly my biggest honor.
(As the lady bows her head to Stephen, Kol, with a cold stare walks up to Stephen & Anna.)
Stephen: Kol?
Kol: How could you be eating sweets when the people who are responsible for attacking us are still out there?
Stephen: Do not misunderstand anything, Kol. My flame burns hots.
Kol: Then maybe you'll join me. Later tonight, come to my home. We'll discuss more there.
Stephen: I'll be there.
Kol: Good. I'll expect you.
(Kol walks away as quickly as he came.)