In the second month of autumn, Runa could no longer wait. Kievskaya still had not replied, and Runa grew restless. She decided to go to Kievskaya to pull the strings directly.
"I'll come with you," Ernest volunteered.
"You should stay here in case things suddenly move. We need you to take immediate action when the time comes," Runa declined his offer.
"But–"
Niels stepped up as if this was the moment he'd been waiting for. His face glowed, and he tried so hard to hide his smile. It must be exhilarating that he finally found something he could do. "I'll come with her. I will ensure her safety."
Perhaps Runa thought that being close to her would be safer compared to being left alone here, because who knew what Niels might do when no one controlled him. She agreed to take him with her. This decision didn't sit well with Ernest, who sulked openly for everyone to see.
