Egghead

(I combined two chapters into one. Going to sleep now.)

This time, Swain did not refuse. If Dragon said they were friends, then they were friends.

They both understood, though, that this was a personal friendship. It did not extend to their two factions.

"Would you like to stay for a meal before you leave?" Dragon asked.

Koala covered her mouth in surprise. Dragon rarely invited outsiders to eat with them. That was usually a privilege reserved for senior members of the Revolutionary Army.

"I'm headed for Egghead, which isn't on your route," Swain said slowly. "And I'm pressed for time."

"We have enough time. Whether it's on the way is something we can discuss." Dragon remained composed, a faint smile in his eyes.

Swain thought for a moment. "All right."

The two left, surrounded by the others.

Koala was still confused. When it came to her work, she could do the job of ten people.

But when it came to politics, she was hopeless.

She hurriedly caught Sabo before he could leave. "Hey! Wait!"

Sabo looked at her helplessly. "What is it?"

She liked spending time with Sabo whenever she could, and sometimes lost her temper at him because he was so clueless about her feelings.

Koala pouted. "What's with that attitude?"

Sabo was used to her getting angry. "Come on, tell me. I still have things to do."

"What were Dragon and that Emperor talking about?"

"Dragon doesn't usually ask people to stay for dinner," she said gravely.

The expression on her face was rather exaggerated.

"Oh, that." Sabo explained, "They probably have something to discuss."

Only after the two had gone some distance did he lower his voice.

"Swain actually turned Dragon down. Saying Egghead wasn't on his route was his way of saying he didn't want