" ...trust me. It was a whole lot worse when she was the crown princess.
Once we handle the roots of the problem, they should somewhat stop all together. There are only so many fools in the world, after all. "

Lowell Brichalles
"You'd be very surprised, kid.
Anyways, I intended to wait a day or so to rest, but I find my sword arm getting very restless the more I stay cooped up in this palace. If you have no other arrangements for the day, we can set forth at your leisure."

He nodded. " let us depart, then. The faster we secure this information, the faster we can stop this impending threat. "

Lowell Brichalles
"We'll have to be cautious to avoid any direct confrontations. I will not be fighting at my full strength, but at least it will be much easier for me to actually use my magic properly."
He gave Gallagher a nod.

"Lead the way. I want to be done with this."

He turned to the wall, easily climbing it and landing on the other side. He then began walking, not waiting for Lowell.

Lowell Brichalles
..Well, there was the first problem..
It took him significantly longer to scale up, lacking his familiar claws. It was strange to think much about, but he was beginning to find himself pining for the change even during the day just for the utility of it all.

He finally caught back up with Gallagher after a couple minutes of struggle, just shaking his head.

"Please refrain from getting yourself so far ahead I have no means of helping you if you get yourself into anything serious. Though I suppose I'm just being a nuisance at this point and slowing you down."
He added with a laugh and sighed.

"You were probably doing just fine without me, but I know the Empress would be devastated if anything were to happen to you, especiallly under my watch."

" I doubt she would be devastated. We may have...grown closer than a usual employer/employee relationship, but the most she would be is...dissapointed. " he said. He didn't stop walking as they approached the wall that surrounded the capital.

Lowell Brichalles
"I'm not convinced. You are the only man who would willingly give 100% of his time, energy, and life to her Majesty. She took you in despite her own grievances with other men and despite any trouble your presence may have caused her to both her life or reputation, she continues to keep you in her service. I'm not implying it is something of deep affection, perhaps more of pity. But there is no denying that she feels something for you."

He started on his way up the wall, pulling himself up and over.

" You would be surprised at how those words could hurt her reputation even more. " he said, following him up the wall. " And...it would be best if we left the classification of her...feelings...towards me as pity. There have already been several questions about her chastity with me by her side. Not that any of the noblemen wanting to marry her care. " He quickly began heading down the wall, jumping down at the midway point and gracefully landing on the otherside.

Lowell Brichalles
"May be blasphemous for me to say, but I say let them talk. She's free to do what she pleases. Ultimately it is the Empress' decision to pick to a suitor and from what I've seen she is more than happy to take her time with such a matter. Quite admirable, actually."

He continued forward now that Gallagher had made it over the other side of the wall.

"She's more than proven her capabilities and influence time and time again. It's almost as if she feels she has nothing left to prove to anyone."