Trafalgar sat at the table with Arden and Marella. Garrika soon joined them, her black hair tied into a messy ponytail, curiosity written across her face.
She tilted her head at her grandfather. "Grandpa, why do you look so serious? Did something happen?"
Arden exhaled slowly, his expression grim as he turned to Trafalgar. "The boy needs materials. Rare ones. But they're not so easy to get." He tapped the list lying on the table. "You bought this place knowing it would help with things like this… but right now we're stretched thin. The renovations are swallowing time, and with Ronan's injury, we can't afford to take risks."
Trafalgar leaned back in his chair, saying nothing at first. His eyes narrowed slightly, thoughts drifting elsewhere. 'I don't necessarily need them right this moment. And besides… the Veiled Woman. I don't know where she is but she told me my fate is already written… meaning our paths will cross again, whether I like it or not.'
