Red Lotus's missions were usually carried out in the farthest frontiers, not in the Empire's capital. The reason was, well, probably because of Sharmia in the end. If she were to notice and stop whatever they did, they needed to act in a distant place to at least delay her reaction.
Because of that, they didn't have a specific base, but it still took several days of travel to reach the capital region.
"... Can't we just meet separately?"
"Of course not."
The journey had to be made with Thousand Bloods and his group. I looked at Thousand Bloods, who sighed and gave a faint smile, and then at the ten or so horses following behind him. Unlike when I saw them at the pavilion, they were much more taciturn, as if they had steeled their resolve.
Seeing that all their gazes were fixed on me, I wondered if this 'test' of theirs included this journey as well.
"H-Haryu... they're staring at me scarily..."
"Don't mind them. They're looking for a reaction."
I gave a curt reply to Damyu, who was riding precariously beside me, and spurred my horse onward. My intention was partly to leave them behind, but Thousand Bloods easily caught up, unfolded a map without holding the reins, and let out a groan.