It has now been a month since Karen had that meeting with the Headmasters as she was preparing to head out to the Academy with her designated Bullhead. As she was about to head out, she was stopped by Rin.

Rin: "Commander."

She turned to look at Rin.

Karen: "What is it Sergeant?"

Rin: "I really don't like the idea of you working at the Academy, but I can't stop you. So I wish you the best of luck, Commander."

Karen smiled lightly, walking up to him as she put her right hand on his shoulder, pulling him into a hug. The two enjoyed the silence as they technically saw each other like siblings under the same banner. They broke apart shortly after as she still smiled.

Karen: "Make sure to hold the fort while I'm gone. Though I don't know the exact details on when I will return. So Nedranna will also be in your care."

Rin: "Understood Commander."

Karen then went into the Bullhead, with it taking off to the Academy's direction. However we now cut to a town that is more of a port-like settlement. It is relatively large in size as people tend to travel here to have access to the open waters of the sea, though another reason why this place is so popular is because this town is where most of the new students of the Union Academy travel to in preparations for transportation to the Academy itself. This town is known as Rōtasu, which directly translates to "Lotus".

This town is relatively beautiful as the hills cover the town. Though a Bullhead has landed within the town, leaving some of its citizens rather taken aback, then someone steps out from the Bullhead, revealing it to be the one and only heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, Weiss Schnee.

She rather enjoyed the cool breeze that the port provides as closed her eyes, breathing in the fresh air. Her hair was swaying to the side, then her personal servant then came out with her luggage.

A. Servant: "Miss Schnee... I do apologize if I am interrupting your peaceful time, but why are we here in Rōtasu ma'am..?"

Weiss: "In case servants like you aren't aware, this port is one of the many pickup points to the Academy. It is really annoying that they wouldn't just let me go there a day early. Even if the semester is going to begin in two days, I want to be there before everyone else. Thus, this is the closest pickup point. Now come along, we got to find a nice place to stay."

The servant then sighed while following the young heiress around with her luggage. Weiss was looking around at the markets as they were selling mostly fish meat and traditional fishing equipment. She somehow liked the atmosphere here in comparison to back home, but she didn't let that overwhelm her calm demeanour at the moment. Though her trail of thoughts came to an end when she spotted a place she could stay at for the time being, with her planning to dismay her servant. 

The building had a sign saying the Lazy Frog. It sounds really stupid according to her, but it does look like a place to stay for the time being, so she sucked it up, turning to her servant.

Weiss: "Well then, you can hand me the luggage and you can return to the Bullhead. Best you head back so my dearest father can get the idea that I am safe."

A. Servant: "Of course ma'am.."

The servant then gave her the luggage as the servant began walking away, making her sigh as she then enters the building. Interestingly enough, she could spot out an obvious thing about this place, which was that this appeared to be a tavern floor of sorts.

The place was a bit lively at the moment as she walked up to the bartender. The bartender noticed her as she was recognizable almost immediately.

Bartender: "Oh? What is a Schnee doing in my establishment? I didn't know I was that popular today."

The bartender was a man who seemed to be rather fashionable as he seemed sophisticated in his crafts.

Weiss: "Well you're not. I've never heard of your establishment. May I know the name of the individual that owns this establishment?"

Roberu: "Sure thing milady. I'm Roberu Yukoku, just refer to me as Roberu. What can I get for you today miss?"

Weiss: "You see, I have been looking for a place to stay for the time being. This was the first place I saw, so do you have rooms available?"

Roberu: "Why we do indeed. That would be about one hundred Lien."

Weiss: "Not that bad of a price, I'll take it."

She then gives the amount of Lien she needed to give as he then pockets it away.

Roberu: "Great, I might as well show you to your room miss Schnee."

Roberu then goes around the counter, grabbing her luggage for her as he began guiding her through the building. In truth, this establishment as about four floors. The first floor is mainly for the tavern. As for the other three floors, those are for guests as Roberu's mindset was to create a liveable space for a lot of guests to come on by to rest up and hunker down a bit. 

So he guided her to one of the best rooms of his establishment since he is well aware of the Schnee name. The room looked rather fancy for an establishment that didn't seem quite appealing at the start. So when he put her luggage on her bed, he then stood by the door allowing Weiss to get the feeling of the room first.

Roberu: "What do you think? Is this to your liking?"

Weiss: "It is... strangely perfect. Though I wasn't expecting this when I came into your establishment."

Roberu: "Oh I get that all the time. Feel free to come down to talk if you need anything from me alright?"

Weiss: "Sure thing."

Roberu then closed the door behind himself as Weiss was left alone in her room. She then sat on the bed, thinking on what to do for the time being until the next morning, but she can't really come up with anything as she laid flat on the bed, realizing how comfortable this bed is.

Weiss: "Huh, even comfortable bedding. I guess I should give him more on the way out tomorrow..."

She pondered that as she plans her next move. We then cut to the other side of Rōtasu as we see two particular individuals walking the streets. For some reason, they seemed to be lost as they haven't been to this port town before. 

One of them is a boy with brown hair and green eyes, though he feels rather bummed out as he doesn't know anything about this town. His name is Tatsumi.

Tatsumi: "Uh Mine... Are you sure this is where Najenda said we should be..?"

He asked his travelling companion who had pink hair and pink eyes, though she was a bit angry at Tatsumi as he had asked her the same question a few times already. Her name is Mine.

Mine: "For the last time, YES I AM SURE YOU IDIOT!"

She shouted at him with no remorse as she needed to get him to shut up. He winced in pain, rubbing the one side of his ear a bit, feeling like he might become deaf off of that.

Tatsumi: "Oww... That hurt.."

Mine: "She told us to be in Rōtasu to be prepared for the ride to the Academy which will only come here tomorrow."

Tatsumi then remembered the exact reason why they needed to be in Rōtasu. In truth, they are part of a group known as Night Raid, which is seen as a terrorist group by the people of Union all because of the twisted lies that the Empire spreads about them. The reason why the two of them along with their other members haven't been caught yet is because of the fact that no one knows who is actually part of Night Raid. This secret has been kept for a long time since no one could really catch them in the act. 

Night Raid has been known to assassinate high ranking officials, though mostly targeting rich people who has been part of the corrupt portions of the Empire. The main reason why Tatsumi and Mine are out in Rōtasu is because of the fact that their leader known as Najenda managed to get them listed into joining this year of first year students for the Academy roster. Their main mission is to get inside the Academy, play along and send information back to their HQ.

Though what made these two special is because of the fact that these two have Imperial Arms, so they would be classed as Specialists if they complete their three years. Which can also give them access to most information that the Empire may have.

Tatsumi: "I get it now... I don't think I need to be shouted at again.."

Mine then sighs, not really having it today with Tatsumi's antics. Yet they continued looking around, trying to find something to do for the time being until they saw someone doing acrobatics from rooftop to rooftop. This was obviously suspicious for Mine as she immediately took off leaving Tatsumi behind in the dust, not being able to understand what was going on.

Tatsumi: "W-Wait Mine! Where are you going!?"

Mine didn't say anything as Tatsumi followed not too far behind as Mine continued going through some of the alleys until she spotted the person land on the ground. The figure stood up, looking around as she seemed to sigh as she rubs the back of her neck, thinking she must be lost or something. Mine and Tatsumi were in the alley as they hid.

Tatsumi: "Why were we chasing her..?"

Mine: "Because she seemed rather suspicious and I would like to see who she is."

Tatsumi: "Well, why don't we go up to her and have a civil talk?"

Mine: "Are you crazy?"

They both then looked at the figure as she was looking at a piece of paper that seemed to be an advertisement flier.

Tatsumi: "Look, she might be lost as well."

Mine: "I still think this is a terrible idea."

Tatsumi: "Well, your loss."

Tatsumi then exited from hiding as Mine tried to stop him but failed. She then sighed, thinking that she might as well follow along. Tatsumi cleared his throat.

Tatsumi: "Hey there!"

The figure turned around to look at the two, revealing herself. She had black hair along with yellow eyes, though she was wearing a bow.

???: "Can I help you?"

Tatsumi: "We apologise for just barging in, but I can tell you're lost."

The girl raised an eyebrow, confused on what Tatsumi was getting at, but when she looked at Mine, she could tell there is something up with them. Though she can also tell that they aren't meaning any harm towards her, making her rather glad that these Humans are at least being able to co-operate.

???: "Well yes I am. Do you know where the tavern establishment known as the Lazy Frog is?"

Tatsumi raised his hand to his chin, thinking really carefully, though he couldn't recognize the name. So he turned to Mine, hoping that she knows.

Mine: "What? You expecting me to know when it is our first time here?"

Tatsumi: "Oh come on Mine. We're just trying to help her out here."

The two were about to break into a squabble, but the girl interrupted.

???: "I do apologize, but I'm guessing you two don't know where it is?"

Mine: "No, we don't."

Tatsumi: "But since we do need a place to rest, how about we go with you and search for it?"

Mine: "Are you serious?"

Tatsumi: "Mine, just go along with it."

Tatsumi was trying to get Mine to follow along, but Mine eventually gave in just to follow along with Tatsumi's plan.

Mine: "Fine..."

Tatsumi: "See. We can come with you and search for the place."

???: "Thank you."

Tatsumi: "It is not a problem at all. May we know your name?"

Blake: "Blake."

Tatsumi: "A pleasure to meet you Blake, I'm Tatsumi and this is my dear friend Mine."

It somehow felt agonizing for him to say his dear friend since he has only been around her for a short period of time. He knows that he has reached tolerable levels, but nothing too great. 

Tatsumi: "So with the introductions out of the way, let's get going shall we?"

Tatsumi then began leading the charge with Mine following close behind, sighing as she walked slowly behind him. Blake was just honestly confused about him, but however he was the first person who showed genuine kindness to her, so she followed close behind as well, seeing where this will go.

We then cut to another part of Rōtasu where it seemed to be where most of the Dust shops were along with some weapon shops. There was a young girl who seemingly kept going in between the stores, mostly the weapon ones as her eyes sparkled with joy and delight, finding all of these strange and fascinating weapons so majestic to her own eyes. This silver eyed girl is none other than Ruby Rose.

Ruby: "Wow! All these fantastic weapons! I wonder how others are able to wield such curious tools! Oh how I can imagine!"

She was getting really giddy as she could fantasize all these different weapons, but she stopped as she was picked up by the hood, being lift into the air. The girl who was picking her up had long yellow hair and purple eyes. This is Ruby's older sister, Yang Xiao Long.

Yang: "Ruby, do you have to gush over every weapon you see on display?"

She asked her little sister in a curious manner. Though Ruby pouted as she was squirming to get free.

Ruby: "Can't I just love other weapons besides my own?"

Yang: "And what's wrong with your Crescent Rose?"

Ruby: "I love my weapon the most obviously since I designed it myself, but seeing the intricacies of other weapons just look so cool!"

Yang then sighed, putting her sister down so that they could continue their walk. Honestly, she was relatively tired since they have spent a few hours travelling from town to town to reach this port town. Though there was one thing Yang couldn't help but wonder...

Yang: "Say Ruby, have you noticed any strange... people?"

Ruby: "How so?"

Yang: "I'm not too sure, but from the previous town we were at, I saw some strange people there... Don't know if they belonged to a group or they're just weirdos... But I'm sure it might be just my imagination."

Ruby: "Yang, you love to go to clubs anyways. So that mindset might be the thing clouding your mind."

Yang: "Huh, maybe you're right. Right now however we need a place to rest, my body's killing me. I left my bike on the outskirts of this town so I'll go and bring it tomorrow."

Ruby: "Okay! Off we go!"

Ruby was still energetic and filled with positivity, which honestly makes Yang wonder why her sister is always so positive, but she honestly hopes that side of Ruby never changes...

Back with Weiss, she was walking out of her room, traversing to the first floor tavern as she noticed Roberu waving goodbye to some customers. She felt like this was the opportunity to thank him properly.

Weiss: "Say Roberu..."

Roberu: "Yes miss Schnee?"

Weiss: "Thank you for allowing me to rest here by the way. The bed is rather comfortable. So I would like to pay you even more than you charged."

Roberu was a little confused on why she would want to pay more. To him, this was like giving a larger tip.

Roberu: "I don't think that is necessary miss Schnee. I would rather stick to the regular prices."

Weiss: "Well then, mind if I relax here a bit?"

Roberu: "Of course. Make yourself comfortable since things are slowing down."

Weiss then stopped midway as she was about to get a seat at a table. The main reason she stopped before reaching the table was because she heard the words, "slowing down".

Weiss: "What do you mean slowing down?"

Roberu: "Well, to be honest this establishment once belonged to someone else. I bought it off of their hands, invested into it and it was rather successful during the beginning, but as time went on... The business slowed down. So if I'm unable to pay on the deadline, I might have to shut this place down. It's a shame really..."

Roberu was showing genuine sadness in his voice, but Weiss then smiled, coming up with something on the spot.

Weiss: "Say, what were to happen if I were to talk to people back at Union City to advertise your establishment?"

Roberu was rather surprised by this sudden gesture of help. 

Roberu: "You really mean it miss Schnee?"

Weiss: "I don't see why not. Besides, a place with potential being demolished would be wasted potential. So as soon as I can get into contact with my sister, I might be able to get something done."

Roberu: "I see... Thank you miss Schnee. If that is out of your own volition, go for it."

Weiss then sat down at the table she wanted to sit at, but shortly afterwards, she noticed three people enter the establishment. It was Tatsumi, Mine and Blake.

Roberu: "Hello there! How can I help you three today?"

Tatsumi looked around, seeing this place to be somewhat pricy, though Mine wouldn't mind as she was the one to ask first.

Mine: "Does this place have guest rooms?"

Roberu: "Why indeed we do. For three separate rooms, that would be one hundred Lien each."

Tatsumi: "W-Wait... one hundred Lien... each..?"

Roberu: "Yes. Is that a problem young lad?"

Blake: "I think we can manage with that."

Blake then suddenly pulled out a pouch as she gave it to Roberu. He checked how much was inside and it appeared to be about three hundred Lien on the dot.

Roberu: "Well then, your rooms will be upstairs. I'm Roberu Yukoku by the way, but just call me Roberu."

Tatsumi: "T-Thank you... Roberu.."

Tatsumi was slightly broken, making Blake tilt her head a bit in confusion at the broken Tatsumi, though Mine then began pushing him.

Mine: "Okay Tatsumi, let's go!"

She then began dragging him upstairs to find their rooms, while Blake decided to stay downstairs in the tavern for a bit. 

Blake: "Excuse me Roberu..."

Roberu: "Yes miss?"

Blake: "This may be a port town, but do you know anything about local struggles?"

Roberu: "Well, this place is rather peaceful at this time of year, so no worries miss. Well I guess you could try to make a new friend who is just sitting right over there."

He then gestures towards Weiss, who Blake somehow recognizes immediately. Weiss was looking at Blake, trying to tell if there is anything worthy of noting. Blake then simply walks up to Weiss's table, greeting her.

Blake: "Hello, I'm Blake."

Before Weiss could say anything, Blake speaks again.

Blake: "You're Weiss Schnee. Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company."

Weiss: "Oh wow, two people recognize me that easily? I'm glad I am well known."

Blake: "Though your Company does tend to have questionable business partners."

Weiss simply then sighs, rolling her eyes.

Weiss: "Well yes, but I am not the one in charge of that now am I?"

Blake: "No."

Weiss: "Well, are you heading to Union Academy as well?"

Blake: "Yes I am."

Weiss: "Why do you want to attend the Academy? Because as far as I'm aware, those who attend the Academy will end up joining the Army. So I'm curious."

Blake was a bit hesitant at the start, but before she could even speak, two more people came through the front door, revealing themselves to be Ruby and Yang.

Yang: "Well well! This appears to be the exact place!"

Ruby: "Wow! This place looks rather pricy sis.."

Roberu: "Welcome! How can I help you young ladies today?"

Yang: "Well, we would like a guest room!"

Roberu: "Wow, a lot of people staying at my establishment in one day, usually I only get up to two people a day. Well then, that would be one hundred Lien."

Yang ecstatically grabbed her Lien, putting it on the counter, heading upstairs.

Yang: "Thank you sir! I'll ask for your name later! Come on Ruby!"

Ruby: "C-Coming!"

Ruby then followed Yang upstairs, leaving Blake and Weiss rather confused about those two.

Blake: "They seem... interesting.."

Weiss: "Eh? They were quick into getting a room instead of taking their time. So, about that question I asked earlier..."

Blake: "Oh right... I'm joining the Academy to start a new life. I don't want to get into any details on that."

Weiss: "No worries, I'm joining to prove my family name proud."

Blake: "Is that so?"

Weiss: "Yep. There isn't much else to it as my father can be quite questionable at times, especially with the White Fang and the League of Villains causing problems all the time."

Blake can understand what Weiss means, but when Weiss mentioned the White Fang, Blake somehow felt uncomfortable about that as she felt rather sad. Weiss picked up on it.

Weiss: "Hey what's with you? You alright?"

Blake: "I'm fine."

Roberu then chimed in since he was planning to close down for the day.

Roberu: "Apologies for interrupting ladies, but I think you all should head to your rooms so long. My place is closing in about an hour."

Weiss: "Of course. See you around, Blake."

Blake didn't say anything in response when Weiss went upstairs first. Though Roberu saw this as an opportunity.

Roberu: "So... Blake? If it is possible, I want you to inform everyone else who is staying here at my establishment to know that I would like to share some information. Is that alright with you?"

Blake: "Sure. What time?"

Roberu: "Roughly around 9PM. It is currently 6PM. So three hours from now."

Blake: "Understood. See you later Roberu."

Blake then went upstairs, leaving Roberu alone in his tavern. He sighs, wondering on how this place is going to keep standing if he doesn't make enough money, but he shrugged it off, beginning to clean the place himself....