Sajedene nodded to Gando’s explanation about his good deed, though somewhat unwillingly. She always believed the best of people, but she wasn’t an idiot and therefore knew more than well that there were plenty of people in the world who could care less about the fate of a sick woman on the streets. Perhaps Gando wasn’t as realistic as he had made her understand earlier and he, just like her, had a naïve streak that separated him from the rest of people. This was by no means a bad thing, considering the way the world was built. If people like her and Gando didn’t exist, the world they lived in would be a much more cruel and unforgiving place. Even so, people were not cruel because they were so by nature, but because deep down they were weak and could not trust others.<br/><br/>She blinked her eyes at his next words, at first unsure of what to say, but then asked very cautiously. “Since he would specifically ask you to look after me while he is preoccupied with his daily business, do you think he knows who I am?” Sajedene had thought of the possibility already and she didn’t quite know what could potentially happen to her if the truth did come out to the Emperor. “I’m certain he suspects something, but if that’s the case, then this is bad. I came here as a peasant, not as princess and I intend to keep it that way.” Whatever her intentions were, she was not in a good position to be making such decisions about herself. It was scary to know her life was in the hands of other people, but then again she was beginning to trust Daishoga with her entire heart. And speaking of hearts, she needed to figure out a gift that would be most suitable for him.<br/><br/>When Gando handed her a sack of coins, she hesitated. She had never liked fancy gifts herself and considering how modest the Emperor was with his lifestyle, she doubted money could buy him a proper gift. No, she wanted to give him something else, something much more symbolic. Sajedene turned her back to Gando and took out a necklace that had been hidden underneath her clothes since she had been captured and brought to the castle. It was made of silver and depicted a bird which in Vaandom symbolized walking the right path and eventually finding what was most important in one’s life. She considered it a guide and a comfort and she felt like Daishoga if anyone was in need of such guidance. He seemed lost, so perhaps he needed to find what truly mattered in his life.<br/><br/>“I’ve decided to give him something else.” Sajedene said after hiding away her necklace that she had carried since birth and walking back to Gando. “The best gifts can’t be bought with money. Here, please take this back.” She handed him the bag of coins and smiled slightly. However, upon seeing Gando’s expression her smile faded. He seemed troubled by something but she couldn’t be sure whether he was just thoughtful or exhausted. If his body was young but his mind old, could he still get exhausted from all the walking? Perhaps not. Perhaps there was really something on his mind. “You seem worried. Is everything alright?” She tilted her head, hoping that she wouldn’t be poking and prodding into something personal, like a painful memory. She had awakened enough memories already.<br/><br/>“I’m ready to return to the castle. Please, tell me what haunts you as we return.”