"I'm afraid not," she said apologetically. "We must honor the schedule. Many passengers have already purchased tickets."
Alfred nodded. "I understand."
"If there's anything else you need, please let me know," the conductor said before leaving.
The tall man scoffed nearby. "All that fuss just to say nothing."
Alfred ignored him completely and closed his eyes.
Soon after, the train arrived.
A clear announcement echoed through the carriage, instructing passengers to disembark.
People filed out one by one. Alfred remained seated.
Ray did not stir.
Minutes passed. The carriage emptied.
Finally, a cleaning attendant approached. "We've arrived. You must disembark now."
Alfred opened his eyes, gaze calm but focused.
Ray was still deep in meditation.
And Alfred had already begun to calculate his next move.
Alfred rose from his seat. "I'll be taking this chair with me. This should cover the cost." As he spoke, he placed a stack of federation bills into the attendant's hands.
