Exlor
I think an uninfluenced Ves would have directly interacted with the Ace. He knows by now that there is serious trouble coming over from Messer 87. Moreover, the more high-profile he is the better for him and his clan. At the end of the day, even if the Red Asso. values him, they will not coddle his brilliance by restricting his movements. They might actually permanently assign on ace pilot on his guard unit and still let him run around. I think the decision to go such a long way around with Alexa is a flawed decision influenced by the Crown. Sure, Ketis is 't an 'official' apprentice if this chapter is correct, but she has been with him for years and still hasn't grasped his skill. What makes Alexa special enough to succeed?