It was probably not safe, Edward knew, to leave Ishval while he was quite possibly being hunted by the military and Homunculi alike. But research wasn't all just sitting at a desk and reading - no. No, some research was best done by going places, seeing things - which was what he was doing right now.
There were a couple of things he was looking into and watching for, one of which was the military's goings-ons. Central burning was a hell of a thing, after all and all his fault and was something he needed to keep an eye on.
And so, that was why Edward found himself travelling in the direction of South City. South City which was as much a tourist town as it was a military one.
Plus, travelling felt good. Felt normal, even if he was alone (and dressed as an Ishvalan). It helped clear his mind just as much as it helped him learn more about his various goals.
"Maybe I could pick up some souvenirs while I'm up there." He muttered to himself, adjusting the fabric keeping his automail hidden, carefully making sure both arm and leg wouldn't be seen and give him away immediately. "Something for the family, and for the guys back home." Winry and Al in Resembool, and the kind Ishvalans that he was constantly lying to about who he was.
On he wandered - paying only half a mind to his surroundings, as his disguise tended to leave him ignored for the most part. Half in his own mind and entirely convinced he couldn't see anyone he knew.
He was too far south, he told himself.
Too far south and too disguised as an Ishvalan.
"I'm just some plain old Ishvalan kid, ready to get yelled at." Edward muttered to himself - fittingly, in rough Ishvalan - as he wandered.
He'd reach South City eventually, and from there... maybe he'd go further west before turning back? It depended on what happened in the city, Edward decided.
For now, though - he just walked.
Enjoying the act of travel.