The Deal

This is worse than a nightmare.

At the very least, in the mornings, I forget all about it. But, having a memory haunt me to the point of being unable to sleep—I guess there are more dreadful things I have yet to experience.

Nursing a headache, I immediately went to the meeting room on my floor. Jaeger was already there.

"Bad night?" He teased, taking note of my misery.

"More like I could not find any respite." I spat, walking over to my seat. The official representative of the Tower, Mr. Klaus, entered the room moments after I did.

"Master Kari, Master Jaeger." He greeted. The man then proceeded to lay down the objectives of the meeting and how we are to settle the matter.

"I suggest that both of you come to an agreement on the matter of consolations."

"I already have something in mind." Jaeger smiled.

"Do tell." I propped my chin on my palm.

"I want you to take in one of my disciples."

"What?" I gaped at him.

"Having one of my kids under your tutelage is good exposure for my guild. Like you said last night, I have to boost our image. And what better publicity than having one of our own learn from you."

I glared at him. "And have you spy on me? No."

"Spy? Dear gods! I have no such motive." Jaeger smiled. "Shall we negotiate this instead?"

"No. I am not taking another damn kid. I already have enough brats as is." I rubbed my temple.

"Kids? Those two are older than the usual lot. I can not see how they pose as trouble to you. Especially with how talented they are, hair color or not." He reasoned.

I bit my lip. "They are still children, Jaeger. They barely know the cruelty of the world. And stubborn to boot."

"Well, I cannot refute that notion. Going by the spectacle last night. What was his name?"

"Dustan."

"Yes. He really is still a kid, going by how he seems self-righteous in his ways, sparing his opponent despite the consequences."

"Right." I replied, bitterly. The memory was still fresh, seeing as it kept me up all night.

"Think about this, Kari. If you take in another kid, you shall be able to use my man to give the kid a reality check."

His words disgusted me. The militia method of doing things has never catered to my palate. But, he did have a point. His words paved way for an idea, not quite far from what he suggested.

"You are right... surprisingly." I looked at the man. "Fine. Let us do that. However, I have a condition of my own."

Ecstatic, Jaeger smiled widely. "Name it."

"I get to choose who to take in as my disciple."

He mused over my words. "Alright."

Mr. Klaus nodded and wrote down what we discussed. As soon as the meeting was over, Jaeger and I shook our hands in agreement.

"I shall send you a list of our eligible disciples." He said, making it sound like I was looking for grooms.

I smirked. "No need. I already have someone in mind."

Jaeger looked surprised. "I see."

"Send that guy who fought with Dustan."

"What?"

"He is one of your men, right?"

He was not. That much I know. The man from last night is obviously a new recruit.

"Yes. Technically. But, as he is still new..." He shook his head, chuckling. "You got me. I never would have thought you would use that card."

I shrugged. "I had years of training in this trade."

"Adelredus, huh?" Jaeger mused.

"Right."

We both fell silent at the reminder of the man.

"... That devil." Jaeger hissed. "If the whole Tower had not known about what happened 7 years ago, I would have held a grudge on you for being related to that guy.

"I know." I pursed my lips. "But, that is enough. I shall expect you to send the guy over to me by tomorrow."

"I do not need an entire day, Kari. Our floors is not that far apart in number." Jaeger smiled.

¤¤♡¤¤♡¤¤

"Master Kari." One of the attendants called out to me.

"Yes?"

"Master Hund is here."

Hund? Ah. The new recruit.

"Send him in." I got up from my plank position on the floor and got a towel to wipe my sweat off. The door to my room opened to reveal a lean man with spiky dark-brown hair and light-brown eyes. He looked fierce, especially with the scars on his face.

Mr. Hund presented himself to me with a bow. Then, he kept his hands at his back and maintained a perfectly executed military stance. He stared at the wall in front of him.

"Master Jaeger sends his regards, Master Kari." Was his first words. I hummed in reply, studying him.

"Hund, was it?"

"Yes, Master."

Looking at him, I cannot help but think about how Dustan managed to overpower this man. I mean, I did tell Dustan how it's easier to pull on the chain when his opponent floats to the surface of the water. But, getting a much closer look at Hund made me feel... flustered.

"How old are you?" I asked.

"... I turn twenty-two this month, Master Kari."

He's much younger than I initially thought him to be.

"Where did you come from?"

"... I come from the border."

"Huh." There's no way this man is ordinary. From his gait, to his stance, and his scars—this man is a seasoned fighter. A soldier, maybe.

But, why is he here?

"How did Jaeger even recruit you?" I asked aloud.

"He—"

"You do not have to answer that." I cut him off. "It was a rhetorical question."

"... Yes, Master Kari." Thankfully, this one is awfully obedient and silent, no matter how suspicious. He is basically the complete opposite of Alva.

"Alright Hund. There are two things you need to know. First, you are no longer under Jaeger. Your loyalty belongs to me now."

At my words, Hund bowed his head and got down on one knee. I raised a brow. This stance... belongs to that of a militia. Who is this man?

"Second, I want you to be the eye to watch my other disciples." I looked at him for a reaction. "Your answer?"

"Yes, Master." Obediently, he replied. Not even a hint of hesitation or surprise. He did not question my motives, nor my purpose.

Goosebumps rose on my arm.

"I shall introduce you to the other kids later. For now, familiarize yourself with the place. You shall be rooming with the other two. I hope you vanquish whatever grudge you are holding for last night."

"Yes, Master."

"You may go now. An attendant will guide you outside."

"Master Kari, wait!" He called out, just as he was being led out of my room.

"What is it?"

For a moment, he hesitated, before he spoke up.

"That lad, my opponent from last night. What is his name?"

I raised a brow. "He goes by Dustan." I answered him.

"Dustan..." Hund repeated the name with an expression I can't quite place.

"I shall leave now, Master."

Meeting him left a bitter taste in my mouth.

That man... He may as well be the greatest dog I can use. That, or a wolf who will later betray me.

Well, only time will tell should he be the latter or the former.