Ch 8

"I am Van Heinwick, and you will address me as Sir."

'Seems uptight', Arta thought

"I will be your commander until further notice. This is our first informal introduction and you would be undergoing the needed process for formalities once you are out the confines of the hospital. Questions?"

"Maa, no need to be so formal, loosen up commander!" Inu cheerily double-tapped the back of Heinwick.

There seems to be history between Inu and Heinwick. Looking at their interactions, Inu is much comfortable with her quirks around Heinwick. Arta deadpanned at whatever is such infront of her. Staring as her peaceful days went peacefully down the drain and into the seas without any signs of stopping.

"Sir. I, Arta, am thankful for your mentorship." She slightly bowed towards her mentor and defeated in her mind by her last fight for a nourished retirement.

"Good."

She raised her head and met his eyes. His was searching for something. She had a rough idea about this and still, she lowered her eyes.

'That's enough for the day.'

...

Oh, were the days so hectic. Every. single. one. was on high alert. She'd seen the bosses on top running meeting after meeting. Mages deployed to double-check and improve security measures. Civilians talking in hushed voices. Everthing was a pain in the arse.

'Well it's to be expected after an infiltration of one of the capital's symbol of power.' Inu thought

She was not in a tip-top mood as she wasn't exempt from attending one of those meetings. She also had a brat to defend from eternal damnation. A prodigy she almost had in her hands.

Tsk.

Yet, an interesting event has arised. Something that satisfies her want for chaos.

"I would like to request orphan Arta as my apprentice." Van Heinwick the least to cause trouble raised his voice after the evaluation of student placements from the academy especially since stronger assets must be nurtured while still young. Aka more training, aka patrionism, aka youngins for manpower and to strengthen the overall strength of the capital.

Arta is the current talk of the town. The child may not know it but after getting rid of all suspicions in the most death-if-you-lie way. She's the prodigy that people had grown curious about and power-grabbing people want that addition to their own sides.

A wide-grin was stretched towards her face. A devilish cheerful aura spread from Inu. The people near her moved a slight step away. Wanting away from the madness of whatever Inu's planning.

Chatter spread after the silence. Heinwick was afterall stealing the 'treasure' infront of many. A symbol of power, the prodigy is.

"Oh?"

Presiding the meeting was the capital's head. A middle-aged man who led countless wars. A man who many feared, currently stuck in the capital and away from reigning terror to the capital's enemies. The crowned king, Serio.

"You want to take the child?" Serio asked seemingly interested at the development of things.

Heinwick's sudden offer was odd and surprised many. Officially, he had not been in the position to be a mentor, yet. Unofficially, he's been offered various choices and definitely various prodigies by clans and even the king. The relationship between a mentor and an apprentice are not as simple as it should be. There were various ties and forces at work.

"Yes" Heinwick arched an eyebrow at his king. Disrespect? Challenge? No. It's a gesture of familiarity and an understanding borne by history.

"Very well, you may procceed." Serio smiled towards Heinwick's direction. He also had an authority that allowed no one to disobey or object.

The matter was decided just like that and while some were dismayed, it was the best possible outcome other than having the prodigy as their own.

Especially since, Van Heinwick was clanless.

...

In one of the quarters of the king's residence, two figures were sitting with a table of tea between them. The winds blew the curtains slightly and brought a slight chill. Both were facing towards the garden as they sat at the area of a sliding door.

"It's rare for you to be interested in something." Serio carelessly chattered with a hint of question.

"...the child is odd." Heinwick answered after a period of silence.

Serio glanced briefly at Heinwick before gazing back towards the vast space infront of him.

"Procceed at your own discretion."