"Farewell." Once they two of them exchanged those final words, they separated towards their own ways.
"So, did you finish comforting your friend?" Rohan's voice was heard suddenly from behind Soren a few seconds after the two of them had split their ways and once Soren turned around, he saw Rohan, Lavenza and the commander looking at him.
"Is there a problem with me talking to someone?" Soren asked with an annoyed expression as was staring at the three of them.
"No, no. There are no problems, just checking on you Soren. No need to be so angry." Rohan answered apologetically as he rose his hands in an awkward manner.
"Alright, relax you two. We don't have all day to argue. I know you two want to talk it out, but I also have a job to do." The commander interrupted the duo as he put on a serious expression and then made a gesture to tell to follow him. After that, the four of them went to the training area where most of the Sea Knights were training.
The moment one of the Sea knights saw the four of them reaching the grounds, they shout as the signalled that the commander was coming. The result of that announcement was the sudden end of the battle before everyone saluted the moment they saw the commander getting close to them.
"Commander Vandham. What brings you here sir?" Argentus was the one to ask as he was saluting with a serious expression in the front of the crowd.
"I wish to speak with you for a bit. Everyone else may continue their duties." Vandham ordered with a serious demeanor and after he saw all the Sea Knights, except Argentus, leave the training area, he then started talking:
"Captain Argentus. I am not going to beat around the bush about what I have to say. As of now, the young man Soren will be under your company for a little while, as a temporary member of the Sea Knights. Treat him as your usual private and don't give him special treatment."
"Yes sir. Forgive me for being impudent, but may I ask a question sir?" Argentus asked as he bowed down.
"Speak away."
"Why did you suddenly decide to take in a kid when it is not even the recruitment period?"
"... I can't answer you that right now. But I will explain the reason in due time." Vandham answered after a long period of silence with a serious but slightly tired voice.
*Sigh* "I guess the only thing I can say now is, welcome into the 8th company of Crystalia City's 5th battalion." Argentus sighed as he was talking in a serious manner before extending his hand towards Soren.
"Ummm... Don't I have a say in this?" Soren asked a bit seriously as he was wearing an expressionless face.
"Do you really have any problems with this arrangement now, Soren?" Rohan asked seriously while crossing his arms.
"No, no. It's just that, the image of the Sea Knights that I know of, well... How should I say it...? Don't I have a say in this? And not only that, but are you sure you can trust them Rohan?" Soren was feeling a bit hesitant about this arrangement, since the reason for that was image of the Sea Knights that he knew of from before, was that inspection back when King Geius caused a mess, which had given him quite the fright when he was faced with the Sea Knights.
"Relax Soren, they are not as scary as you might think. Sure, they can feel quite oppressive with their presence and behavior, but they are by no means malevolent or evil. It's just something you need to get used to. Besides, the majority of the 5th battalion are a whole bunch of softies, so you don't need to worry about feeling left out and you already established quite a good image about yourself. If that isn't enough to ease your worries, then even I don't know what will." Rohan explained with a more casual expression as he was patting Soren's shoulder.
"If you say so, then I have no reason to feel hesitant then. Hope we get along, Captain Argentus." Soren then grabbed and shook his hand with Argentus' hand.
"Glad to have you aboard Private Soren." Argentus answered with a grin on his face as he was shaking hands with Soren.
"Alright then, if you will excuse me, sir." After Argentus said that, he also left the training field.
"Should be the shift change right about now. Anyways, since you will be training here, you will also have to follow the rules and regulations of the Sea Knights. That includes the training and work schedule, as well as requiring to move to our living quarters." Vandham explained with a serious expression as he was seeing Argentus leave, before giving him a small book.
"Wait, I have to move here?" Soren asked with a surprised expression.
"Of course. Besides it would take far too long for you to get here early, do the training and your training quests and having to go back to my place." Rohan explained with a calm expression.
"I see... When am I going to start training?" Soren answered slightly disappointed before putting his serious expression again.
"In three days. Until then, you are free to do what you want. Talk to people, take care of errands and what not and make preparations for moving here, because after moving here, you won't be having many opportunities to sit, let alone rest." Vandham explained calmly.
"Got it."
"Now that we have talked this through, we have to get going Van. I have to take care of my errands as well and I can't keep you busy anymore." Rohan exclaimed with a more casual demeanor. At that point, the 4 of them said their farewells and went to their own ways. As Vandham was making his way to his office, he sighed as he said to himself:
"At least this is better than lending him money."
In the meantime, Soren, Rohan and Lavenza had entered inside of a carriage and were making their way back. The ride itself was rather silent for the most part, but during the end of it, Rohan suddenly got a phone call.
*click*
"Hello, Rohan speaking."
"..."
"What do you want?"
"... ... ..."
"No! I told you I won't get myself involved into that kind of stuff ever again. Why do think I quit a couple of years ago?"
"... ... ..."
"My answer is still no and don't get me involved into your mess. You got yourself into it and now you will get out of by yourself. I'm done wiping your own *ss."
*click*
"Ummm... Did something happen Rohan?" Soren asked curiously as he was seeing a vein on Rohan's forehead popping slightly.
"It's nothing. Just an old and obnoxious acquaintance of mine. No need for you to get involved into my private life." Rohan answered as he was rubbing his forehead with an annoyed expression.
"I see. No wonder you look pissed off." Soren answered slightly nervously as he turned his gaze away from Rohan.
*sigh* "Let's go get some ramen. I need to eat my frustrations away." Rohan said angrily as he crossed his arms and looked outside of the window.
...
*click*
*tsk* "I figured you wouldn't help me after what happened back then, but no need to so cold with your boss, Rohan." One of the three hooded men said as they were sitting in an alleyway and looking towards the carriage that carried Soren, Rohan and Lavenza.