"So? What is this important job I must handle? Can't it wait till I get some rest?" Siegfried asked, grumpiness showing on his face.
"And whose fault is that?"
"Yeah yeah, it's all my fault. I apologized, right?"
"If only every problem in the world could be solved by a simple apology…" said Anemone before taking a sip from her cup. The two were inside a carriage; one made for the upper class that is comfortable enough to serve drinks in. Anemone took the opportunity to enjoy some of her favorite tea to calm her alarmed nerves while explaining the situation to her companion.
"You probably don't know, but the new guard captain is a relative of the marquis. Added to that, the other seven who you just went and disabled, the marquis had all the right to ask for a suitable punishment. But I was able to bargain."
"And?"
"Usually, you would either be imprisoned or banished for the next sixty years, however as long as you finish this job you can walk away free."
"That's little Anne for you! Though I've never doubted your abilities, I'm asking what this job is about?"
Ignoring his question, she closed her eyes and went back to focus on her drink. Sieg knew she wouldn't like him referring to her by the name he used back when she was little, however even when she's a few months away from becoming a full fledged adult he still saw her as the cute little girl he raised by his own hands. The same little girl who didn't stab him in his sleep.
"So, how is school?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Is this really the time to be asking?" she replied, refusing to look at him.
"Well…" he had no answer. The idea came to him seeing she's still wearing her uniform instead of changing to something more casual. He hasn't been around much so he thought she might've wanted him to see her in it before she graduates.
"Everything is fine." With the cup now empty, Anne responded along with a long sigh. "You'd know if you were around more often."
"You should tell your father." Sieg snorted "he's the one sending me out on all those missions, remember?"
"Yeah, but…" with upturned eyes, Anne glanced at him as she spoke. Her voice had a hint of loneliness in it. "You can always refuse, you know."
"If only." Scratching his head he stared out of the window. "I promised I would be back before your big day so you don't have to worry. Just make sure not to work me too much once you are the marquis, ok?"
"… I will try…" she replied.
"Hey, why did you hesitate just now!?"
Sieg's face paled as the girl cleared her throat. Suddenly the worst came to his mind thinking this girl would be his new boss very soon.
"Nearly a month ago," Anne began explaining the situation, ignoring Sieg's sulking mood. "Several merchants traveling the eastern border highway were attacked. Only the youngest member of a family of four was able to somehow survive. A hunter found him and learned who the attacker was. Or at least got a general idea of what it could be."
"It?"
Anne posed for a moment before listing some of the characteristics of what is known as a wyvern.
"Gray scales, large jaw, short thick tail."
"Oh my god! With such little info they were able to identify the beast? I mean there is like, maybe fourteen different species of wyvern that come from the east and have the same description, I would never guess what the monster is!"
"And that was the mistake they made." Ignoring his sarcastic outburst she resumed, "thinking it was just a gray wing they sent a few soldiers to hunt it."
"I know the rest, the tavern owner told me already," he leaned back, his face distorting. "August you son of a… what did you get yourself into?"
A wyvern is a strong foe; a normal human couldn't wish to defeat it alone. Numbers could help a little and depending on how well they're equipped they might even emerge victorious. But when no one returns from a small-scale raid such as this everyone could agree the situation isn't what they assumed it to be.
Anne was oblivious to the fact that Sieg was a good friend of August, the former guard captain who has gone missing for weeks now. "His daughter must be going through a lot"
"I… didn't know he is married."
"Widowed, actually..."
"I see... should I pay her a visit? See how she is doing?"
"No, I will go once I return. Better have solid evidence before breaking her heart..."His dry voice lacked emotions. His eyes not reflecting any light.
He already has some idea of what's really going on, and he doesn't like it a single bit.