291 Picking Up the Package, The Bad Karma of A Certain Girl (2/2)
”This one is yours to keep.”
He added as he gave the third case.
”Alright, thanks.”
Mark accepted the metal cases. He already knew the contents of the cases and the one given to him was a sample of [Berserk Liquid] and a copy of the research. It was one of the compensations he could get for this job not to mention the copies of research from Bay City he would receive after he returned.
”Edzel, take these and put these in the carrier.”
He called Edzel and handed the two of the three metal cases. Edzel immediately complied and put the metal cases on the carrier under Chaflar's body.
On the side, Karlene and her father were talking. After all, Karlene was going away where communication was currently impossible.
”Sir Mark.”
After Mark conversed with General Faustino, someone called unto him. Mark knew that they were here.
”Mr. Salvador. Do you have any business with me right now?”
Mark spoke. The person in front of him was the head of Salvador Family, Darren Salvador.
”Just Darren is fine.” Darren smiled. ”It's about our cooperation.”
”Is something wrong?”
”You see, we surveyed our properties yesterday, the plantation we had that is stated in the contract. The whole place is decimated and almost everything we planted was destroyed.”
”So you are saying that you won't be able to uphold the terms stated in contract, right?”
”Yes, unfortunately.” Darren sighed. ”You have done us a huge favor back then and even gave use a good amount of food for sustenance but we don't have much to give you in return.”
Mark smiled. Darren was really an honest person. Instead of lying and prolonging the issue, he actually came here to tell the problem honestly. In the first place, Mark had no interest in those properties. He only wanted to use Annica's taming ability. That was why he was really not bothered about the plantation.
Then, Darren made a bold declaration.
”That is why if possible, our family will work under you from now on.”
Hearing that, not only Mark but the other people around were surprised especially those that came from the East Port Settlement and were helped by the kindness of Salvador Family.
Their family already surrendered their status to the Military and many people they hired already left them not to mention that many died back then during the multiple battles they experienced while evacuating.
With nothing left but their selves, the members of the Salvador Family could only use their people to uphold their end of the contract.
They did not know. Becoming Mark's people just would further deepen their debts. Still, Mark found it more convenient that they offered it themselves. Actually, he also wanted to recruit them, especially Annica.
However, Mark could not bring them now as he was in a hurry.
”Then, can you wait for my return? Just a week or so and I will bring your family with me.”
”A week, huh… No problem.”
Darren then held out his hand which Mark received with a bit of annoyance. He still hated handshakes.
Mark did not really stay long and left after their business were done and Karlene finished her farewell with her Father. Major Bautista also made Mark promise to take care of his daughter well in this journey. Karlene was really loved by the people close to her.
As they took off, Mark could not help but feel something strange. It as if something changed… Something he could not explain. Then, he realized, if he did not see the premonition last night, he would not hurry this much and might have immediately brought the Salvador Family to his base. That would surely take more time.
”It was one of the things that should have made me delayed isn't it? It would surely not be the last one.”
He murmured as he turned his head looking at the corner of one of the school buildings. There was quite a tint of pity in his eyes.
***
Behind one of the school buildings, a girl in her teens watched the dragon flew away. She was emaciated and her body was filled with scars. The clothing she was wearing was old and dirty. It was obvious that the injuries she acquired happened not long ago as her scars were rather new. Her fair skin looked coarse now and a knife wound that went from her forehead, between her eyes and to her right cheek destroyed her face.
She looked at the fading silhouette of the dragon with longing, guilt and regret in her eyes. Although she tried to hide it, the glistening drop of tear that fell down on her face could be seen.
”It seems you're doing well now… It is better for you to not see me like this…”
The girl murmured as she wiped her tears with her dirty sleeves. Without anyone noticing, she walked away back to where she belonged now…
…Together with the outcast slaves.
***
Volume 5 END