12 『Her Life Debt』 (1/2)
Joining Jack and the Elder in his residence where the other Villagers were now sheltered. The Head Warrior of the Re-Estize Kingdom, traded pleasantries with the duo. It was clear Jack saw to address him casually and was even comfortable enough to jab jokes in his general direction.
It gave him a more lax atmosphere despite the severity of the situation, especially as the elder supplied them with two cups of murky water from the well outside.
”To cut to the chase...” Jack uttered as he went to change the subject from the casual banter regarding the state of the village and the damages which covered the Villages of this region. ”The Slane Theocracy has been asked to eliminate you,” blatant and straight to the truth, Jack didn't bother sugarcoating it. ”By your own nobility.”
”So… The Slane Theocracy is targeting me…?” The Head Warrior wasn't surprised by the news, regarding the nobility of this Kingdom. They were truly corrupt. However to try and eliminate him because of his position, he found it despicable. ”And they resorted to this?” He gestured with one hand towards the Villagers and the house they stood in.
Bringing his hand back to gasp the cup in both hands, he looked at the murky water. He was somewhat used to the cleaner water of the Capital. Yet he had seen many battles, and a lot of dirty water. It wasn't much different from what he used to drink as a Commoner.
A faint sight left his lips.
Jack tugged a smile across his own lips as he looked out towards the plains that were dotted with trees and some subtly wavy hills.
”What your people, your leaders, will sacrifice to get to you...” Jack shook his head slightly, ”It is a pity that you serve such a Kingdom.”
His hollowed eyes gazed upon Jack, as he saw the truth in his words. However he was not only bound by oath, but by the friendship he held with the King. The only reason he stood by the man was because of his resolve to change the Kingdom and that was enough for him.
”It has its moments, Graham-dono.”
”Please, call me Jack,” The Mirage couldn't help but lean against the wall by the window, looking at the warrior. He was a strong looking individual. With all that muscle, one would assume he could do so much more damage. Yet, he wasn't even at a memorable level, despite being considered the strongest.
”...Jack-dono,” the Head Warrior nodded at the familiarity considering what was going to transpire. Though he was coming to believe that this man before him could take on even the strongest of what the Theocracy had to throw at him. ”I would like to ask you, to hire you, for a job.”
Jack's jaw rolled slightly at this.
”I don't have anything on me, but I may be able to give something you want. I am the friend of the King,” He informed the dragon who was just looking over him for a moment before shaking his head.
”You can't give me what I want, because you nor does your King have it.” Jack didn't snap at him, or give him a darkened voice or tone of malice. Instead he just spoke the truth with a casual tone. His eyes going back to wandering along the fields still as he did so just prior.
Hearing this man decline his offer, he became curious of what he wanted. A dragon who had been sealed beneath the ground for over a hundred years, believed he had nothing he wanted?
”What is it you want...?”
”Do you know of a Sylph with short black hair, pale peach toned skin and dark green eyes?”
The Head Warrior stared at him when he asked of a person with very specific traits. ”Sylph?”
”Its a type of Wind Elemental, she has sigils lining her abdomen and shoulders.” He was describing Lala's avatar for the most part. He was curious if she was around, and if she was, this man might just know.
For a brief moment, there was silence before he shook his head. ”No,” The Head warrior let out a dreaded sigh as he went to look outside along with Jack. ”My Apologies, Jack-dono.”
”No need, Gazef-dono...” He uttered as he too remained looking outside.
”Would you be willing to fight for me, against these Bastards?” The Head Warrior seemed to smile with hope at this, though a serious look was clearly in his eyes.
”...” Jack rolled his shoulder and pushed himself off the wall as he rested the cup flatly on the windowsill. He turned his head to look towards the villagers who were mostly huddled together.
If the Head Warrior fails to win a battle against the Theocracy, and Jack shows his back to these people, everyone here is dead. There was no ignoring that outcome, which was likely due to the elite troop surrounding the village. There was no escape without running through them.
”If you cannot defeat them, then I will step in on your behalf, otherwise this Village and your King will suffer.” Jack compromised with what he wanted to do, at the same time offering something Gazef had to work for.
Gazef nodded slowly, taking in a deep breath before exhaling sharply. ”You are a hard one to bargain with, Jack-dono.”
He offered him just about anything he could, though it was mostly money on the table. It was his habit to save money, to not squander it. Yet this man asked for a person that he couldn't produce. He was sure he had nothing this Dragon wanted. This was the only option and he was sure it was the best choice left to take. Otherwise he would have to turn tail and run, leaving these villagers behind to be massacred by the Theocracy and he wasn't about to just let that happen!
”The Theocracy is watching...” Jack huffed as he looked to the sky above as it was getting darker and stars becoming more prominent behind the weakly formed clouds that were moving in.
”Hm...” Gazef scratched his chin, stroking his facial hair, in thought. ”I could have my men break through their lines and back to E-Rantel while I fight them one on one.”