Preparations

"WHAT!" Mary's shout nearly deafens Michael, which had the foresight to stick his finger in his ear.

Michael dismissively waves at her, "Cmon, it's just a ball, no need to get this excited."

Mary reddens as she stutters, "B-but, why me. Im sure Madelaine would have enjoyed if you bring her."

She then gestures to herself, "I'm not really fit for things like this."

Michael shrugs, doing his best to look nonchalant, "I thought this was a good opportunity for the both of us to create connections."

The reason makes Mary disappointed as she mutters, "Oh, I guess."

Michael notices her reaction, he looks to the side and mutters hurriedly, "And maybe I just wanted us to have a time together."

Hearing him, Mary smiles brightly and Michael shyly looks away. Michael then clears his throat before hurriedly saying, "So are you gonna go or what?"

Mary smiles as Michael looks at her with anticipation. "Of course, I would be delighted to."

Michael stutters, still a bit embarrassed from admitting such a fact. "O-ok then, so are you ready to go now or should I wait?"

Mary stops and blinks as she hurriedly arranged the documents in front of her, "I think there isn't much left for me to do."

Michael nods and speaks to her with a smile, "Then wanna go to Avern with me? See the new house I bought there."

Mary smiles, "Sure."

Michael then starts exiting the tent, Mary waves to both Egon and Ivan as she spoke, "I'll be doing something for the day, so I'll be leaving it in your hands Vice commander."

Egon nods as Ivan looks to the two of them as they talked and smiled.

"Do you think they are in a relationship?" Ivan whispers to his friend.

Egon shrugs as he replies, "Probably not,"

Ivan then notices Mary's brilliant smile, "I think she might like him."

Egon nods as he notices the same thing, "Probably."

Ivan punches his palm in a show of strength, "You think he's playing with her."

Egon shakes his head as he walks away, "Even if he was, she can take care of herself, more than we can."

Ivan looks to her back before he follows after Egon, "Yes, you are right, my friend. Let us get to work then."

Egon shows a small smile as they proceeded with the long day ahead.

Michael opens the door of the carriage, Mary enters after and Michael follows behind her.

Mary sits down as her nose crumples in disgust, she looks to him, a bit apologetic "I kinda came from training. So, sorry for the smell."

Michael waves her concerns, "It's fine, but since we'll be going to a ball it's best if you freshen up."

Mary nods before she stops and looks at him in shock, "Wait! was that today?"

Michael chuckles, "You don't need to worry, It's a night event, so I'm sure there's more than enough time for you to get ready."

Mary sighs in relief, "That's a relief," She shyly looks at him, "So can I use your bathroom for?"

Michael nods, looking away as he mutters to her, "It's fine."

The two sat there awkwardly before Michael clears his throat and spoke with a solemn tone, In hopes of clearing out the awkward tension. "So later, we'll be attending a ball hosted by a merchant house here in Avern."

Mary looks to him in question, "Which house?"

Michael taps the side of his head, trying to remember their name.

He sheepishly rubs the back of his head, "I kinda don't remember, but all i know is their main headquarters seems to be located in the Principality of Nell."

Mary nods to him in understanding, "Is that another reason why you invited me?"

Michael grins, "Yes, I'm sure you are aware of the recent conflict between Nell and Don."

Mary nods, Egon has debriefed him of their most probable deployment.

She spoke, "All I know is that the increasing tension between the two principalities has attracted mercenaries all around Brieslin."

Michael nods in affirmation as he continues her words, "With the increasing armament, the two are set for war, willing to buy the services of any mercenary company."

Michael leans back, "And that is where we come in, I know that you've been drilling your men and training to perfection."

Mary smiles proudly and Michael chuckles before he shakes his head, "But the fact of the matter is, you are still an untested company."

Before Mary could react, Michael interrupts her, "That's why you'll be offered low payments,"

Mary expression then turns to worry as Michael immediately waves his hand, "Don't worry though, I can pay for the bill of your men until you can at least break even."

Mary looks to him in grim determination, she bows deeply, "I promise to repay you back with every coin."

Michael sighs, "I didn't tell you this so you could be grateful." He raises her up, "I told you this so you could know whats at stake."

Mary reddens from his closeness as he raises her back up, she spoke hurriedly to stop him from noticing, "What do you mean?"

Michael taps his shoes as runes once more envelope the carriage walls.

Michael looks to the city, "I haven't told you this but I have a lot of plans depending on your success."

Mary looks at him in shock and Michael continues, "The following years will be turbulent, I don't know if I can sail through it unscathed."

Mary stiffens in fear, a bit fearful of the future ahead.

Mary looks to his eyes and shock fills her as Michael eye's turn black, as if unending darkness trying to swallow her whole.

Michael shakes his head before looking to the side, "Look all I'm saying is don't die."

He looks to her with a comforting smile, "Take as much experience as you can and I promise to take on the bill."

Mary nods with a smile, seeing this Michael sighs in relief as he closes his eyes, trying to at least relieve the stress from the conversation.

Mary giggles at the view as the dark runes recede, a comforting silence passing amon them.

A few moments pass, she looks out the window and marvels from the view of the countryside, the vast green surrounding the small bustling city.

"The city looks beautiful," She mutters to herself.

Michael opens his eye and watches her delighted expression as her red hair danced with the wind, Michael whispers to himself.

"Yeah, really beautiful."