C Rank

Mark: Farina, member of the Strongwings, 3rd Wing of Ilia. Is that correct?

Farina: That's right, Sir. The best of the business, all of Elibe compete to hire our services.

Mark: Hmm, I'm familiar with the Strongwings reputation, although that leaves some questions that need answers.

Farina: Hmm?

Mark: Where are the other members of the Strongwings? I know Ilian Pegasus knights enough to know that full-fledged knights travel in large companies. What were you doing in Bern when you encountered Hector's group? It all seems so coincidental.

Farina: Hmph, you clearly need to update your records. The Strongwings don't need formal organisation, the top members such as myself are capable of travelling alone to seek contracts without the permission of our commander. As for what I was doing in Bern, it's as simple as looking for my next job.

Mark: That seems like such an irregular practice, I've always admired the Pegasus knights for their honourable conduct and respect for regulation. Yes, I remember now; it's practically forbidden for a knight, even one of your calibre, to create a contract without the express permission of the leader of the company. Are you telling me that the Strongwings are the exception?

Farina: I'm telling you I'm the exception.

Mark: That's amazing; I didn't know such special consideration could be bestowed on a Pegasus Knight.

Farina: My word is gold, sir

Mark: Yes, as is your payment.

Farina: Now we're talking.

Mark: But still, being who I am, I'd just like to uphold regulation wherever possible. Could you give me the contact details for your commander?

Farina: Wait, whatever for?

Mark: I'd just like to make this contract official. If I could get a message to her, I'd be able to inform her that you now work for Eliwood, your position within our ranks, what's expected of you… the sum we've paid to hire you.

Farina: There is no need, really, like I said. I'm allowed to work solo.

Mark: I'd still prefer it if I knew how to contact her.

Farina: No, sir. That would be a waste of time.

Mark: I'm sorry, what?

Farina: You don't have to contact her.

Mark: Do I have to make this an order? Because I just did.

Farina: …Very well, sir.

Mark: Thank you, Dame Farina. You are dismissed… I should have been with Hector when he paid for her services


B Rank

Mark: …

Farina: …

Mark: …Dame Farina

Farina: …Sir Mark

Mark: Good work today, you're skills are something to marvel at.

Farina: Thank you, sir. I dare say this company made the right decision in hiring me.

Mark: …There are grounds to support that statement.

Farina: What does that even mean?

Mark: It means I'm impressed. It means that your strength and reliability are things that I can count on in the heat of battle.

Farina: As you should.

Mark: But it also means that there are reasons why we shouldn't have hired you.

Farina: Oh there's always a critic. You will find none better who can do what you ask of me, if you have complaints then lay them on me, I will prove you wrong on all counts.

Mark: I've received a reply from your commander.

Farina: Oh…

Mark: She was surprised at my request for her approval of our contract, so much so that she even divulged a few bit of information that I found interesting. She mentioned a few things about the payment that surprised me.

Farina: And what is it that you object to? What has she said that makes you want to terminate our contract?

Mark: Terminate it? Why would I ever want to do that? No, she simply clarified as to why you're able to create contracts without her permission. I think it speaks well of you that your peers became so entangled in your competitiveness that they actually requested that you leave the company.

Farina: Could you have said that any worse?

Mark: I'm being genuine. It's quite astonishing.

Farina: …

Mark: To think that your skills were so unfair that they couldn't compete, and I can see why.

Farina: …

Mark: In any case, she approved of the contract so it is official; you are a mercenary fighting for our company.

Farina: …Well?

Mark: Well, what?

Farina: On what grounds do you have to say that you shouldn't have hired me? What? Do you think that because the rest of the Strongwings hate me that I'll be a liability to you? Huh? Or that they couldn't wait to be rid of me so you think that this company will hate me as well? Well I'll tell you right here that I don't care about what people think or say about me, I am the best of the best. And I'll prove it!

Mark: I believe you.

Farina: Huh?

Mark: I've caused offence, sorry, that was not my intention. I think It's great that the best of the Strongwings is with us now. As for any reason why we shouldn't have hired you… well, you've put a dent in our treasury. Quite a sizable dent at that.

Farina: That gold has gone to a good cause!

Mark: Well, I can't tell Hector what to spend his money on. Or rather, I can, but I wasn't there to haggle for a better price. Actually your commander said something about the payment as well. She said that 20000 gold would have paid and equipped for an entire division of Knights.

Farina: Ugh… she would say that.

Mark: As it stands though, I think we'll be happy with this arrangement.

Farina: Good, I want it to stay that way.

Mark: Also, Farina…

Farina: Hmm?

Mark: No one in this company hates you, least of all me.


A Rank

Farina: So Mark, have time for a question?

Mark: I could spare a few moments, what is it?

Farina: How much are you getting paid to do this?

Mark: Paid? Oh, well, um… I'm not actually receiving money for this.

Farina: … Heh, actually I'm really not surprised. You're no actual mercenary after all.

Mark: That's about right, besides, I'm getting exactly what I want out of this.

Farina: And that is?

Mark: It sounds silly to say aloud, but I'll tell you. From this I'm gaining new, wonderful, terrifying, but brilliant memories. I won't say my job is easy, but if I'm successful then there will be stories and adventures that I'll hold for the rest of my days. Filled with people, places and events that will make my life one worth remembering.

Farina: Ha! Yeah, that is silly to say aloud. I mean seriously, do you know how much money a man like you could get?

Mark: It's not like I haven't thought about it. You're more experienced with this sort of thing. How much could I make?

Farina: well, I've given it some thought, and to be honest on your own you could make a decent amount. But what you really need is a partner, someone who could harness that big brain of yours.

Mark: Harness? Do you have someone in mind?

Farina: I know a gal. But she doesn't come cheap.

Mark: And I have no money to speak of to barter with. Have any advice?

Farina: Oh yeah, stick with me Mark. Once this is all over I'll help you make some memories.

Mark: Once this is over won't you have to report back to your commander to make your report?

Farina: Yeah, about that. I took a quick glance at that contract we made and I realised that it wasn't made in the name of Eliwood or Hector.

Mark: It wasn't?

Farina: No, it was made in your name.

Mark: Is that right?

Farina: Yup, which means that even when this job is done, I'll be sticking around as long as you need me. And believe me; you're going to need me.

Mark: I think your right about that. Shall we shake on it?

Farina: Kiss on it.

Mark: What?

Farina: Nothing.


Ending

Upon the battle's conclusion, Mark set of to resume his travels and to continue his adventures, eventually founding his own mercenary company with his wife Farina at it's head. She insisted on handling the finances.