Chapter 13 ~It's all business~

The group reached Castle Caelin and were greeted as normal. Surprising, given that Lyn snuck out to enact her revenge. Chancellor Reissmann greeted them before reaching Hausen's office.

"Lady Lyndis, Ike. Lord Hausen will see you." Chancellor Reissmann announced right before the door.

The pair stood ready to meet Lyn's grandfather and possibly face his judgment. She did leave on her own without notice. As they entered in, Hausen was standing looking out the window, seeing only his back.

Lyn stepped forward: "Grandfather, it was my fault. Not Ike's. I'm the one to blame for leaving. The others came with me to protect me as well."

Hausen remained silent, as even Ike stepped forward.

"I'm the one who informed her of the mission. If anyone who should be punished for breaching employer trust, it should be me. I'll even return the deposit. I'm the one to blame." Ike stated as if taking the responsibility.

"No, Ike, I snuck out on my own. I'm the one to blame." Lyn quickly defended. Only for Ike to quickly shake his head.

"Lyn, I'm the one who gave hints and leave your grandfather in the dark. I'm the one who wanted you to come, so I should be blamed." Ike retorted.

They kept going back at one another just to shift the blame onto themselves. It was clear they were trying to defend the other.

"Hahaha..."

Suddenly Hausen chuckled at the display while continuing to look outside.

"Wallace told me the full story, Hassar and Madelyn spoke similar words as the both of you." He spoke with a sense of joy and humor in his tone. Turning to face the pair, he smiled. "I knew you'd leave to take matters into your own hand, Lyndis. And that Ike here would help you through. Also, here's the rest of your payment, Ike."

Handing over the rest of the payment on the table.

"But, I breached the contract. I shouldn't be paid." Ike pointed out.

Hausen shook his head. "You did not violate the contract, you were to not inform that Wallace was coming with you. You deserve your pay for doing your escort well. Moreover..." Putting forth letters addressed to himself.

"I was also informed, we'll keep an eye out for Wil's friend, Dan. Also, to be informed of the Black Fang and Nergal that was mentioned."

News traveled fast. Faster than their convoy that they were in. Looks like they'll organize an effort to search for Wil's best friend. Moreover, Eliwood likely sent it to avoid Ike being put on the spot for his unintended actions.

"Until then, you also received a request for you to meet Anna again in Badon. It seems as though she has something to give to you." Hausen announced.

She had something for Ike? What for? As Ike pondered, Hausen turned to his granddaughter.

"As for you, Lyndis. You still need to tutored by Reissmann for etiquette. You missed out on some lessons." Hausen announced with a smile.

Lyn chuckled nervously. This was a form of punishment. Wasn't it? Nothing severe, albeit, not one that a nomad from the Plains would enjoy. Ike would say something, only except he'd be no good at being taught manners. He could only sheepishly avoid such matters of nobles.

"That is all..." Hausen announced. With that, the pair left the office.

"Even after pursuing revenge, your heart remained unclouded... you remained committed to him rather than out of selfishness. I know... I am not long for this world, but history will not repeat itself. I will give her my blessings like I should have done for you, Madelyn. I swear it..." He closed his eyes, as he spoke his vows quietly.

"I'm glad everything went well, Ike." Lyn spoke with relief. Ike nodded with her, having avoided a severe punishment.

"Looks like you still have some work cut out for you. I'm no good with manners and noble practices." Ike pointed out. This time, Lyn turned to Ike.

"Easy for you to say, and have you seen the way you eat!?" Lyn looked at Ike incredulously. "One time, when Chancellor Reissmann saw you in the mess hall, I swear he blacked out! We even went through table manner lessons three times!"

It was true, when the man went to the mess hall to inform some knights, he spotted Ike at a table, gorging or shoveling food. Ike couldn't remember aside from some knights cheering for him as if it were a contest. It was safe to say, Reissmann was traumatized as the display.

"S-sorry about that." Ike nervously apologized. Speed-eating was a trait he acquired to be ready for the battlefield. Eating alot while saving time.

"And are you eating your greens? You won't be healthy if you just eat meat all the time, mister!" Lyn pointed out.

When did this conversation turn to a weird direction? Was she that frustrated over Ike's eating habits over the course of two journeys? Soon, the pair began chuckle, then laugh.

"I'll be back, Lyn."

Lyn nodded. "Do your best, Ike."

"Ike." Lucius called out from within the hallway. Ike turned to Lucius without Raven present. "Erk returned to me with a letter."

"Was there any leads?" Ike asked. Only for Lucius to shake his head.

"Not much. I did not inform Lord Raymond to avoid going off on a wild goose chase..." Lucius replied.

After Erk finished his escort mission, he did try to prod about House Cornwell. But because he wasn't well-acquainted, or seemed suspicious, so he was turned away most of the time by the townsfolk. Lucius only prayed he didn't cause too much trouble for Erk.

"But... he did find one lead after he was turned away. Supposedly a knight in Ostia who was once a former retainer to House Cornwell. But he couldn't get a name." Lucius voiced out.

"I see..." Ike replied.

Whoever this knight was, he could try to maybe ask Matthew should their paths ever cross. He has the most information. Albeit, it would be difficult since he works for House Ostia and may not divulge info about their own. It wouldn't hurt to ask, however.

"I hope Lord Raymond can find closure..." Lucius spoke quietly.

Ike only nodded. Raven may be moody, but he had the right to know. For now, they should focus on their duties as mercenaries.

The Greil Mercenaries returned to Badon, maybe to ask about Wil's friend or obtain supplies. In the meantime, Ike had to head over to the inn tavern where Anna awaited.

Within the inn, Ike caught sight of Anna at the table, who noticed Ike coming in. The Davros were not here. Maybe at the port, perhaps.

"Congrats on defeating the Taliver Bandits." Anna spoke with some admiration. "Because of your work and aid, the Taliver Mountains can now safely be traversed and more commerce to the villages nearby."

Ike shook his head upon her statement.

"It wasn't much official business, though." Ike explained. "It was more personal rather than a job."

Clearing out the bandits was never out of mission, but rather for Lyn. It was more for her sake that he decided to lead the group to fight him.

"Still, with the amount of money you gave and actions you took to clear out bandits, I've decided to give you a bit of a prize." Anna brought out green tome.

"This is..."

A wind tome, like the one Soren uses. Handing it to Ike as a congratulatory gift.

"This is only available in Tellius, and its spell is effective against flying units." Anna explained. "You can only buy it from me and my sisters, and you can't sell it anywhere here in Elibe. It will be 1040 gold due to its rarity here and modified formula for accessibility. It's a lightweight and weaker compared most tomes, but it's more accurate. Just don't have anyone use it against fire, and best to use it against a thunder user like the magic triangle."

Ike nodded with gratitude. He might give it to Erk if he finds him again.

"Also, consider about 20,000 gold from the total deducted. Your actions did bring alot of business." Anna winked as she said those words. "And only this time."

That was a relief, it seems like his good deeds did bring a form of karma, albeit he never expected it. He was glad to help Lyn in the end.

"By the way, Anna. Is there no way to send a message to the Greil Mercenaries in Tellius?" Ike asked with concern.

This time, Anna gave a sad look to Ike and shook her head.

"I'm sorry, information and access has to be strictly regulated. We're giving alot of leeway to give to you wares that were only available in Tellius. And passage is a costly trip in of itself." She explained in a somewhat serious tone. She then turn to look at him. "And most of all, you were brought here by magical means, weren't you?"

Ike turned silent upon hearing those words. Anna returned to her usual pose and smile.

"You were brought here for a reason... most people would never come across this opportunity. But things will change. And with opportunity, comes business." Upon saying those words, she once again winked.

She exited the tavern, leaving Ike to ponder. How did she know? How is she doing commerce between Tellius and Elibe and why was it so restricted? In most cases, wouldn't being a merchant and facilitating trade between two continents be better encouraged? Why is he only allowed such access to wares that alot of people in Elibe would pay good money for? And if it was so restricted, why would they allow the Davros to sail to a continent unknown and not allow a letter to be sent?

The real question... why was Ike sent to Elibe? It was suspicious, but he had no choice for the time being. He'll have to abide by Anna's rules. And if he wants passage, he'll need to earn it by Fargus's watchful eye.

"I'm still a long way from Tellius..."