Omake 7: The Faithful Student

Within the streets of Begnion's capital, Sienne, stood two people, one child barely above the age of 12 and the other a merchant selling weapons. They were arguing, bringing the attention of bystanders walking by in the marketplace.

"Nope. Forget it, lad. I ain't sellin' to ya," The armory shopkeeper adamantly declared to the green-haired young archer. "Even if you have the gold, I ain't gonna have you get yourself killed or hurt yourself out there. Training bow and arrows are fine, but not the real ones."

"I'm telling you, I'm a real mercenary! I had to kill using bows before!" Rolf retorted to the merchant who scoffed and rolled his eyes.

The armory man disregarded Rolf's protests. He didn't believe in the young archer, thinking he was just a young novice wanting to get advanced bows. Rolf hated being treated as a simple child.

Rolf sighed making the shopkeeper slightly amused at his reaction. They had been going at it for the past half-hour. He wished he could obtain a bow from Muston or Anna. But this killer bow was on sale at a great price. He was beginning to regret not having a chaperone (even though he wanted to go shopping on his own).

"I'll buy it for him," A calm masculine voice called out to the shopkeeper. Their attention went to the exotic-looking archer with intricate patterns at the edge of his clothing. His stern and stoic expression made him look professional. "We plan on hunting together... and he's an exceptional archer. That's why we'll need to have him get the best bows for the hunt."

Over his shoulders were animal pelts from hunting in a nearby forest (after getting permission from Begnion authorities to avoid being arrested for poaching). It was likely he was going to sell some of them. The shopkeeper sighed but relented. So long as the boy was not out pelting people or fooling around, he could assume that the bow would be used for hunting.

"Just so long as it's for hunting..." The armory man took the gold from Rath. He then chuckled at the intended use for the bow. "Using a killer bow for game, ha ha ha... I'll be impressed if he shoots down a subhuman... Maybe when he grows some hair on his chest..."

The pair left the merchant after buying the bow but not before giving a shake of the head at his last remarks. Once far away from the armory, Rolf looked at Rath with a furrowed brow.

"I thought Sacaens were honest. Are we really going to go hunting?" Rolf asked curiously.

He and the rest of the company have heard about the beliefs and customs of the nomads of the plains. One of them was honesty, so he couldn't understand why he lied just now.

"We are," Rath confirmed promptly. He then reciprocated Rolf's stare with his own and said, "I just didn't specify what we're hunting."

It was then that Rolf let out a small noise and nodded in understanding. They were going to hunt down a person (if he could even be called that based on his aesthetics). The young archer soon became sullen by the recent events. He wanted to prove to people that he could be independent and even fight. But given his age...

"Cherish the fact you are young and have people by your side..." Rath spoke to Rolf, jolting the young archer out of his depressed mood. "You are 12... younger than most mercenaries, even soldiers... many people, including your brothers, worry that you have already taken lives at your age."

Rolf shook his head and looked up at Rath. "It's because I became a mercenary that I should at least be seen as one. I'm putting as much effort as everyone to protect my family and fulfill my job..." Rolf trailed off his words and muttered: "I just don't want to be babied anymore..."

Rath stared at Rolf for a moment to contemplate the young archer's words.

"... I envy you..." Rolf looked at Rath his brows raised. However, Rath continued with a nostalgic look, "I was only less than four when I left my tribe due to a prophecy with barely the means to survive. Most of my life... I traveled alone for fourteen years until I met Ike and Lyn of the Lorca tribe. From thereon, I traveled with Ike and the others for a year in Elibe... and here we are..."

Rolf widened his eyes in horror at how young Rath had to leave on a journey. Most people wouldn't survive such an experience at the age of a late toddler. Maybe being somewhat dependent wasn't so bad...

He knew Rath was an experienced horseback archer, probably as good as his teacher... He didn't know how much Rath had to go through when being independent.

"That's why having people look out for you is not wrong..." Rath slowly raised the corner of his lips into a smile. "But be proud of the fact you hold such responsibilities as a proper mercenary... and be willing to lay down your life to protect your loved ones... Rely on others, just like how others rely on you."

With that, Rolf nodded and reciprocated Rath's slight smile with his own. Even as a kid, he can accept people seeing him as too young. But that was all the more reason to accept people's assistance. Everyone was worried about him being the youngest mercenary in the company, but he proved his mettle through his skills. Rolf was a proud mercenary.

"Thank you, Rath."

AN: Last omake before going straight ahead into final battle.