So it comes that I'm out in the city, on my way to Ethan's family house.
It's one of the bigger ones, quite close to the inner wall.
The reason for this is that while they aren't nobles, Ethan's family has a very old soldier tradition.
It's even said that they were among the founders of Ekoras.
While their duty often keeps the already enlisted family members away, they still live in this place.
In particular, I know about Ethan's father, his mother, and at least when on leave, his elder brother.
However, the last thing Ethan's dad would allow is for his sons to receive special treatment. So this means full-on barracks time for Ethan, as all the others.
Indefinitely, as it seems.
This might seem quite strict, but rules are rules.
Wouldn't help him anyway among his future peers, to be the guy who always pisses off at the end of the day.
Though I'll at least help him get his stuff there.
"Knock, knock"
So I make use of the knocking handle at the door.
"Hey, Yomi! There you are!" (E)
"Hi, Ethan!" (Y)
"Oh, something happened? You're looking quite down." (E)
So much for my plan.
"Am I the only one who's aware of where we are heading?" (Y)
"Well, thanks for that. But it's not like I'll be completely gone. In fact I'll be right up there. So why the long face?" (E)
"Counter question. When was the last time you saw Marcus? Or Silvia? Or Revan? You might meet them more often after today, but for me, this trip will end as soon as we've reached your new home." (Y)
"It won't be this bad! I will come to visit you, and we can do the same things as usual. I promise!" (E)
"Oh, like Marcus! Or Silvia? Or Revan?" (Y)
Nothing projects your feelings better than throbbing cynical sarcasm!
"Ouch, that hurt!" (E)
"I'm not saying I blame you. It's just a little sad." (Y)
"I'm sorry, but you know my father is commander and my brother already captain. It's not like I had much of a choice." (E)
Yeah, Ethan's whole family consists of military members.
Usually quite high-ranking ones.
They all train to perform better, and even Ethan was specially educated to become an officer one day.
One could say the army is their family business.
"And because of this, I don't blame you. So let's get started and move this stuff there." (Y)
Thus, I help him carry his two sacks.
I think he brought a little too much, yet it should be no real problem.
Also, I have exercised regularly so I can carry my load without greater issues.
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While we walk together up to the second ring, we talk about old times, and so we reach the location of the military complexes in the inner town rather soon.
The distinction between inner and outer city is rather distinct.
Mostly because the inner part is purely a military facility, while outside the not essential parts lie.
Stuff like workshops, crafters, civilian houses.
So I follow Ethan inside.
This is no real problem, as for this occasion, I have a permit to enter as a citizen.
It wasn't even difficult to get, as I'm the daughter of one of the supplier shops.
Not to forget, this whole fortress city was basically built solely to defend the country against orcs.
So while the uppers don't like to see it when civilians enter and leave restricted areas as they please, there is basically no control post that would check the entering people.
What would they even look for?
If I'm an orc?
This wouldn't make any sense.
Like this, we have no problem reaching the building together, where Ethan will live from now on.
It is quite spacious, yet at the same time pretty utilitarian.
Only a lengthy building that lacks any decoration.
The inside isn't much better, as apart from some flags and emblems, this place makes it very clear that they don't want the recruits to enjoy themselves here.
Finally, we reach Ethan's quarters.
It is apparently for four people, yet with quite some space.
"Will you be fine here?" (Y)
While I like how purpose-oriented everything was set up, this doesn't have to mean Ethan is going to like it.
"Sure! I already got to know the others, and they seem nice." (E)
"Fine then. I think I need to go before an officer picks on me for dawdling around." (Y)
"Okay, well, I think I have to stay here. Sorry." (E)
"No problem. Farewell then!" (Y)
"You know that I'm still alive, right?" (E)
"Mhm, then don't forget to send life signs my way! Bye!" (Y)
Like this, I take my leave.
The very straight structure of the building helps me to find my way out again.
Yet as soon as I leave the door, I nearly bump into someone.
"Woah, a little slower, please!" (officer)
I see the officer's uniform and start to form an apology.
Can't have it to get into trouble now.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I will make sure it doesn't happen again!" (Y)
"I hope so, and as I see you aren't a soldier! Do you know this is a restricted area? It seems we have to... Pffft! God, I can't keep this up! Do you really not recognize me?" (officer)
Just now, I manage to lift my gaze and look closer.
"Verad! Sorry, I was a little distracted, yet this uniform is really impressive." (Y)
"Judging from where you are coming, I would say my little brother roped you into bringing his stuff!" (V)
"Yes. And like this, the military successfully got even the last of my acquaintances. Damn, if I could just move in with him right now." (Y)
"Let's be honest, there could be some issues with that. After all, men's and women's quarters are separated for a reason." (V)
"Argh! You know how I meant that!" (Y)
"I know, I know. Let me tell you, you certainly got the enthusiasm. If you would apply, it might be possible to give you a supporting role." (V)
"Urgh, you know I want to fight!" (Y)
"Yeah, but I think that would require lots of training to get you anywhere close to fighting shape. You're certainly not made for the front row. Though, I won't say there's no hope. Maybe as a scout? You're small enough to go unnoticed, and I doubt a horse would complain about your weight. You know what? That could work." (V)
"Well, at least you see some hope for me. But it is, for the greatest part, a family problem." (Y)
"I know, and to be honest with you, I’d suggest that if you have alternatives, you really should pursue them before becoming a soldier. It's not all fun." (V)
"I am not a child! I know that! But now that all my friends are here, it feels a little wrong to let them fight while I stay in here and let them protect me!" (Y)
"Yeah, very mature. But it's not like they only do it for you. Don't make yourself more important than you are!" (V)
Verad starts to accompany me back to the gate while we keep talking.
But suddenly something happens.
There's a commotion right at the gate
I see how a man runs into the courtyard and starts to shout:
"It's fallen! Feros-mine has fallen!" (man)
Immediately, Verad, as the nearest higher-ranking officer, approaches him.
"Man! Repeat this! What exactly happened?" (V)
"Sir! Feros-mine! It's completely overrun! They took it!" (man)
"Who? Details! Explain yourself!" (V)
"Orcs, Sir! Orcs! Not just a small raid. Hundreds! The guards had no chance! After the shortest amount of time, all resistance was smashed. Nearly no survivors! I could only just, as one of the few lucky ones, make it out and run!" (man)
"Do you know if they destroyed the mine's infrastructure?" (V)
"N-no sir! They even seemed to try not to avoid possible danger." (man)
"Shit!" (V)
This is really bad!
Feros-mine is one of the biggest iron suppliers in this land.
While the supply here is more than enough, Verad's second question is a cause of concern.
He figured out that they attacked the mine on purpose, not to destroy, but for the iron.
But, but what would orcs do with iron?
They're basically only one step above dumb animals.
I can't see how they would even make use of the metal?
While I'm trying to make any heads of this, Verad approaches me.
"Yomi, you should leave now! It will soon become really wild here!" (V)
"Okay. Good luck!" (Y)
Like this, I leave and walk straight back home.
