Wraith on the Calm Sea

https://www.fairytail-rp.com/t34927-character-job-sea-monster-attack#344415
Haruyuki, Johann and Artorias were back in the room in on the ship. Haruyuki hadn’t spoken on the trip back, he was annoyed or mayhaps even angry for the fact Johann had ignored everything he had said. Sure, Johann had displayed his warrior prowess in battle and finished the fortress and its pirates with ease. Haruyuki had only stayed in the boot in the middle of the fortress, he only moved to dodge an attack and attack the attacker. He didn’t feel like doing anything after his advice had been turned down, he had studied his whole life to gather his knowledge on the art of warfare. An art, yes, and Johann spit on it and turned it all into a bar brawl. He shook his head and stretched his arm out for the ‘tea’ on the table and took a sip of the watery substance they dared call tea.

He glared over at Johann, “Why did you choose to ignore my stratagem. No, wait, why did you ask for my advice if you knew you would ignore it anyway and just rush in?” Anger was clearly in his voice, and even more in his eyes. If his glare could kill, then Johann could not give him a reply on that question.

WC:285

Closing the door behind as he stepped into the room once more, Artorias and Haruyuki before him, Johann, the Vice President of the West Fiore Trading Company, once more found his way back into the officer's quarter on the steel warship of the WFTC. Content with having rooted out the pirate issue and having taught the newcomer and stowaway a lesson, in truth, he didn't quite like the guy, he spoke something into a lacrima again before moving to the seats. Why did he not like him ? Well, perhaps it was his attitude, and, to a degree, assumption from the Vice President. He behaved like he remembered all those stuck up nobles to behave. Thinking about the remark Haruyuki had made, something along the lines of "But work is for peasants", Johann couldn't help but feel disdain for the sheer arrogance. Not just that, the other had snuck onto the ship in the assumption he could get away with it, not having the money to pay for the ferry. "No wonder with a work attitude like that", the old rune mage thought to himself. Thus it had happened that Johann had ignored the advice of the self described "strategist", how he called himself, and had obliterated the pirate fortress himself, hopefully showing Haruyuki that some things stood outside of strategy, that there were powers outside logic and reason, especially when magic came into the equation. Accordingly to the actions of the Vice President Haruyuki had made his displeasure known by refusing to utter as much as a single word on the way back.

Sitting down besides Artorias and across from Haruyuki, he sighed, listening to what the other had to say, closing his eyes and giving him a nod. Artorias' face was clearly showing his angered state, the man in the white uniform about to burst into full on shouting. "How dare you, you ungrateful-", Johann interrupting his comrade, "It is alright, Artorias. To be honest with you, Takenaka-san, I quite dislike you and your attitude for a plethora of reasons. Not only do you have the audacity to sneak on MY ship, act like you are part of MY crew, lie straight to MY face. I should have thrown you into a cell, but instead I offer you tea, which you also say isn't "proper tea", but I would be fine with it, if it was for those things alone." Johann sighed once more before frowning, his glowing red eyes piercing through Haruyuki's gaze with equal intensity. "You imply that work is below you. Not just any work, but the work I and my friends do. No, also I extended an offer to you expecting humility, gratitude even. I hope I could demonstrate to you that if I wanted, none of this would have happened, and I could have wiped you out like those pirates. I hope I could demonstrate to you, Haruyuki, that I am one of the supreme authorities of the West Fiore Trading Company. I demand respect, especially from someone who incriminated themselves by sneaking onto a ship of this very same Company.", his piercing gaze still on Haruyuki. "I don't expect you to like me, which I imagine you do not, I don't even expect you to be friendly or polite with me, but if you indeed want to work for the West Fiore Trading Company, then know that I demand that you respect my word and the work you will be doing. I hope that makes it clear".

The door behind Johann swung open, another sailor in the uniform of the Company stepping into the room, bringing another tablet as he made his way to the table, taking the old one and placing the fresh tea before the 3 men. "Thank you", Johann spoke with friendly voice as the sailor closed the door behind himself again, leaving them to themselves.

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Word Count: 648
Word Count Total: 648 / 4.000
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Artorias burst out in anger, something that took Haruyuki aback. Johann stopped his associate and replied to Haruyuki but also voiced his displeasure. Haruyuki noticed the empathies on the word my. He shifted a bit uneasy on the couch, the things Johann said were true after all. He didn’t interrupt Johann once and waited till he was finished.  Haruyuki was silent for a moment, though it was his turn to speak.  His thoughts were interrupted by a servant bringing tea.

“You are right.” Said Haruyuki as he looked Johann straight in the eyes. “But I’m not sorry for trying to hide on your ship, I had my reasons. It was impolite of me to out my, unjust, frustration on the tea.” He paused for a moment, “Yes, I do imply that being a sailor is bellow my stature and below my capabilities. I’m a warrior, mayhap of the low nobility but still, my skills are best used for military purposes or for guarding. It was my intent to show you my value on that against the pirates. You state you wanted to show me what you could have done to me, ai, you have amazing strength and speed. I can respect that, but I cannot believe that your company has enough people even below your level to keep the company afloat by being represented on each ship and trading ordeal.” Haruyuki got upon his feet, standing before the vice-president of the West Fiore Trading Company and Artorias. “I have behaved in despicably low and rude, I’m not going to ask for forgiveness but.” Haruyuki took up his sword that was resting against the couch and held it in both his hands. He stretched them out towards Johann and bowed. “Please accept my sword as a sign of respect. You can do with me as you wish, imprisonment or if you wish me dead then you only need to ask.”

WC:324

"I didn't think you were, and I do not hold it against you. I would have done the same in your situation," The old Vice President of the West Fiore Trading Company retorted to the strategist's words "but law is law and I wouldn't be the Vice President of the Company if I didn't enforce it." The old, silver haired man sighed. The next point was probably his biggest problem with the man's attitude, but he also thought that Takenaka Haruyuki had missed some information about the West Fiore Trading Company. "We are no mere traders and sailors, Takenaka-san, it appears I haven't made that clear. The West Fiore Trading Company is an entity, an institution that controls the island continent of Tolgalen. We possess an administration, a navy, an army and an air force even. A constitution, laws, citizens who live in the array of cities and provinces on Tolgalen. The WFTC are no mere traders, no mere sailors. We are a state. Trust me on this one, Takenaka-san, do not underestimate the Company, its assets and its resources", looking at the other who stood up, and, much to Johann's surprise, offered him his sword. Johann didn't know what kind of gesture this was, he didn't know too much about Midi still, after all, but remained sitting, waving his hand to signal the other to sit down again "Keep your sword, Takenaka-san. I'm not insulted, nor do you need to remedy this situation. You have done some wrong, maybe, who am I to judge, but you have held some misconceptions about the Company that I hope I could clear up. That being said" Johann poured himself another cup of tea "You have displayed some quite extraordinary abilities back in that fort, martially as well as tactically. Say, what magic do you use, Haruyuki ?", inquiring about the other in a sense he hoped would keep the man engaged.

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Word Count: 319
Word Count Total: 967 / 4.000

“A company rules a country?” Haruyuki frowned, Money rules. It was difficult to grasp it, Midi was ruled by the nobility on nearly every level. Money was important indeed and successful traders even managed to buy themselves the rights to bear swords from improvised noblemen who sold them eagerly to increase their own wealth. But how could merchants rule the warrior elite? He had known warriors who took a loan with merchants and never paid it back. If asked about it, then the sword would do the talking. “So, your job offer is for the military?” Asked Haruyuki with doubt yet a tone of hope was heard within it as well.  

Haruyuki placed his sword back and sat down again. He leaned a bit forward, “Em, I didn’t do all that much. Stepped sideways and sliced one man’s throat. That was all.” He paused briefly to think on how he would explain his magic. He proceeded to grab his bags and searched through it and found what he was looking for. A bamboo scroll and laid it partially unwrapped on the table in front of them, with the writing towards Johann. Though it was likely that Johann was not able to read the characters of the Midi language. “This is the Art of War by Sun Tzu, many consider his view of warfare as the pinnacle of strategy. This scroll among other scrolls and books on warfare and combat is my magic. The art of war. My knowledge of these books is strong, and I can influence combat situations in accordance with these teachings. I know it sounds vague but trust in me it works.” As long as the others believe in. “Next time I shall give you a proper demonstration, though I do admit my arsenal is still lacking in size however further studying will increase it.”

WC:314/923

"A country ?" Johann laughed "No,- well, not quite. A continent of around a billion people" he answered, hoping this would clarify it all a little bit. The young warrior from Midi seemed like he was wholly unfamiliar with the concept of the West Fiore Trading Company. Well, in truth, that didn't matter too much. He would learn enough about it soon enough. "My job offer indeed is for the armed military forces of the West Fiore Trading Company. While our emphasis lies on naval forces as you can see, for rather obvious reasons, our ground forces are indeed quite extensive and always accepting of new recruits. You'll feel right at home with them, Takenaka-san". When Haru mentioned he hadn't done much, Johann frowned. "Well, you ended a life, and with skill and ease as well. Is that nothing ? I don't believe it is. It is quite meaningful, and it has left an impression"

When Haruyuki unrolled the scroll and displayed it, starting to explain more about his magic, Johann noded, a smile playing around his lips. "Ah, now I understand, Takenaka-san. I see, I see. So you need the scripture and strategy for your magic ? In this case ...", Johann stood up, bowing before Haruyuki "... it is I who should apologize. I ignored your strategy and disrespected your magical abilities. I'm sorry", standing up straight and sitting down again. While Johann indeed as a more straightforward and direct person, inside and outside of combat, he never intended to be rude with a fellow magus, especially in regards to magical abilities. "Now that that is out of the way, I would love for you to demonstrate to me what you can do. What do you think about a duel ?". Johann, just after saying this, realized that the other might be intimidated by the offer "Of course, I would not kill you, and any wounds you will sustain I will heal. Also, if it is your wish, I shall not use magic. What do you say ?"

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Word Count: 340
Word Count Total: 1.307 / 4.000

I nodded for I was glad to hear that the offer had indeed been mend for the military. Clear communication is vital. I should have asked for a description rather assuming. Bad of me. Johann continued and I kept listening. “Ending a single life is easy as long as you accept what you do.” I said strictly with all seriousness, “You need to take into account that he is pirate, they are not known to be the best of warriors. I started training how to wield a sword at the age of three. Archery and the way of the spear at the age of six. I learned horse riding and fighting from atop them. It was not a fair fight thus…” I didn’t finish the last sentence and left a silent before I continued to talk about my magic.

I was surprised to see Johann rise, and that he apologised. “No need to apologise. It seems as in warfare, that you are required to know all before you can be certain about the other’s intent. We both reacted on presumptions without knowing the other’s intent or story. Let us learn from this so we don’t get in the same situation again.” Was what I said. “A duel?” I grinned, “Sounds good. Good to know that you won’t kill me, I had thought that the duel didn’t have such high stakes. I wouldn’t accept it otherwise for I do know you are stronger than me.” My strength will lay in numbers, was what I thought. “Use magic as you like.” I stood up and stretched, “Shall we give it a go now? Or do you need some rest from the pirates.” I grinned, he surely would come. I grabbed my sword in hand and donned my armour and left through the door.

WC: 308/1231