Chapter Text
The blissful winds of Crimea blew just above the capital, causing the beautiful flowers to sway along. The Mad King was finally thwarted and his war finally came to a close. Cheers erupted as everyone was happy that the hell Ashnard had subjected them too was over. Ike walked up to the front of the Balcony as he raised up Ragnell in pride. Ike took a deep breath as his bout with Ashnard took a lot out of him. Ike then shouted "It's over! Ashnard is gone!".
After wounds were mended, weapons were sheathed, and the remaining Daein forces were routed, practically everyone wanted to talk to Ike. Since the war was over, their time along side the General was coming to the end. So, eventually, a lined was formed going up to Ike. Ike knew this was going to take a while to greet everyone, but he didn't care. This was the first time in many months that Ike got to truly relax. The Greil Mercenaries talked with Ike first, then the other people of Crimea was up. As Ike talked to Elincia, Bastian waited his turn to talk to the General. It was certainly quite a ride to have their savior be a mercenary. Soon enough, Bastian turn came as he approached Ike with the upmost decorum, down to the footsteps.
Once up to Ike, Bastian then said "Oh, glorious day of sweet victory! Praises upon the day the goddess did see fit to send Sir Ike to save our land" while performing a slight bow in respect.
Ike, as per usual gave Nonchalant thanks in response. Seeing as there many, many more people from Ike's Army waiting to have more words with the Hero, Bastian swiftly moved to the side to allow the others to talk with Ike. Eventually, after everyone was done with their words and packing up, Elincia then stood up, and then announced (With a bit of nudging from Ike) "Oh umm... before you all go, I-I would like to celebrate our victory with festivities". Conversations started amongst the other people. Eventually, most of the people agreed to celebrate along with Crimea. And soon, everyone who was left, walked into the Castle.
Eventually, the sun was starting to set, changing the sky into a soothing orange space. The celebrations from the victory were nice, but it took important time from what Bastian wanted to do most. However, now everything was calming down for the night, leaving the man, finally free. Wasting no time, Bastian walked through the winding hallways of the Castle. It still looks really nice considering a war happened and Ashnard took it over for a moment. After navigating the hallways, Bastian came across a hidden door. While it would be glossed over by most people, this was what Bastian was looking for. After grabbing the Camouflaged grip and pulled it open, it revealed a hidden basement. Bastian slowly walked and saw the secret treasury, with all of it's goods intact, meaning that Daein hadn't found it during their short ruling. Another win for Crimea. Bastian walked over to the piles of riches and soon started to slides mounds of Gold Coins into them. Eventually, after a couple of minutes, Bastian filled a large bag enough to reach 20,000 Gold, the perfect budget, however the bag were far from the most carriable thing. Thankfully, the halls were still empty as what remains of the Crimea's Army was busy attending to the reconstruction effort. Bastian slung the heavy bag over his shoulder and left out of the Treasury. Then, he walked down the hall, going to the rear exit to be sure that nobody sees him.
Eventually, he makes it to the rear exit, however he is interrupted by Geoffrey. Geoffrey was certainly confused when out of no where, he sees his good old friend, suspiciously holding a whole bunch of money.
Geoffrey then asked in confusion "Bastian! What brings you what this hour, with such strange money?".
Bastian quickly replied "Oh the ever tenacious Geoffrey, I see your will to protect this Castle never dulls. I am here with this package of gold to use as a payment for a certain, secretive, and gritty contract".
Geoffrey eyes squinted as he asked back "Contract? Bastian, what's going on".
Bastian was certainly on edge of telling Geoffrey the truth. Geoffrey isn't the type to just betray him, but then again, Geoffrey is the same man who was so worried for the princess that he mistook Daein Troops as her troops. In the end, Bastian decides to keep him in the dark as he says "Oh, you see, the contents of this very contract is as dangerous as a Volcano. My apologizes my dear friend, but I cannot tell you". There was an awkward moment of silence as Bastian questioned he made the correct choice.
Geoffrey then broke the silence with a sigh and said "I trust you. You wouldn't be the type to betray us, so I'll stay quiet. But may I ask, will you tell us what's happening once this so-called contract ends".
Bastian then said "Of course, my friend. I am not a evil fiend who destroys tight trusts for no foreseeable reason".
Geoffrey then said "Ok, you may pass" as he stepped out of the way, letting Bastian through the rear exit.
Bastian was certainly happy that it ended as well as it did, considering how suspicious he was. After a few more moments of walking he made it outside of the Castle walls and now was at a dirt path. Bastian was about to move to a Tavern to call for Volke before he suddenly heard "Looking for me?".
Bastian turned around to Volke walk just around from the corner, truly a man of mystery.
Bastian then said in surprise "V-volke? You would spare the time to cease action should I arrive so suddenly?".
Volke then crossed his arms while saying "Yes, I still remember that look on your face. I can tell when someone is serious, it's apart of my profession".
Bastian was genuinely happy that the Enigma that was Volke, valued their relationship. Volke then chuckled before saying "Besides, I wouldn't want my new employer to be forced to drag all of that money to a bar".
This action would not go unnoticed by Bastian as up to this point, Volke had never laughed so genuinely, even if it was a chuckle, causing him to truly think about their relationship. Bastian then quickly cleared his throat and said "So then, I shall skip my pleasant introductions and start on the contract. I wish to hire you for a long term contract featuring numerous types of missions suited only for yourself. I seek to have you have any scraps of information regarding the Feral Laguz for your first mission".
Volke then said "Intel work huh? Got it" as he brought his hand.
Bastian then said "Here you go" as he handed him the sack.
Volke turned around and said "It should take just a week. I'll come to you when I got something".
Bastian then waved and said "So long, the Shade I call Volke. Please hurry, this is very much serious".
Volke gave back a gesture while saying "Understood" before he disappeared into the nearby forest. Bastian had high hopes for Volke as he walked back into the Castle.