Chapter 28: Training session, Part 2

" connections? "
"Yes"
"The answers are multiple : by affinity, for purposes, by obligation..."

I began listing the explanations that came to my mind. We were walking on the hot desert sand towards the group standing a few steps away from us. Even though the atmosphere was rather relaxed, I couldn't help but be on my guard. The power of experience, I guess. Although most of us had similar backgrounds and difficult pasts, trusting each other meant only one thing: being betrayed for a few gold coins.

Noticing that I wasn't getting close to the answer he wanted to hear, Rinne spoke up again.
"And what is the basis of everything you just listed?"
I thought about it for a few seconds and the answer came to me.
"Mutual interests?"
"Right." he said, raising his index finger in the air like a teacher. He had this strange habit when he explained things.

"These bloodhounds are here because they have an interest in being here."

Rinne began his lecture. His tone of voice was calm, almost nonchalant, but it was hard not to pay attention to his words. Without meaning to, he gave off something that made you want to listen to him.

"As I told Simons, to take his men, I had to combine fear and respect. From what I've read on the subject, a leader who operates out of fear most often creates soulless, worthless pawns who just blindly obey without enriching the group. Fear tends to create either weakness or animosity. On the other hand, being a respected leader seems to be the ideal, but it is only an illusion. For as much as it is possible to respect your allies, it is also possible to respect your enemies. Respect does not prevent betrayal since human beings always behave according to their interests. In short, if I have to choose between these two weapons, I have decided to take both and add a third one" Rinne explained calmly with hand gestures to support his arguments.
"A third one? "
"A benefit.".
"A benefit hum? You're certainly not talking about money, considering your income." I said, unable to stifle a laugh.
"If I wasn't taxed half of my earnings, I'd be better off." Rinne replied with a bitter smile.
"A deal is a deal. You agreed to it, my little Rinne."
"Tss anyway, I wasn't talking about money but rather..."

Rinne started to answer but was cut off by a voice. A man with a large build walked towards us. His name was Milmo if I remember correctly.

"Good morning Master Jabal," he said as he knelt down. Racus and Pleya followed him and kneeled as well.
"Hello Milmo, Racus, Pleya."
"Good morning Master."
"Hello my king."

My king ??? A shiver of embarrassment ran down my spine. My eyes turned to Rinne who looked ready to vomit at any moment. He took two deep breaths before talking. 

".....So ? What do you want to do today?".

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Rinne pulled a small notebook from his pocket.
"If you don't mind master. The majority of the second-class present would like to continue training against the black Vulkores. The third class would prefer to face the Ornas and then proceed to a series of duels between them."
"I see, that sounds like a good program, I agree. What about the overall progression?"
Racus spoke up.
"The 10 first-class bloodhounds who joined us three months ago have moved up to second-class. And two of the second-class bloodhounds have moved up to the third class. Your training method is paying off, master. We have received several requests from young bloodhounds who want to meet you and join the group. Of course, we made sure that no sensitive information leaked."

In three months? Fast, way too fast.

"Good. What is your opinion about them ?"
"Many of them do not meet the criteria you have established. Some also seem to have malicious intentions. By next week, we will present you those we feel are worthy of walking behind you."
"Good job Racus."
"Thank you master."
Rinne took note of what Racus and Milmo said. He turned to Pleya who was smiling.
"It's my turn, isn't it?" she said in a cheerful voice.
"Yes..."

Exasperation was evident on her face. Pleya seemed to be the type to have "energy." As I looked at the three more closely, I realized they were all third class. Their bodies and muscle definition were perfect for their builds, even Milmo. They must have trained like crazy, considering their age ranges.

"So, Burk's wife gave birth last night to a baby girl. She's just soooo cute, a sight for sore eyes. There's going to be a little party and you're invited. Your presence is highly desired. I have prepared a little gift on your behalf. Marissa and Lucienne's children are also expected in two months. I took the liberty of planning some gifts as well."
"I hope you didn't deplete my savings..."

Rinne gave her a somewhat threatening look. Pleya simply dodged his gaze.

"...Regarding the supply of the slums in the neighboring regions, it was done in discretion. The inhabitants thank you for your generosity. We were able to collect information from them about the nobles you mentioned."
Pleya took out a large notebook from her bag lying on the ground and handed it to Rinne, who flipped through the pages carefully.
"Nice work. Anything else?"

She began to list various events over the next few months that Rinne and Lyanna would be attending. There was also quite a bit of gossip slipped in between her sentences which made Rinne sigh several times.
Once she finished her report, she excused herself before joining a small group further down the hall who were preparing weapons.

("Exhausting") Lya said as she played in the sand with a stray cat. It was much uglier than any she had ever brought home. We were breaking records at this point. What the hell was that thing ?

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