It was already past noon and the sun was on top of our head and the squad meeting was over. All the squads had already left the lawn but not us.
We were still waiting underneath the shade of the tree in this heat.

Why do you ask?

Well, our squad captain who was due to present by 11 o’clock had yet to show up. All other squad captains arrived on time and left with their respective squads.
We were the only squad that was still waiting in this hot weather.

Well, I didn’t mind this heat but I guess my comrades had some difficulties.

William was furious as he nagged to himself, “How dare he make my Master wait like this! This is an outright insult, I should have his head for this!”

Whereas his master, Bruno who seemed a little uneasy and sweaty,
“It’s alright William! He might have encountered some unforeseen problems. I am alright! This little much of heat is nothing!” muttered Bruno as he wiped the sweat from his forehead with the end of his shirt’s sleeve.

Perhaps, the noble guy wasn’t accustomed to such hospitality. Waiting in this harsh sun might be his first-time experience.
He said he was fine, but I had my suspicions regarding that.
His spiky hair was now all flat and damp because of the sweat that had accumulated on his scalp.

Whereas Thalia fanned Bruno with a book she had on hand.

I, on the other hand, was seated under the same tree but on the opposite side. Away from the ruckus. I knew it was hot, but all their whining wasn’t helping at all.
They could just shut up and lay down on the grass like me.

I wanted to stay further away from this boisterous crowd, but this was the only tree that had proper shade.

“It’s not right, master! You must look out for your health! I don’t care if we blow our cover! As long as you are safe, that’s what matters to me.”, replied back William sternly.

“Don’t forget about our mission! We have to get at the bottom of this syndicate and rescue Raymond. For his sake, this much heat is nothing! Don’t underestimate the fourth heir of Marshfield family. Don’t take me for a wimp. We will rescue him, no matter what it takes!”, replied back, Bruno.

“Master! You are too kind. We servants, are blessed to have you as our master but even so!” Willian took in a deep breath as his eyes sparkled with determination and spoke, “I will not accept this tardiness of our squad captain on his first day. This type of behavior in our army is unforgivable. The guardsmen regiment are filled with undisciplined mongrels.”
Damn my head was exploding with pain! William’s whining was going on and on for about an hour and I was on my limit.

Although I have to agree with his last statement, Guardsmen's regiment was just a bunch of clowns.

It was a huge shock that my father’s disappearance was somehow the handiwork of this mysterious syndicate.
I don’t know if they were speaking the truth. I don’t even know if the old man’s still alive.

My father was the renowned swordsman whose skills almost matched the Imperial General ranked Knights.
He wielded two unique enchanted long swords with a long curved blade.
No one could match him, especially in the terms of swordsmanship. He sprinted across the battlefield cutting down enemies like paper.
It was said that no one was ever able to block his blade. Hence he was named as the Slaughter Scissor of Rublor.

Although he achieved a lot of glory through his battle skills, many other knights loathed him. Because of his reputation and fame despite being a lowborn from an orphanage.

“Oi, someone's approaching, I guess it's our captain!”, said Thalia.

I got up from the grass and glanced at a murky looking figure which approached in our direction. He walked all wibbly-wobbly, seemed he was pretty tired.

“What is the meaning of this? I need a thorough explanation!”, demanded William angrily, as he got up from the grassy lawn.

“Could you guys put a gag in his mouth? He’s been barking like a dog for an hour, now.”, I said in an annoyed tone.

“You lowly peasant! I shall have your tongue. You bastard!...”, nagged back William as he tried to charge at me but was stopped by Thalia and Bruno.

Short-tempered people are bothersome but they are fun to tease.
“Listen to your master! Put a leash on him as well.”, I said in a taunting manner.

“That’s it! I am gonna kill you. We have no need for you, in our squad or in this world.”, said William angrily. Even Thalia and Bruno were getting pushed back by William as they tried to stop his charge.

“Could you please calm down! We are a team, we need to work together!”, said Bruno as he tried to hold down William.

“Stop this William! He’s trying to provoke you and you are falling for it!”, said Thalia wisely as she pulled back William by his arms.

“Let me beat some manners in him!”, said out loud as William pointed his finger at me.

All of sudden,
“Oh! Hello…. Everyone!”, a soft voice interrupted in between as she breathed heavily, “Sorry, huh… I am a … a bit late!”

Before we know the person had already reached here.
In front stood a female soldier who tried to catch her breath. It looked as if she ran a marathon as she panted heavily.