Hours passed, and Dante sat on the floor against the wall, drinking from a flask of water that Marilyn had given him.
He looked around the training room, now empty since Marilyn had left not long ago to handle "business," as she put it.
Leaning back, he reflected on the past week, realizing that he wasn't taking things as seriously as he probably should have.
Dante stared blankly, lost in thought, not noticing that Marcus had entered the room and was now standing next to him.
"What are you thinking about that has your mind so occupied?" Marcus said, leaning in close with his usual smirk.
Dante jumped slightly at the sudden voice and Marcus's unexpected closeness.
"Why are you so quiet and standing so close?" Dante asked. Marcus took a few steps back and shrugged.
"How is your training going?" Marcus asked, circling around Dante with obvious boredom.
"It was tiresome and very difficult," Dante replied, looking up at him. "Why the long face?" he asked, amused by Marcus's boredom.
"Just a little tired. Alice has a hot temper sometimes," Marcus said with a light chuckle.
Dante looked up in surprise. "I didn't know someone like you could get tired," he remarked, causing Marcus to chuckle a bit.
After thinking for a few moments, Marcus said, "Dante, I received a mission before coming here, and you'll be coming along with me. Don't worry; it won't be difficult, and you'll just be observing."
Dante looked back up, considering for a moment before nodding. "What kind of mission?" he asked.
"A security mission. A client came in; she said she needed protection for a few days." He paused, trying to gauge Dante's reaction.
Dante listened intently, waiting for Marcus to continue. "We'll protect her for two days. It's easy money, and you can gain some experience in the field before our next mission."
Dante stood up. "Okay, I'll join you on this mission." Marcus smirked, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief.
Marcus led Dante out of the training room.
Later, they arrived at a small shop in town. Dante looked around, confused about why they were there.
Marcus grabbed two wrapped decks of cards and slipped them into his pocket. Dante glanced over at him with a questioning look.
Taking Dante's hand, Marcus led them out of the shop. Once outside, Dante spoke up. "Why did you steal? Don't you have enough money?" he asked with a scoff.
Marcus turned to him, his usual smirk in place and the sun shining on his face. "Because I don't like the owner of the shop; he's an asshole."
Dante chuckled lightly. "So, who is this client we're protecting for two days?"
"A noblewoman. She has some events to attend and many enemies," Marcus said, leading Dante through an alley.
"All we have to do is stay by her side for two days. Hopefully, your family won't get too worried." Dante looked up at the sky, thinking about Olivia and his Aunt Maria.
"They will most certainly be worried," Marcus replied, looking at Dante. "Then just tell them you have business to attend to for two days. You'll most likely return home on the night of the second day."
Dante considered Marcus's suggestion. "I could, but they still think I work at a bar. What kind of bartender leaves for business for two days?"
Marcus chuckled. "Okay then, come on, let's get a carriage." He led Dante to the main street and got into a carriage owned by the Genesis Order.
"How do we have this?" Dante asked.
"We told you already, didn't we? The Genesis Order is paired with the police and military of Sildivine, so we can operate freely."
Dante nodded, looking out the window. "So then, where are we going?" he asked.
Marcus grinned, resting his hand on his silver hair, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "We're going to your home, of course, Dante."
Dante's eyes widened. "Why are we going to my home?"
"Because we have news for your aunt and sister. After that, we will meet our client." Dante sighed, no longer surprised by Marcus's antics.
The carriage arrived in front of the old home. Marcus ordered the carriage to wait as they exited and walked to the front door.
Marcus knocked. "What are you going to tell them, Marcus? I don't have any excuses," Dante said, looking at Marcus expectantly.
The front door opened, and Aunt Maria stepped out. "Oh, welcome home, Dante, and you again," she said, addressing Marcus.
"Hello, ma'am! I have some news to share with you today." Maria regarded him with suspicion. "What news is it?"
"Well, the place I work for is an investigations branch, and Dante here works with us now. He'll be making a splendid amount of money." Marcus draped his arm over Dante's shoulder, who nodded and played along.
Aunt Maria glared at him, skeptical about the news. "How can I verify this?"
Marcus took out a badge that confirmed his claims.
Aunt Maria examined it, not finding anything suspicious. "Okay, I will believe you for now, but if anything happens to Dante, I'm coming after you first."
Marcus nodded with a chuckle. "Well, now that that's out of the way, Dante and I actually have a job to do. He will be gone for two days at the most."
Maria's eyes widened. "What?! Two days? That's outrageous!"
Dante stepped forward. "Aunt Maria, I know it's a long time, but I promise I will be fine. Besides, we could use the money. Things have been rather hard lately, especially with Olivia's tuition."
Dante tried to reason with his aunt, and eventually, she agreed. "Okay, fine, but promise to come back in one piece, and keep an eye on this man. I don't trust him."
Marcus smirked. "Okay, Aunt Maria, I promise I will see you in two days." Maria looked at him, worry clear in her eyes.
Marcus and Dante turned and walked back to the carriage, climbing inside and sitting across from each other.
"Well, that went smoother than I expected. I thought your aunt would most certainly hit me," Marcus said with a chuckle.
"You don't seem to take things seriously," Dante replied.
Marcus grinned at Dante's words. "What's the point? Life is short, so why spend it being mad or serious?"
"Anyway, now that we told your aunt we can have you on missions without worrying them," Dante said, relieved.
"So, now we're heading to the client, right?" Marcus nodded. "Yes, and this isn't the first time she's come to us."
The carriage took off, the horses pulling it smoothly through the streets as they headed to the home of their client.