"Really, guys? You impeached me to the City Commander?" Chief Research Director Hawthorne asked Deputy Garrison Commander Col. D. Blade and Deputy Grimgate Commander Mark Payne in sheer disbelief. He could hardly believe the two of them had banded together and ran crying to the City Commander just because he refused their personnel transfer request.
At his question, both deputy commanders stayed silent, waiting for the City Commander to join the video call. Seeing their refusal to engage, Hawthorne leaned back and reminded them, "You do realize this isn't up to us, or even the City Commander. What the boy does is his own choice. And even if it were up to us, there's still only one of him and two of you."
"Shut up, Hawthorne," Col. D. Blade snapped, seeing the sly bastard trying to pit them against each other.
"Hawthorne, that boy belongs to our city," Mark Payne said coldly. "I'm not going to sit quietly while you groom him and ship him off to the Province just to curry favor with your old buddies, like you once did."
The city needed fresh talent to replace the old guard and keep growing. They couldn't afford to watch every promising youngster pack their bags and drift off to the Province or the big guilds the moment they showed potential. At that rate the city they worked so hard to develop and protect would die.
"Again, it's not up to me. The decision lies with the boy," Hawthorne said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "And besides, if we want him to reach his full potential, he'll have to go to the Province sooner or later. That's just how things work. And for the record, I don't have any buddies left outside this city."
He let out a quiet sigh, knowing full well the city still didn't truly see him as one of its own.
Yes, he had left Skyox City when he was young, chasing his dream in Starox Province. For a brief time, he had even achieved it, before circumstances eventually brought him back here. Still, he didn't regret it. Skyox City was his home and always would be, but the contributions he had made to Grimlock society in Starox City had been worth it, regardless of how it all ended.
A moment later, City Commander Dia Laos joined the video call. Her expression was indifferent as she glanced at the three men on the screen.
"Keep it short," she ordered the two deputy commanders. "I have a meeting with Moonox County's commander in five minutes about the upcoming young grimlock championship."
"Commander, we would like Chief Research Director Hawthorne to transfer one of the interns, Caryon V. Wyatt, to either of our departments," Col. D. Blade stated, presenting their request clearly. "After the recent revelation about his gioncore card, we believe he would serve the city far better in one of our departments under our direct guidance, rather than being used as a prop in the research department to attract investment."
"Yes, I've heard about it as well," Dia said. "It's good to see the city gain fresh blood. Director Hawthorne, well done nurturing potential talent. I also heard about the deal you offered the boy. Frankly, the choice wouldn't have been easy. Please keep up the good work."
After acknowledging Hawthorne's efforts beyond the strict scope of his duties, she turned the matter back to the call.
"Director Hawthorne," she asked calmly, "how do you plead?"
Hearing the City Commander's words, the expressions on the two deputy commanders' faces darkened. It was obvious she was already somewhat biased in this matter. After all, it had been Hawthorne's vision, investment, and mentorship that had uncovered the boy's potential in the first place. Unless they could present a truly compelling argument, convincing her to transfer the boy to either of their departments would be difficult.
"Madam city commander, Caryon V. Wyatt is more than just a prop for the institute to attract investment," Hawthorne said calmly. "I intend to guide him personally, though I won't interfere much in his daily life. Besides, the boy has made it abundantly clear that he wants to become a researcher. With his grim cypher and the right guidance, I believe he can grow into a capable one."
As he spoke, Hawthorne slightly bent the truth in his favor and shared the boy's employment contract on the video call as supporting evidence.
"This means nothing," Mark scoffed, barely glancing at the document. Then he straightened and addressed the commander politely. "Madam Commander, just because he wants to attend institute classes doesn't mean he wants to become a researcher. More importantly, his personal wishes come second to the city's needs."
He paused before adding with deliberate weight, "The city needs young talents like him now more than ever. And knowing Director Hawthorne's track record, if the boy remains under his guidance, the city will eventually lose him to the Province."
"Deputy Commander Mark, you're right that the city needs more talent," Dia replied evenly. "But you're forgetting something. Our founding fathers built this city for its people and their children, not the other way around. Unless you have a compelling reason for me to intervene and transfer Caryon to your departments, I'll adjourn this meeting now."
Her words made it clear she would not sacrifice one person for the sake of the many. That had never been the principle Skyox City, or the F.O.E, was built on.
"Madam, I know that better than anyone," Col. D. Blade responded, his voice tightening with emotion. "But as one of the city's sons, it's Caryon's duty to serve its needs."
He couldn't help feeling that their young commander was letting her personal feelings cloud her judgment. It was no secret that she, too, once wanted to leave for the Province, only to remain because her family had pressured her to stay and serve the city.
"Gentlemen, Caryon will remain with the Research Department unless he decides otherwise," Dia said firmly. "This meeting is adjourned. Have a good day."
With that, she ended the call before either deputy commander could argue further. She knew they had no real justification for the transfer request. They simply wanted to claim a promising talent for their own departments.
After the City Commander left the call, Hawthorne remained silent. He didn't say a single word, but the grin on his face said everything. It only pushed the two already frustrated deputy commanders further toward their breaking point.
Mark spoke first. "I want to speak with Caryon V. Wyatt. When can you arrange a meeting?"
"Me too," Col. D. Blade added. Even though the City Commander had rejected their request, she hadn't forbidden them from trying to recruit the boy themselves. However, since Caryon was currently under the institute's authority, they still needed Hawthorne's permission to meet him.
"Sure," Hawthorne replied smugly. Then he immediately ended the call, leaving the two deputy commanders shouting at the dead screen.
"You can't hide him forever! He'll have to enter Grimmyth someday! I'll meet him then!"
"I'll be seeing him during his garrison reserve registration!"