A Love Like War (On Hold)

Chapter 19

Fragon/Flagon's POV:

As we sat at the meeting in silence, I couldn't help but think of just how absurd Erwin's way of thinking was.

He was a brilliant man and an excellent soldier, I'll give him that. But what exactly was he thinking when he dragged them into this?! Especially that child?!

"This is humiliating!" I said out loud as I slammed my fist on the table out of pure annoyance and disbelief. Especially about the involvement of a ten year old child.

"Enrollment of recruits is conducted AFTER the training course. You want to add them to our ranks and jut piss on the rules?" I asked, voicing out my opinion with obvious distaste about the matter at hand.

"If there are any objections, don't hesitate." Commander Shadis said in his usual gruff tone.

"They joined us because we threatened them. What's more is that there's a ten year old child involved as well." I voiced out my concern about that child. "She's just too young for this. If you actually push through with her joining our ranks, how will I explain this to the subordinates?" I added as I lowered gaze my to the wooden table while thinking about the child.

"Leader Fragon, I understand you perfectly." Erwin said, looking at me with perfectly calm eyes as he spoke. "Currently, they don't have any training and that, together with the child, may cause concerns for some time. But certainly, they, including her, will be a key part of the reform." He continued with confidence, completely convinced that the young girl should be a part of this... dangerous battle for freedom.

"A key part of the reform?" I asked, doubting the man. Only to get silence as a form of response from my colleagues. "I hope that the expedition outside the walls does not become the greatest crime of them..." I muttered in defeat.

----

"Attention!" Shadis called out the moment the four of them stepped onto the platform with the raven haired siblings standing in the middle. "From now on, these four will fight along side you." He continued before instructing the four to introduce themselves to their fellow soldiers.

The first one to introduce himself was the raven haired man who had an annoyed look lingering on his features the moment his gaze brushed through the crowd.

"Levi." He introduced himself curtly.

The next one to introduce themselves was a red haired, spontaneous girl called Isabel Magnolia and a ash brow haired man called Farlan Church.

But what interested me and most of the crowd was the ten year old little girl wearing a full set of our uniform with a teddy bear in tow, making me want to smack my head right then and there.

What was Erwin thinking?! Dragging a child into this branch of the Military?! Has he lost his mind?! No matter how I see it, the kid would be more of a liability than an asset to our expeditions.

"My name is (y/n). I'm very to pleased to meet you." The young lass introduced herself with as she curtsied in front of the crowd, eyeing each and every single one of us until her gaze settled on me, before smiling lightly.

"They will stay in Fragon's Squad. Fragon, take care of them." Commander Shadis declared the moment she finished with her introduction, catching me of guard.

"In my squad?!" I exclaimed in surprise. Shifting my gaze towards the commander.

"No, I just thought they would join Erwin's squad." I replied quickly.

"Captain Erwin is working on a new formation for the next expedition. He entrusted the new recruits to you." The commander explained. "You will now be responsible for tier training. Is that understood?" He added.

I sneaked a glance at Erwin who simply confirmed what I feared.

I was in charge of their training. Meaning, I was also, in away, in charge of that child. And even if I was initially, and still am!, opposed to the child's involvement in this, I now have no choice but to train her myself for her own safety.

"Yes! Understood!" I replied, saluting as I did.

"That's all. Each squad should provide a standard report." The Commander said before dismissing us.

With a sigh, I took one last look at the group of newcomers that I was burdened with. Only to be met with a pair of sapphire blue eyes and their owners smiling at me.

"This is going to be a long week." I thought to myself as I rubbed my temples at the thought of training three grown ups and a child.