Chapter 15 - Pig
Ryan had been ordered to defeat and recruit the person wielding the [Light] skill. He set out with Aya, just the two of them. It would be faster and reduce the risk of another mishap like what happened to Leo, who died while the rest of his group survived. Traveling in a pair also gave them more freedom in their movements.
Along the way, Ryan grew increasingly annoyed. Erwin had interrupted his time of leisure again, pulling him into another mission. "I need a break too, damn it," Ryan muttered. "At this point, I’m no better than a slave, right?"
Aya, startled by his tone, responded nervously, "Y-Yes... I guess so..."
Ryan glanced at her from head to toe. For a moment, he thought, She’s not bad either. He remembered Erwin’s warning, don’t touch Aya. But Ryan was fed up.
"Erwin always gets the best ones while I’m left with nothing. Who does he think he is? I’ve been doing the dirty work all along, while he sits and commands like a king."
His irritation deepened when he remembered how Erwin had even forbidden him from interacting with Veronica. He acts like everything belongs to him...
Ryan’s frustration grew unbearable. He looked at Aya again, clearly nervous, walking beside him cautiously. Her unease only irritated him further.
"Want to take a break?" Ryan asked, trying to mask his growing agitation.
Aya flinched slightly. "Eh? N-No, I’m not tired..."
"It’s fine. We can rest a bit. We’re not in that much of a hurry," he replied, forcing a grin.
But Aya shook her head and said firmly, "I think we should finish this quickly and return safely. That’s more important."