Roth greeted Eren with a smile and said, "Grimdawn, it's good to see you again."
Eren and Roth met during Ken's funeral organized by House Riverine in the capital city not too long ago. Eren had gone there because the Orton brothers and White Raven crew members insisted on attending.
Eren bowed and greeted Roth before speaking cordially, "Likewise, Earl Roth. What brings you here today?"
Roth then mentioned Ken who talked about Eren often. He mentioned how they had joined their apprentices.h.i.+ps together, and Ken had learned a lot from Eren. He also called Eren the most visionary man he had ever met from any generation.
Eren smiled lightly and responded politely. "To be honest, that says more about Ken's nature than mine, Earl Roth. Ken focused on people's good qualities and neglected the rest.
While I won't deny my achievements by calling myself lucky, that would be a huge disservice to the amount of dedication and work I put in. I won't call myself a visionary just because a few of my steps have been taken in the right direction."
He then thanked Roth for sharing Ken's personal memories with him and said, "Let's just say that I'll remember him fondly as well, now more than ever."
Roth was pleased with Eren's reply and laughed remembering Ken before speaking further. "Haha. Yes! That lad was more fit to be a monk than a Fist Saint.
Anyway, the reason I came to meet you is simple, Eren.
Ken observed you admiring his s.h.i.+p. He asked me if he could give you the s.h.i.+p. This was something he asked me a day before entering Sansara World since it was a vessel registered under House Riverine."
Roth then explained that he had permitted Ken to give the Riverine vessel to Eren personally at the time of his departure from the capital city. However, Ken could not do it for obvious reasons, so Roth came in his stead.
Eren looked surprised. He couldn't believe that Ken had noticed Eren's jealousy and decided to end it.
Eren smiled wryly before speaking up.
"Ken didn't have to do that. You don't have to do it, Earl Roth. That admiration was only a result of jealousy."
Eren turned around and looked at Freya standing in the distance. "I… I am fine with what I have right now."
Roth followed Eren's gaze and looked at Eren's ruined s.h.i.+p. Freya's current condition failed to add weight to Eren's statement in the Earl's eyes. He chuckled and spoke further.
"Haha. You are a humble young man, Eren. I don't dislike that. But that wouldn't prevent me from honoring my lad's wish."
Roth gestured to Eren to look at 3 O'clock from Freya's current location. A giant s.h.i.+p approached Freya. It looked regal and full of all the amenities rankers needed for long travels.
This was the same s.h.i.+p Eren had seen boarded by Eren and Roody as they approached the capital city for the first time. For some reason, it looked even more luxurious than before.
It seemed that Roth Riverine wasn't going to take no as an answer from Eren. His sharp gaze landed on Eren and he spoke in a caring manner.
"Haha. A bit of envy among friends is nothing to be ashamed of. Use this s.h.i.+p however you want, Grimdawn, Sell it, wreck it, burn it, or keep it as a souvenir for all I care. But you'll have this s.h.i.+p as a gift from House Riverine and that's the end of it."
Roth's gaze softened on Eren as he thought of Ken.
"Thank you for being a positive influence on one of House Riverine's most distinguished scions, Eren. Ken was indeed too pious to survive in the rankers' world.
Some might call him stupid and unworthy behind my back. But your words have given me closure. You are right. He saw the world differently than most of us. And that's what I'll remember most about him.
Ken is no more. But I would like to fulfill his wish. Please accept House Riverine's gift and friends.h.i.+p. It would mean a lot to us."
Eren stared at the giant s.h.i.+p beside the ruined-looking Freya as Roth finished his words. He pondered a bit and smiled before looking at Roth again.
"Alright. The s.h.i.+p is a gift from House Riverine as part of my t.i.tle bestowment. You are an Earl, after all, Master Roth. I can't prevent you from fulfilling your obligations."
Roth was very impressed with the way Eren accepted his gift. He knew what Eren was thinking and spoke further to cement that thought process.
"Hehe, you are right, Grimdawn. By the way, have you met Carl? I'll have to send my private army to the borders soon to contribute to Edinburgh's war efforts. Carl will be one of my army leaders."
Eren looked at Carl when Roth spoke about him. Carl adjusted his fedora hat and nodded at Eren but remained silent, allowing Roth to finish speaking.
"Carl has served in Edinburgh's army for a very long time, Grimdawn. Many men under his command are also closely a.s.sociated with the army's fabric. So let's just say that House Riverine has connections.
I heard you were about to partic.i.p.ate in the war as well through your guild. Ken never used his clan's connections. But I hope his friend seeks us out if and when he is in a pinch. We would do everything to support your war efforts."
"Thank you, Earl Roth. The White Raven Guild is grateful for your a.s.sistance. I'll keep in touch with Master Carl periodically."
Saying this, Eren raised his hand for a handshake, his aura confident and unwavering. Roth shook hands with Eren right away before congratulating him on his t.i.tle.
Roth also asked one of his rune masters under him to fix Freya while he and Eren talked some more. When Eren concluded his business with Roth, two good-looking s.h.i.+ps were waiting for him and his group to come aboard.
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