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The mood was unusually good in the resistance camp today. Did something good happen, Ryoma wondered.
“Ryoma, there you are!” a voice called, making him look up.
Scarlet ran up to him and handed him a bag of coins. “Here’s your share.”
“What’s this?” Ryoma stared at the small bag and looked inside. It wasn’t a lot, but still a decent number of silver coins.
“Your pay for the month,” she replied, about to leave.
“...my pay?” he handed the bag back, confused.
She stopped in her tracks and tilted her head. A moment later, she chuckled, “You didn’t think we’d have you work for free, did you?” She pushed the coins back into his hands again. “This is for you.”
“Oh,” Ryoma replied slowly. He actually did think the members worked for free. They were all here putting their lives on the line voluntarily after all.
“You’re already paying for my board and food,” he replied, “That’s all I need.”
“Hmm?” Scarlet knitted her brows. Everyone else was overjoyed to get their monthly allowance.
Ryoma stared at the coins, deep in thought. Another thought occurred to him, where did they get their funds anyway? It took money and resources to feed them and secure supplies after all.
As if reading his mind, Scarlet spoke up, “Don’t worry, we didn’t steal it or anything.”
“Oh, I wasn’t thinking that…”
She laughed, “But you were wondering where we get our funding from, right?”
He nodded.
“We take on odd jobs here and there. On the surface, we are a company of knights for hire,” she grinned, “It doubles as good opportunities for reconnaissance.”
“But also, from donations,” she smiled wistfully. “There are people who wish for change, but are unable to fight. So they’re entrusting it to us.”
“Then even more reason that I can’t take this,” Ryoma offered the bag of coins. “You should use it for supplies.”
“Oh…but…hmmm…” she crossed her arms, not sure how to convince him.
“You might think it’s silly,” she closed his hands around the coins and gave a small smile, “But I like to give a little spending money to everyone, you know, to keep up morale.” She looked up at him and grinned, “Don’t worry, you’ve more than earned this.”
“...I see.” He had to admit, she was a good leader. It was clear to him that she cared deeply about her companions, and that she had given a lot of thought to this.
“Alright, I guess I’ll take this,” he replied, deciding to accept her kindness. “Thank you, Miss Scarlet.”
Scarlet flashed a victorious smile. “Next time we’re in town, let’s go shopping, and you can buy yourself something nice.”
As he watched her leave, Ryoma thought to himself that perhaps, he could learn a thing or two from her way of doing things.