Gerald and Ryuka dynamic reminds me of Thorfinn and Askeladd. A very complex one where beneath all the filth, there is love and concern for their adopted child. Like Gerald cared for Ryuka to teach her how to survive in this world as a mercernary and thought her military strategies. Moreover one of the primary motivations for Ryuka to quit this commanding job is Gerald. And yet, both Gerald and Askeladd were merciless and brutal in their goals and surviving.