Arthur stood between Mark and Paul as they walked side by side down the street. It was a well-maintained stone path with many shops on both sides that had unique appearances with different cloth banners and signboards. The streets were vibrant, with people going about their daily routines. It was the first time Arthur had seen so many races gathered in one spot. There were short, barrel-shaped people with long, thick beards, tall figures with pointy ears, and even people with tails.

From head to toe, Arthur observed everyone on the street wearing stylish clothes and exhibiting unfamiliar courtesy. When the two gentlemen greeted each other, they took off their hats and bowed. Some women would nod to each other while others would simply wave.

"Sightsee later, Arthur. We're on patrol duty. Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious or anyone who needs help." Mark gave clear and concise orders as he scanned the surroundings. It had been several hours since they started patrolling, but the amount of ground covered was horrible.

Mark and Paul initially wanted Arthur to experience what it was like being a guard, but nothing happened. There was no danger or thrill, so Mark couldn't teach Arthur how to handle certain situations properly. Depending on the situation, a certain amount of force was needed, but it was easier to show than to explain. It didn't help that Arthur was also a child, so even if he described it, there was a chance that he didn't understand it.

Throughout the day, they had been helping others, whether it was finding a lost pet, guiding others, or reuniting lost children with their parents. This mini adventure gave Mark a massive headache as he rubbed the side of his temples, but his worries subsided when he saw how calm the other two were.

"Oh, please, Mark. We're on a simple stroll for simple men like us. Don't be so uptight. It's Arthur's first time patrolling." Paul curled the end of his mustache with his hand and spoke in a carefree tone. "Arthur, are we there yet?"

Arthur glanced at the nearby shop signs with the map in his hands. Since Arthur didn't know how to read, he simply matched the pictures on the map with the shop signs. In reality, Arthur didn't really know where they were going, but since none of them said anything, he thought they were on the right track. "We're almost there…probably."

"Probably?" Mark's eyes narrowed as he heard this. He glanced over Arthur's shoulder to see the map and immediately frowned. "We're nowhere close to where we're supposed to be!"

They were supposed to visit the dwarven blacksmith near the end of the western district, but somehow, they made it to the end of the eastern district right before the gates. Even the importance of weapon maintenance and selection was out the window.

"What do you mean? There's a hammer on this sign and one on the map. We're at the right spot." Arthur's reassuring tone caused Mark's frown to grow even more.

"Yeah, on the east side of town!" Mark angrily yelled, causing the nearby residents to turn in their direction. Noticing the unwanted attention, Mark's face grew bright red as he pushed Arthur and Paul down another street. "God dammit, I feel like I'm dealing with a bunch of children."

Mark took multiple deep breaths to relieve the accumulated stress throughout his body. But when he turned back to Arthur, he had already wandered off to a nearby flower shop. With a menacing glare, Mark asked. "What are you doing?"

Arthur bent his back, lifting a nearby crate of flowers, and answered, "I'm helping her carry these inside the store."

The constant cycle of Arthur disappearing and reappearing with a new task was the exact opposite of Tucker's behavior, and at this point, Mark couldn't tell which was worse. After observing the residents throughout the town, it was clear that there wasn't anything out of the ordinary. Since that was the case, Mark figured letting Arthur finish his task wouldn't be so bad. But once Arthur left the store, he pointed at two more flower crates that were bathing in the sunlight.

Mark passed his spear to Paul with a deep and exhausted sigh and bent his knees. Holding the crate's handles, he stood and faced Arthur. "Bend with your knees, not with your back."

A simple nod followed Mark's advice as Arthur mimicked his actions. Soon, they were inside the small store. Immediately to their right was a large rectangular stone counter extending from the wall. Several shelves lined up behind it held small potted plants of different varieties. Some had flowers in various colors, while others were clusters of simple green leaves.

"Where do we put this?" Mark grumpily asked.

"The lady said to put it near the end of the counter." Arthur placed the wooden crate down, then grabbed onto the wooden crate that Mark was carrying and placed it beside him. After rubbing the dirt off his hands, Arthur smiled and said. "There, all done."

"Alright, no more distractions. We need to at least finish our patrol route." With both hands behind Mark's head, he turned towards the door, following closely behind Arthur.

"Helping others is one of the most important things in life. Besides, we aren't that busy." Arthur casually replied to Mark before waving at the old lady behind the counter. "We finished moving the crates, Miss. Do you need help with anything else?"

"No, no, it's alright. I appreciate the help you boys gave me." The old lady smiled pleasantly before waving goodbye to them.

As they approached the door, it slowly creaked open as a pleasant ringing sound echoed throughout the store. Arthur and Mark stepped aside to allow the customer to enter the store. Yet, as the person came into Mark's view, a hint of puzzlement flickered across his face. It was a young woman, likely in her early twenties, entering the flower shop. She wore a plain black dress and flat shoes devoid of accessories. Dark shadows rested under her eyes, and weariness weighed her shoulders.

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"Good afternoon, Stella." Mark politely greeted her.

"Good afternoon, Mark." Stella nodded as her eyes descended briefly to Arthur and then seamlessly returned to Mark. "I see you quit your guard job."

"What are you talking about? Paul's outside holding my spear." Mark returned a displeased response while placing one hand on Arthur's shoulder. "Also, this runt right here is our newest recruit."

Arthur's shoulder shook multiple times as Mark held onto him until he finally grasped the meaning of his gesture and responded. "I'm Arthur."

"Hmm, Paul wasn't in front of the store when I entered." Stella walked past them and browsed the nearby flowers on sale before asking. "If you're a guard at the western gate, then I take it you met my husband David?"

"David?" Arthur thought about the time Tucker introduced the guards to him. Then his eyes widened at the realization of who she meant. "The alcoholic?"

"Oi!" Mark immediately smacked Arthur on the back of the head before grabbing his ear. "What the hell are you saying!"

Arthur's expression turned sour as Mark's palm struck him, but his gaze shifted towards Stella, noticing a glimmer of light in her eyes when her husband was mentioned. "That's odd. How did that drunk get married to you?"

"And… you're done." Mark angrily lifted Arthur by the back of his neck and threw him over his shoulder like a bag of vegetables. His arm firmly wrapped around Arthur's waist while Arthur struggled in mid-air. "Sorry, Stella. This idiot is learning bad habits from Tucker and Paul. We'll take our leave now. Sorry once again for bothering you."

"...No worries." Stella's eyes revealed a slight warmth as her lips softly curled upwards. It was brief, but she found the encounter enjoyable compared to her usual days. She watched as Arthur desperately clung to the wooden door frame while Mark desperately pulled onto him.

Upon meeting her gaze, Arthur saluted and then bravely nodded, accepting his fate as Mark dragged him away. Stella couldn't help but softly laugh as their silhouettes faded from her vision before muttering to herself. "They always find the oddest recruits."

" They certainly do." The old lady wiped the counter clean with a damp cloth and asked. "How are you doing? Have you and David made up yet?"

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Springfield, I could be better…I see the flower shop is doing well." Glancing over at the shopkeeper, Stella could see the nametag with the words Elise Springfield engraved on it. Stella's hand brushed through the leaves of the flowers that were on display. She adored the red and white petals that wrapped around each other like a spiral and revealed a bittersweet smile.

"So quick to change topics." Despite disapproving, Elise still followed Stella's conversation. "The shop is doing fine. Since spring has arrived, it's gotten more lively, as you can see."

"That's good to hear." The flower pot containing the red and white flower in Stella's hands landed on the countertop's surface.

"Honestly, that dumb husband of yours should buy you flowers, not the other way around," Elise grumbled, carefully wrapping the flowers in thin white papers. "Your heartache would lessen if that fool had more backbone."

"It's only because I'm lacking. If I was a better wife, we wouldn't be fighting." Stella felt the guilt sink into her heart and reluctantly said. "I cursed at him and pushed him away."

"Enough of that. We both know it wasn't your fault. It wasn't your husband's fault, either." Elise tightly wrapped the flower before pushing it closer to Stella. "That child paid for it earlier."

"Arthur?" Stella's face revealed a hint of surprise. "I just met him. Why would he buy these for me?"

"How would I know? Nowadays, children these days do as they please." Elise shrugged her shoulders before offering. "Would you like to join me for a cup of tea? "

Holding the delicately wrapped flower, Stella politely declined. "I have many chores to tend to. If you see the boy, please tell him I said thank you."

"I'll make sure of it. Please take care, my dear." Once Stella left the store, Elise's hands leisurely moved beneath the side of the counter. She lightly grasped a small knob and gently pulled, coaxing the drawer open to reveal a picture frame containing her, David, and Stella happily smiling. A trace of sadness reflected in Elise's eyes. It wasn't a lie to say Arthur paid for it, as the child's kindness reminded her of David when he was younger. But it was hard for her to watch as their relationship deteriorated.

"If only they were more honest like that young boy." Elise carefully closed the drawer and sighed.

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"Arthur, do I have to hit you so you can learn some manners?" Mark continued to carry Arthur over his shoulders with an exhausted expression. "Would it kill you to think before you speak?"

"I don't think I just do." Arthur confidently replied with his chest puffed out. After giving up on breaking free of Mark's iron hold, Arthur realized it was actually fairly comfortable being carried on the shoulder.

Mark lifted Arthur high above his head with both hands and was fully prepared to throw him onto the ground, but once he was halfway through the attempt, several nearby citizens glared at him. Their stares of disapproval made him red to the bone. Bitterly, he placed Arthur on the ground, swallowing his frustration.

Why is everyone staring at me? Can't they see I'm the one who's suffering?

The thoughts that lingered in Mark's mind made him feel like the gods had forsaken him. Maybe that's why he couldn't feel divinity, and Arthur was solely there to torment him. With a heartfelt exhale of regret, Mark turned towards Arthur and watched as the young boy helped a nearby fruit stand sort their merchandise. Mark admitted defeat, feeling utterly hopeless for the first time in his life.

"Forget it… I'm going to take a day off tomorrow." Mark buried his face in his palms as he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. He slowly looked up and saw Paul's radiant smile and a thumbs up. In a tired voice, Mark asked. "And where the fuck were you? No, wait…where are our spears?"

"I lost them." Paul remained unfazed and continued to smile.

Hearing this, Mark could feel his sanity sink further and further down into the abyss as he conjured every last bit of strength within his body not to hit Paul.