"Good work! Keep it up and we might just run out of work here, Ha ha ha! You know, you're one heck of a man. I've never seen anyone like you or your girl companion. It's kind of creeping me out, really. I don't know whether you're human or what, but if it keeps business rolling, then I don't care! Ha ha ha!" a bald, mustached man wearing a gaudy red cape with white fur near the collar laughed loudly, filling the room with his energy.
"It's nothing. You pay well anyway, so you're kind of like a friend to me already. Need anything else done? Everything's been so easy lately. I bet you're trying to hold back on me, aren't you?" a man leaned in forward, placing one hand on his desk, looking into his eyes with a playful glare.
"Ah! - Ahahaha! W-well, you know you gotta save some for those that actually work in my guild. They'll never grow up if they never get the more difficult requests. I can't have weaklings in my guild if I'm going to want to make profits. Plus, there's nearly nothing left for you. But I bet there's just people lining up on the request board after hearing of you. It's ridiculous!"
"Really now? Well, if there's nothing that can be done, then we'll be leaving. I almost forgot that we had something important to do," the man retreated, turning around to leave the expensively decorated room.
"Wait! What do you mean you're leaving?! You can't go! How are the people going to respond after they realize you, the most talked about freelance in my guild, leaves?! They'll leave too! And I'll go bankrupt at this rate!" he began pleading, standing abruptly from his chair and nearly jumping at him, but was stopped by the man himself.
"I bet you'll find someone to do it. I don't think I'm the only one capable of doing these things. Thanks for all the help, Marshal. We finally got something new to wear after using the money on clothes. I won't forget what you did for us," he placed his hand on his shoulder, leaving with a confident smile and a wave as he passed through the door, leaving the man with an ajar mouth.
Exiting the sizable establishment called a guild, he met with his companion, Cecil, who awaited him outside, joyfully enjoying the scenery of the city and what it had to offer.
"You ready to go?" he said, calling out to her.
"This is what we left for. Of course I'd be. I'd ask you the same thing, but it looks like you're enjoying it for the most part, so I don't think I need to ask," said she, walking up to him, looking at him and his new attire.
Inside he wore a white, long, sleeved shirt with a simple brown, leather vest as his armor, and over it was a long, unbuttoned grey jacket that was until his legs. He also wore iron greaves for his legs, and brown boots, finishing it off with his newly bought longsword.
Everything else about him like his face and hair remained unchanged to Cecil's relief, not going to great lengths to change his entire being, only something that could be changed and not erase who he is.
"Still not used to the new attire? Think it's too much?" he asked her, looking at himself with curiosity, a bit hesitant about his new look as he was not used to wearing more than casual clothing.
"That's not it. I like it! It'll grow on you eventually."
As she said that, the man also looked at Cecil, examining her new change of clothes, those of which she had chosen out herself, saying that it looked rather well which he himself agreed to.
She wore a neat, white dress that was until her knees, showing her contrasting smooth legs, white, silk gloves, and a white, short cape to cover her shoulders, kept together by a golden Jem buckle near her neck.
"I wouldn't say that you've changed that much. You've always like those kinds of frilly, dress stuff. I don't understand women's taste in clothes at all. Though you don't have a lot like others. That's mostly my fault since we're always on the move, but it's not such a big deal. It looks good on you still," he gave her a thumbs up and a smile.
"Where are we going next exactly?"
"To the usual place. The inn it's still an hour after dawn, so they might be open more or less."
They started walking down the nearly empty streets of the city that was patrolled by guards in an orderly manner.
It had been nearly a month since they had gone on their said journey, and now they had accomplished the first of their goals.
"Are we going to be investigating soon? A month really is a long time. I wonder how the others are doing," Cecil said as she walked beside Larrus.
"I wouldn't worry about them, really. Though I don't want to admit it, Marco's pretty capable when the going gets tough. I bet they're on their way to recovery right about now. And about the investigation, we'll have to eat first, then get some information on what's been happening in Independence. Don't worry about it too much, it'll be easy once we get started. Now c'mon, I'm really hungry after that mission."
"Yeah. That was pretty difficult. I never knew it was that hard to calm a group of wild Alkial's. I thought they were going to trample us that one time."
"Ha! I won't let that happen. I've been training hard for the past few weeks, so there's nothing that can stand in our way!"
They walked about until they reached a wooden establishment whose lights were still on, its signs saying inn, carrying the faded, wooden image of a basket carrying fruits of different varieties.
"Carter! You here? It's me, Larrus," he said as he opened the door, producing the sound of a small bell chime being rung, indicating the coming of a customer.
"Oh, a regular customer. You called?" a pleasant, tall, dashing young man with a rather pale complexion, cool blue eyes, and silver hair appeared from behind the counter, cleaning a glass mug with a worn rag, wearing a formal attire of a long sleeved shirt and a dark vest on top. His lean and muscular build could be seen from the fit on his attire.
"Care to serve us breakfast?" Larrus came forward, taking a seat on a nearby set of chairs, setting the sheathe of his sword down near him, gesturing for Cecil to join him.
"I wondered when you would come. I've already prepared something in the case of that. Very coincidental, isn't it?" the man named Carter carried two bowls filled with pipping, hot soup that had an aromatic fragrance to it, one that seemed to work one's appetite into a frenzy, making one crave.
"I hope that you like it. I've tried my own rendition of the manager's recipe and I am a bit proud of the outcome. Oh, and don't forget the bread, the cornerstone of the recipe calls for it, and frankly, I agree," he served them with a charming smile on his face.
"So, is the old man not here again?"
"It appears that his back made him bedridden. I assured him that I would maintain the Inn while he was away, and so it brings us to the present."
"Mhmm! This is really good, Carter! The taste is soothing, and the broth just brings out the true flavor and smell of the soup. Plus, the meat is easy to break down. I don't think I can make something like this," Cecil placed one hand on her cheek after taking a bite, savoring the taste with a blissful expression, looking as if she were floating on clouds.
"With enough practice, I believe that you can achieve this as well, Cecil. All I did was copy the recipe and modify it. There's nothing special involved."
"So, Carter. We're going to be leaving soon. Are you going to be staying here longer?" Larrus asked, still eating his fill.
"Now that you say it, I have delayed my trip back home after I've been taught how to cook. I think I will return in three days. I will have to wait until the manager becomes well, though I'm sure that they don't miss me that badly. Where are you two heading? if it is alright for me to ask."
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
"I guess we're going to be investigating the revolutionary movement. Cecil and I plan on taking them down."
"L-Larrus?! Isn't it bad to go telling everyone what we're going to do?! Someone might overhear us," Cecil said aloud.
"No need to fret, Cecil. I've been training a lot, and I could feel my strength coming back. I won't let anyone beat me this time. We'll take them down for sure," he said confidently, placing his bowl down with a satisfied exhale.
"How ambitious. You might want to be careful then. Though they are still preoccupied with sieging Port City Harrick, they have other army units roaming about. Kausten is safe because of how Harrick is still holding its ground. So I assume you're heading north, correct?"
"That's the only way to go. Don't think a city that's being sieged will let anyone in, even if I try to make the most elaborate lie of all," he stood up, placing money on the table and taking his sheathed sword, placing it around his waist.
"We'll be going then. There's no time for delays. C'mon Cecil."
"May you have a safe journey. And I hope that our paths cross again. It had been enjoyable being with you both."
They both exited the Inn, leaving Carter with a suspicious and cunning expression.
"Now, what should I do next? Maybe I'll go back home to Zeal. Marco and the others must be waiting for me."
"So we've gathered everything that we'll probably need. Right, Cecil?"
"Yup! It's all here in the backpack. I can't believe that we're finally going now. I wonder how everything is out there," she said, comparing her thoughts too what she saw in the rather cautious, but prosperous city of Kausten, positioned to the south of Palas, the capital of the revolution.
"I guess it doesn't seem as chaotic from what I've heard. But still, let's try and find out what the entirety of the truth is. You thought we'd know more since we're closer to the capital. I got too engrossed with training and other stuff."
They crossed the walled of gates of the city, being guarded by the city soldiers, who eyed them both closely with his weapon close by, acting as cautious as one could be.
Despite that, they ignored it, instead looking at the vast green forest before them, only a paved path showing their course, void of any signs of life, save for the wildlife.
Both started walking down the path silently, enjoying the view as it unraveled before them.
But it was just then when they came to a stop at a nearby forest entrance where a wagon could be seen at the side of the path, tilted to the side with one of its wheels missing, the horse's reins tied to a nearby tree.
Other than that, they also saw one healthy man who looked to be in his thirties, possessing a sizable build, wearing a green shirt with its sleeves ripped off; he wielded an ax that needed both hands, standing against a rather numerous group of armed soldiers emerging from the forest.
Along with the man were three others, two were wounded, one of them was standing up, holding his bleeding left arm as he held a sword with the other, looking angrily at the soldiers, while the other one was lying down near the wagon, bleeding profusely.
The last one left was standing unscathed with the man, a fair, young woman with faint, gold hair who wore a beige, long sleeved blouse, and a neat, deep green skirt that was until her ankles.
Being near as they were, they could overhear the conversation that was happening between the two groups, sounding very aggravated and tense.
"So you won't hand over your cargo, will you?! This is treason against the rightful lord of this nation! The one that will lead us to prosperity. I will give you one last warning. Give up your cargo and surrender. I have information that your cargo consists of weapons and rations that are to be supplied to Port City Harrick. Don't think we will let such a chance pass us by. Now give up. You have no chance," one of the soldiers spoke up, one wearing a more defined version of the armor worn by everyone else, displaying him as a man of higher status than the others.
"Stand back, Ophelia. Cedric, do what you can to protect her at all costs! Let me handle these men. I may be old, but that won't stop me and my conviction!" the man roared intimidatingly, forcing the soldiers to attack him she came forward, cleaving and hacking, but in turn being sliced at and thrusted to.
He looked like a hardened warrior, receiving scratches and cuts here and there, but still continuing his fight alone with the two watching with pained expressions from their faces.
"Matthias, stand down! There's no reason to shoulder this on your own! We will surrender and end this. I don't want to lose those I care for dearly!" the young woman shouted, unable to move her body and stop him on his rampage.
Their leader then stepped forward amidst the mess made up of the bodies of his own men, wielding a shield and a long sword whose sharp tip was curved.
"Are you trained soldiers or peasants?! You're all pathetic!" he shoved his men aside, now face to face with the wounded man, still clinging tightly to his ax as he breathed heavily due to exhaustion and injuries.
The man then moved forward recklessly, drawing his ax up and cleaving down upon closing the distance between them.
The soldier responded confidently, not seeing his foe as a threat, blocking the cleave with his shield overhead, then cutting him down diagonally across his chest, then kicking him back to the two without mercy.
"Matthias!" the young woman ran up to the wounded man immediately, holding him in her arms, tears mixing with her face of anger.
The men came closer as they had no line of defense any longer, leaving those that remained bare and at their mercy.
"If only you surrendered earlier, then this could have been averted. Yet arrogance and confidence took the better of you. Now maybe I'll have play nice, girl. You may have a use for me after all. Men, dispose of the remaining and leave the girl to me."
With his word, the men crowded on the wounded young man who held his sword, standing in front of the young woman, shielding her with his body saying sternly, "Stay back! I won't let them touch you. I'll hold them back, so run to Kausten and seek shelter there! You must stay safe at all cost. Your mother and father would want that."
"No, Cedric. It's over. I won't lose anyone again just because I was too stubborn to give something up. I won't allow you to give up your life for me. Now, lower your weapon, please," she pleaded with him, standing in front of him with her arms stretched wide in defense.
"Out if the way, wench!" a soldier angrily drew his sword, quickly cleaving down with prejudice at the young woman, disregarding the orders given to them about leaving the girl unscathed.
She closed her eyes as she saw the blade close in on her; the gleam bright as it shone on the sun.
But she did not feel pain, she instead heard the sound of blades clashing with one another; then the silence takes over for a while, allowing her to open her eyes slowly, adjusting to the view of what's in front of her.
"Are you alright?" he spoke with his dark cloaked back shown on her, blocking the view.
"Who are you?! the man behind the girl spoke in a cautious tone, pushing the girl to his back so that he could do his mission.
"Just a passerby. It looked like you were in trouble. What's happening here anyway?" he spoke causally, not minding his enemy whose blades were locked with him.
"What?! Who the hell are you now?" the soldier angrily said, pushing down with his entire being, unable to make the mysterious man budge even an inch.
"I'll let you go if you just back way from where you came," Larrus pushed the soldier back with his sword, sending him back to his own allies.
"Another one trying to act like the hero? Very well then, I shall put an end to these shenanigans. You have tested my patience, and now this will be the price that you pay," the leader of the soldiers said, rushing at them with his long, unique sword, and shield.
The young woman and the rest that was with her simply looked at the sight, unable to think clearly upon the sudden shifts of fate presented to them.
As the man closed the gap between them, he raised his shield after seeing the man raise his sword to cleave down with, he prepared his sword to his side for a precise thrust that will earn him victory.
That was what he thought.
Instead of the outcome he thought of, the sword indeed cleaved downward; however, the sheer strength brought forth by the man was so strong that it cracked the man's impregnable looking shield, making a loud cracking sound, also hammering him down to the ground like a nail with a loud, painful thud.
"I'll say this again. I don't know what you're all fighting about, but leave now, and you'll possibly get out of here unscathed," he said with a dignified voice, making sure to strike fear into the hearts of the men, who had terrified and dazed expressions, all looking down at their leader.
One by one, they started to leave, beginning from the back row until the front, including the leader, who was carried off by his men; then no one was left, leaving only Larrus, Cecil, and the people of whom he knows absolutely nothing about, but helped anyway.
"Now that they're gone, I guess a bit of a breather is called for. You alright?" he asked, yet the cautious young man who bled from his shoulder did not take very likely of Larrus, looking at him dangerously with his sword still raised.
"Who are you and what do you want? Money, I bet. That's what those that help always want. If that's what you're thinking, then you’re out of luck. I won't hand over a single coin to you," he spoke aggressively, eyeing down even Cecil who came up to the man.
"I-Is something the matter?! Why does he look so angry, Larrus?"
"Heck if I know. I guess we're not welcome. Let's go then, Cecil. We've got something to do anyway," Larrus gestured for Cecil to follow as he began walking towards the forest entrance, sheathing his sword, not taking a second glance at the half wounded party, except Cecil, who expressed concern over those that looked terrible in their state.
"Wait! Please, don't go yet!" one chased after them, prying away from the protection of her own comrade, running up to Larrus, making him turn his head.
"Forgive Cedric. He simply had developed a bad attitude for strangers. But though you are, you meant well. I want to thank you. What are your names?" she said with a certain formality, tensing up from what Larrus senses.
"My name's Larrus, and this is Cecil, a friend of mine."
"My name is Ophelia Noire. You saved us, please allow me to thank you both."
"Ophelia! What are you doing, inviting strangers?!" the man named Cedric said.
"Cedric, please, tend to Matthias and Jesse. They offer no harm at all. I am grateful for them, so it is only natural that I repay them. Our lives could have been lost if they had not intervened," Ophelia faced Larrus, clasping his hand as she gently looked into his eyes with a hospitable expression.
"W-well, I guess we can't ignore good will. Sure, if you'll have us," Larrus stuttered, averting eye contact with her, scratching his head, receiving a delighted smile from the girl.