The Truth about the Lazuli

Bad luck is an understatement! (1)

"Remember, keep your face hidden and pretend you're asleep. I'll make sure they don't try to look at you," Roan repeated himself to Sophie. Sophie nodded for the umteenth time.

Before they got to the main road that led to the gates, the group detoured to a more secluded area surrounded by some rocks and trees. Having Sophie just waltz in without any proof of citizenship was an issue. There was always the excuse of being a country bumpkin who was traveling, or another kingdom's citizen, but she would have to either provide money or proof to get her inside. Sophie didn't have either of those, and on top of that, she was the poster child of the Lazuli people.

Celia braided Sophie's hair to keep it tucked away, and handed her a hooded jacket.

"How is this even going to work? Won't they just try to wake me up?" Sophie questioned, feeling doubtful about the plan.

"No worries, we have Sige," Celia grinned. "It's all about who you know and you just happened to come across a well known figure in the capital." Sophie wanted to ask what she meant by that, but she was interrupted.

"Climb on my back now, and keep your head down no matter what," Roan said, kneeling down. "We need to hurry and get inside."

Sophie still felt uncomfortable about the idea, but she climbed on his back and buried her face into his neck, keeping it well out of sight. Roan stood up, and used his arms to support her bottom from sliding.

One thing Sophie felt truly thankful of was that she was light, being only a mere 105 lbs which was nothing for a man of tall stature who was very fit. Out of all the shitty things that had happened so far, she had found a group of kind people and she wasn't too much of a burden to them. Well, that last statement may have been a stretch, but she wasn't troubling them enough to leave her in the wilderness.

The sound of people chattering and footsteps became louder as they approached the gates. There were several entry gates, but this one was the least strict from what Sophie had heard. It was common for many adventurers to come and go through this gate, and there was typically no formal inspection needed to be done as merchants used a different gate where it was wider and the road was easier to travel on.

After a few stops and walking forward, which Sophie guessed that they were in a line, Sophie could hear what she assumed were the guards.

"Next." A bored voice called. "Oh, Mr. Marshal. May the Sol flourish within you."

"May the Sol flourish within you," Sige replied back. Sophie fought back a smile after hearing not only Sige sounding so serious, but also with the greeting they just gave. She had found it very cheesy, and wondered if that was a typical phrase like asking 'How are you?'.

"I see you're back from a quest. May I ask who you've got with you, Mr. Marshal?" the guard had questioned.

I guess only Sige gets to be greeted then?

"I'm afraid I'm not able to introduce you to the Lady at this time. We came across a War Fly nest as we were escorting her and she's been poisoned."

Damn, I'm a Lady now?

"Oh, I apologize about probing. Is she okay?"

"Well, I would like to get her to my family doctor. Immediately."

While Sige's voice was calm yet firm, the word immediately was emphasized a little more assertively. Sophie was very surprised to hear this kind of voice from him. It was one that she wouldn't have imagined. He seemed like a soft, kind medic. She had already imagined him as like a mother figure of the group, providing support and help when needed. Evidently, he was a bit more.

"Of course, Mr. Marshal. Roan, Celia, Arthur, you guys are also permitted to enter."

And, with that, Sophie could feel Roan walking again.

"Keep your head down until we get deeper into the capital," Roan whispered. Sophie nodded, keeping her face hidden as she continued to cling on. She wasn't sure how long it had taken, maybe 10 or 15 minutes, but she could finally feel Roan crouch down.

"Keep the hood up, but you're okay to walk now," Celia announced, sounding cheerful. Feeling the ground for the first time in a while, Sophie felt her legs go weak.

"I'm not used to being carried like that. My legs feel cramped," Sophie said with a light laugh. Thankfully, they had let her down in a secluded area where the streets were mostly bare. Sophie knew she wouldn't be able to travel far right now, and she was thankful that nobody else had to see her in such a pitiful state.

"It's okay, rest for a bit. I know it was hard on you," Sige replied.

Sophie had noticed that his voice was back to being softer and kinder. He crouched next to her, bringing his satchel forward and taking out some more herbs and tea.

"Thank you."

"Sige. Arthur. You should both turn in the Serpent's Orb to our contractor and collect our pay," Roan started. "And Celia, could you get some food? We didn't really stop to eat much. I'm worried Sophie will waste away if she doesn't get anything in her stomach. She needs all the strength she can get."

"And what if I want to monopolize Sophie," Celia teased.

"Please, I figured you'd know what would be better for her than me. I'd just buy all the meat in the meat market," Roan retorted.

"I'll make sure to buy all the meat and not share with you then," Celia had half-joked. But, she started sauntering off. Sige and Arther also started to walk away.

Sophie felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude from them, and she couldn't help but blurt out to them.

"Thank you! I'm really indebted to you, and I'll be sure to make it up to you all!"

"I'll hold you to that," Celia called out.

"Drink the tea!"

A smile spread across Sophie's face as she watched them leave her point of view. Really, she couldn't help but feel so gracious about all of them. Turning to face Roan, she opened her mouth to speak.

"Roan, I-"

Sophie couldn't react. A fist flew at her from her peripherals. At first, it felt like a shockwave hitting her. From her temple to the back of head, the feeling moved through her like a bolt of lightning. Her vision spotted, and within moments, she lost consciousness.

"Now... what should I do with you?" Roan mumbled.