Chapter 94: Back In Tyros

POV Eliza

I relaxed and looked at Lynn's face as she slept on my lap. Her expression was peaceful and smiling. She didn't look like she had been badly mistreated, but from what I had heard from the bandits, she was in great danger. Just thinking about it put me in a bad mood again. The other girl was in just as much danger, but surprisingly that only made me feel slightly worried. What was the difference? I had only known her for a year, but she had become a good friend to me. Was there really more? I couldn't answer that.

I found myself stroking Lynn's hair again. Startled, I pulled my hand back.

“You can go ahead.” <Lynn>

“Woah!” <Eliza>

Lynn had either woken up or hadn't slept at all. I turned bright red and immediately averted my eyes.

“That's too bad. Then I can go back to sleep.” <Lynn>

I didn't do anything else that night. I was already embarrassed enough. After the sun came up, I carefully laid Lynn's head on the floor and set about rekindling the fire. Then I made tea again. Next to me, the girl stirred.

“Good morning.” <Eliza>

“Good morning.” <Girl>

“Here, some hot tea.” <Eliza>

“Thank you and thank you for rescuing me.” <Girl>

“No problem, I was happy to do it. How are you?” <Eliza>

“I want to go home. I miss my parents.” <Girl>

“We'll be heading back to Tyros as soon as Lynn wakes up. Do your parents live in Tyros?” <Eliza>

“No, in Murembach.” <Girl>

“Do you have relatives in Tyros we can take you to?” <Eliza>

“Yes, my uncle and aunt live there. Can't we go to Murembach?”<Girl>

“Unfortunately, no. We're much closer to Tyros and I don't have much food with me. Besides, I've never been to Murembach before.” <Eliza>

“I guess there's nothing you can do.” <Girl>

She was visibly unhappy at the prospect of not joining her parents. Understandable, but I had no choice. Ken was waiting in Tyros and besides, the city was much closer. During our conversation, Lynn also woke up. She also seemed unhappy, but her reason was different. She seemed more sulky than angry, so I didn't worry about that at the moment.

“Good morning, Lynn. Did you sleep well?” <Eliza>

“Hmph. Falling asleep was nice, but waking up not so much.” <Lynn>

“Don't sulk, Lynn. Here, have some hot tea first.” <Eliza>

“Better than nothing.” <Lynn>

I looked at both of them and sighed. Both girls were unhappy with their situation, even though they had just been rescued. What had gone wrong?

“After you've finished your drinks, we'll leave. Then we'll arrive in Tyros tomorrow evening.” <Eliza>

I dismantled the camp and prepared everything for our departure. The two girls got up and followed me through the forest. As soon as we reached the road, Lynn clung to my arm. I gave her a skeptical look and received a pleading puppy look. I couldn't cope with so much aggressive affection, because it was the first time in both my lives that I had experienced this. But I didn't want to make her sad either and offered her a compromise.

“All right, but only until midday. Otherwise we won't get there in time.” <Eliza>

“Yay.”<Lynn>

Unfortunately, we didn't make as much progress as I'd hoped. But that wasn't just because of Lynn, but also because of the other girl. She shuffled along behind us and always gave us a mysterious look. She didn't seem to like Lynn's open affection and felt like a third wheel. I could understand that, because I would feel the same if I were her. In this strange mood, we set up camp that evening.

We continued our journey the next day. The day and the following night passed without incident. As a result, we reached Tyros late in the morning. At the city gate, I approached the guard.

“Good afternoon, dear guardsman. I am an adventurer and during a rescue operation I was able to free this girl from the clutches of bandits east of here. Would you be so kind as to find her relatives so that she can be taken into care?” <Eliza>

“Bandits east of here? Please be so kind as to go to the nearest guard station to file a report. She can also be handed over there.” <Guardsman>

“All right, then I'll do that. I know the way.” <Eliza>

The guardsman gave me the name of the officer on guard duty and let us into the city. Lynn took the opportunity and clung to my arm again. The girl trotted along listlessly. Then we got to the guard station, where I gave my report and handed the girl over to the guard. The officer thanked me for driving off a bandit gang and overpowering the leader. In exchange for the soldier's badge, I was paid a bounty. For driving off the bandits, a troop was sent out to check the truth and recover the goods left behind. My final reward was determined afterward.

I said goodbye to the guard officer and left the station. Lynn and I then went to the red deer. Lynn was in a very good mood and was humming to herself. She hadn't let go of my arm the whole time. As we entered the inn, we heard a loud shout.

“LYNN!” <Ken>

Ken came running towards us and threw himself on top of Lynn.