In the seclusion of his quarters, Sougo found himself in the company of Kimaru, vigilantly keeping watch over her while awaiting Mika's return.
Their supply of meat buns had been exhausted, and Kimaru, ravenous with hunger, had devoured the last of them without Sougo managing to snatch even a single bite.
The ever-pragmatic Sougo had thus resolved to venture out into the bustling market, his pockets lined with enough coin to purchase a small mountain of the meat-filled pastries. Their recent treasure hunting escapade in the caverns had rendered them wealthier than they could have imagined.
Kimaru had insisted on accompanying him, and Sougo, still mindful of his duty to keep her safe, had consented. Hand in hand, they stepped out into the world, unburdened by any troubles.
However, their joy was short-lived. Upon reaching their favorite meat bun vendor, they found it closed. This was highly unusual. The streets of Lalapila were always teeming with food vendors at this hour. Sougo speculated that it might be Sunday, but he was yet to grasp the concept of days in Exliya.
Seeing Kimaru's disappointment, Sougo suggested sampling other culinary delights. She responded with a nod of agreement.
As they were meandering towards the nearest food stall, fate threw a curveball. A ragtag group of individuals, malnourished to the point of death, blocked their path. A gaunt child among them clutched a knife with a trembling hand.
Sougo instinctively positioned himself between the threat and Kimaru, ready to neutralize the danger without even unsheathing his blade. His advance was halted by a pleas from a diminutive, elderly man who implored mercy for the boy.
"He's just a starving child, I beg of you, don't harm him," the man pleaded, bowing so low his forehead nearly touched the ground.
Sougo paused, taking in the sight. The child was nothing more than skin and bones, his eyes sunken in, his grip on the knife feeble. The elderly man was similarly emaciated, wearing nothing but a pair of worn-out trousers. The rest of the group shared the same wretched condition. It would serve no purpose to fight them in such a state.
"Two weeks... It's been two weeks since we last ate," the man confessed, still prostrating himself. "Three children from our group have already succumbed to the hunger. Our only sustenance is the water we draw from a faucet."
His curiosity piqued, Sougo probed further. "Your group? Are you some sort of cult?"
"No, just the remnants of a village," the man admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was their chief... until Avalaya was transformed into Lalapila. We have been reduced to slaves, barely scraping by. A day's work only affords enough food for two."
Recognition dawned on Kimaru's face as she remembered the old man from her childhood. Her eyes welled up with tears as she beheld his pitiful state.
The old chief's stomach let out a loud growl, and his body wavered. Yet, he maintained his bow.
"Please stand up, chief," Kimaru urged, approaching the frail figure.
"Kimaru... how you've grown," the chief rasped, his voice a mere whisper in the wind. "I see... I thank you, kind stranger. I recommend that Kimaru accompanies you from here." He cast a knowing glance at Sougo, taking in Kimaru's clean and healthy appearance as proof of his good intentions.
But Kimaru was not to be swayed so easily. "No…" she protested, her voice a mere tremor betrayed her longing to restore Avalaya to its former glory.
"You can't... This burden is mine to bear. I wanted all of you to escape. But Toragol is too formidable, and with his ally, he's an indomitable force. We are mere peasants, powerless before him," the chief confessed, his face etched with regret. He had once placed his trust in Toragol, but his faith had been cruelly betrayed.
"His ally, you say?" Sougo's interest was ignited at the mention of Toragol's companion. He had always perceived Toragol as a weakling devoid of any real power. Yet, the fear that clung to these people suggested a deeper, darker truth.
"Indeed, it's his companion that strikes fear into our hearts. I implore you to leave this place. And take Kimaru with you. The only thing I desire is the happiness of my people," the old man beseeched Sougo, his voice a pleading whisper.
Sougo, however, had other ideas. "What if I were to offer my assistance... in return, would you answer my questions?"
"There's no need for you to risk yourself. I can answer any questions you have right now," the old man declined, his voice heavy with resignation. They had come to accept their fate, it seemed.
Despite the old man's protests, Sougo persevered. "Have you seen... a girl named Miyuki, my daughter? And my wife, Fuuna...?" He revealed a locket, showing it to the old man.
The elder shook his head sorrowfully. "I apologize, I haven't. But try the city of Amasdela, they might have information."
With that, Sougo committed to aiding them. "Please, don't burden yourself. It's unnecessary," the old man protested, but Sougo was not to be deterred. He emptied his pockets, giving all his riches to the village chief.
"Is this real? Such wealth... it could feed us all..."
A nod from Sougo confirmed his intentions. He had no need for the money.
The old man choked on his gratitude, his eyes welling up with tears. "Thank you... how can we ever repay you?" He gestured for his people to bow, and they followed suit, their eyes mirroring his own tearful gratitude.
With the matter dealt with, Sougo guided Kimaru out of the alleyway. A prickling at the back of his neck told him they were being watched. "(We have a tail...)" He murmured to himself, a hint of intrigue in his voice.
Once they returned to the safety of their lodging, Sougo secured the door, his gaze never straying far from the window while keeping his blade next to him in case someone were to intrude