Story Reader / Interlude / Lost Verity / Story
Lily
>City 173, outside the Holy Church - Nov 3rd, 10:29 AM
Hey, Lofte. You on patrol duty today? What are you looking at outside the church?
Oh hi, Toby. Yeah, I got thrown all the patrol missions ever since you took time off to nurse your injuries.
Wow, sorry for the extra work, haha. Here, something for your hard work.
Toby throws a pack of MRE rations at Lofte.
Oh come off it, you. Are those provisions for the church?
Haha, you got me.
Sigh, that old man Kaif, always asking you to help with deliveries. It's fine when you were healthy but how can your wounds heal now!
Nah, I just treat it as rehabilitation.
Enough about me, I remember today is not a holy day, why's the church so noisy?
It's been like that ever since that sister came to this church.
Nun?
Yeah, an army from Kuzath Snow Plain stopped by a while ago, they left a sister here and continued down south with the other survivors.
Oh, I remember them. Their leader looked tough. I wonder if my arrows are faster than his blades, hehe.
Having said that, Toby raises his left arm to chest level with the supply crate in hand, while making a drawing motion with his right hand, aiming for a point beyond the horizon and mimicking the sounds of shooting arrows himself.
Can't you just take it easy for a day...
How can I protect you all if I don't train constantly?
Alright, alright, let me continue. That sister... I think she's called Bianca?
Bianca... I've been hearing that name quite a lot recently.
Toby stops making shooting motions and recalls some recent conversations he had overheard.
Did you hear? That newcomer got into quite a lot of trouble and everyone was afraid of her, so she got abandoned here at our church.
...I heard she killed the father who raised her up.
Oh my Lord!
I can't believe a church raised a sister like that, no, more like a "witch"...
Hmph, she didn't even deny it when asked, she's definitely guilty if you ask me.
Ahem, someone's coming over.
...
Sigh, there've been disappearances more and more lately, even that homeless old man's gone.
Speaking of him, I remember seeing him with that new sister from the church before, you don't think...
I think you're on to something here. Come to think of it, we started seeing more people going missing after that Bianca came here.
Then it must've been her! We should chase her out of town and then we'll be safe.
I know, right? It's so obvious but those soldiers are still doing nothing! Why are we paying taxes to feed those slackers?!
Who in their right mind would want to become a soldier anyway if not for the current situation? Except for Toby, that kid's an exception.
Yeah, good kids like him are rare to come by nowadays.
Shh, she's coming over, let's go.
...
I heard she killed the father who raised her on the snow plains.
Toby is pulled back to reality by Lofte's voice. Following Lofte's gaze, he sees a blond girl sitting in a corner all by herself.
Yeah... but I think she's just misunderstood. She may look cold, but I don't think she's a bad person.
Ha, only you would think that.
Toby waves at Bianca passionately, catching the attention of those in the church.
Welp, it's time for guard duty so I'll see you later. Though I suggest you keep your distance from her.
Before Toby could reply, the crowd that has caught sight of Toby swarmed over.
Toby!
Good afternoon, Father Leon. Here's the provisions for this week.
Toby places the supply crate on the ground and taps on the monitor of the crate a few times.
The supply crate opens up on all four sides, revealing the supplies inside.
Thank you, Toby. Looks like Kaif's being lazy again. But I heard you were recovering from your injuries, why are you out here working?
They're pretty much healed already, but thanks for asking, Father.
Long time no see, Toby! Heard you got hurt in the last battle, you've got us worried sick.
I'm fine, I'm fine. 'Tis but a scratch. Look, I'm healthy as a horse!
Toby runs his fingers through his brilliant blond hair while his right hand reaches for his bow on his back. He then poses in a way which he thought looks cool, causing the bystanders to laugh, consequently lifting the mood.
We're all happy that you've recovered. All right, we shan't hold you up. Come, there's a supply pack for everyone.
The father claps his hands and the people gathered around Toby swiftly form a line.
Everyone prays in front of the supply crate before taking their own share. The whole process proceeds without a hitch.
Toby notices that Bianca stood at the end of the line the whole time with no intention to come forward and claim her supplies, so he takes out a supply pack from the crate and heads over to Bianca.
Hey there, are you feeling unwell? Here's your share of the provisions.
Also, here's a flower for a lovely lady like you.
Toby holds out the supply pack to Bianca, and on top of the pack lies a single white lily.
No, thank you. Though I do appreciate the thought.
What? But you'll starve! That...
Before Toby could finish his sentence, a woman inserts herself between them, putting a stop to the conversation.
Toby, don't mind her. She said she doesn't need it so just leave her.
You, where are your manners?!
Yeah! Come over here, Toby, don't mind her.
Wha? It's fine, I...
Sorry about her, Toby. She's always like this. You should just stay away from her. Oh right, I heard there have been disappearances nearby here lately too.
It's getting more and more worrisome, you should be careful too.
With everyone's attention on him, Toby cannot continue his conversation with Bianca. Instead, he addresses the crowd.
Don't worry, I'll protect each and every one of you! It's my duty as a soldier after all!
