Hopelessly Devoted ~ Garroth x F!Reader

Ch 32: New Surroundings

Garroth checked behind his shoulder occasionally to make sure everyone was following, but his gaze seemed to land squarely on you most often. Occasionally he'd discuss something with Laurance or Dante and glance once more in your direction, but you pretended to be more enamored with the singsong of birds in the passing trees. That way it'd be harder to see the pink he kept putting on your cheeks.

***

All of the groups arrived in Metelli. It took about a day's travel by land, since you weren't blessed with the speed of a boat. Unlike Phoenix Drop, Metelli wasn't surrounded by fortifications, but was still a formidable place. Its gravel pathways were neatly paved, lined with blocks of glowstone mounted on top of fence poles. Most houses weren't very large, with the little room for exception. The larger houses had peaked wooden roofs, and the smaller—even tinier—houses were cramped, square-shaped, and flat-roofed with fence borders.

You continued forward, behind your group leader. A man stood near what looked like a docking station without any boats tethered to it. Granted, Phoenix Drop's didn't usually host boats either, so it looked exactly the same as the one you grew accustomed to.

The man standing guard was tall, with a characteristically fit body build underneath his chain armor. He wore a black hood that bordered his face, covering his mouth and hairline. He approached the group. "Stop right there! This—this is a large group. State your business," his unfamiliar voice rang through the crowd.

"I'm Lord Aphmau of Phoenix Drop. I wish to speak with Lord Hayden."

"How do I know you aren't here to attack Metelli with your army?" his gravelly voice rose suspiciously.

This time Laurance cut through the crowd, looking flustered. "Do we look like a band of soldiers to you? Come on Hudson, you know me."

Before Laurance could get on bad terms with Metelli, Lord Aphmau cut in. "We're here on behalf of the Phoenix Alliance. Can we please speak with Lord Hayden?"

"How can I be sure that this isn't a trick?"

He held up like a stupid brick wall. But apparently sturdy materials aren't all that hard to demolish when you have the right resources. You momentarily wished someone still had the amulet.

"Hudson, let me talk to my father. Come with if you'd wish." A a small, but powerful, feminine voice came out from the audience. It belonged to Cadenza.

"C-Cadenza? Meep, yes. Right this way." He gulped, genuinely intimidated by the graceful ombre ginger.

Cadenza motioned for Lord Aphmau to come, and Laurance followed along with them. "Woah. What do you think you're doing?" The guard stood in Laurance's path, digging the tip of his sword into the gravel road.

"This is Laurance. I know you remember him. You may be the new Head Guard, but I won't tolerate any of your old behavior towards him." Cadenza pointed her index finger, jabbing the armor on his chest.

"Apologies, mi'lady." He lifted the hilt of his sword and rested the blade on his shoulder, clearing the way. "Laurance," the strange knight addressed your familiar one with a side eye. "I didn't recognize you at first."

Laurance shrugged. "Easy mistake," he responded flatly without eye contact, paying no notice to his shoulder that shoved passed the other guard's.