The Trainee Guard's Job

Hey, Aldo. You got a minute? I need to ask you a favor.

Sure, anything to help out my fellow villager. What's up?

Thanks, lad. It's like this, there's a monster on the Karek Swampland I'd like you to defeat.

Is that all? No problem, I'll have it taken care of in no time. This kind of thing's part of my village guard duties anyway.

Great, glad to know you're on the case. My daughter's coming home from Unigan today, I want to make sure the road's safe.

Oh, she's coming back today?

You know her?

Yes. She and I have been friends since we were little, since before I met you, even.

Yeah, these two were thick as thieves. My girl's really strong-willed, though.

I wish some of your caution had rubbed off on her a little.

Oh, I'm sure I... That is, she's...

...Anyway, that's how things are. If you could go meet her after you've dealt with the monster and see her home, that'd be swell.

We'd be happy to. She'll be waiting for us in Unigan, right?

Yeah. I made her promise not to come back on her own. Thanks for the help, guys.

Whoa!

Graaargh!

What is a monster like this doing here?!

Stay calm, Nomar! Just do like we practiced and you'll be fine.

R-Right...

That takes care of them.

You okay, Nomar?

*huff huff* M-M-My hands are still shaking.

We're safe now. Take some deep breaths and get yourself together.

Oh, right.

Deep breaths, deep breaths...

I-I'm all right now. I'm sorry you had to see me like that, Aldo. I should have been more prepared.

Trust me, you get used to it. All you need is a little more experience, then battle won't faze you so much.

I hope so... I'll train hard so I can be as great a fighter as you someday!

I'm flattered, but I hardly think I'm the best role model for you. The Royal City's only a little farther. Can't keep that old friend of yours waiting, right?

You're late. I wanted to leave a lot sooner than this. What kind of escort are you?

Sorry about that. But we only took our time to make sure it was safe for you to travel.

Of course. I'm sorry I was short with you, that was uncalled for.

Is it okay if we leave now?

Sure. Your dad's probably looking out for you already.

We'll leave as soon as we replenish our supplies. Get everything ready, okay, Nomar?

Yes! At once!

Wait, Nomar? Is that you? That armor... Don't tell me you joined the village guard?

Uh, yeah. I did. I'm still a greenhorn right now, though.

Why'd you do a thing like that? A weakling like you could never cut it in a job that tough.

Hey, I'm not that bad...

No? Can you look me in the eyes and say that?

Nrgh...

That's enough, you two. I'm sure you have a lot to talk about, but we're burning daylight here. You can finish this conversation when we get back to Baruoki.

All right...

Don't go too far from us, okay? It should be safe now, but you never know.

Don't worry, I'm a traveling merchant's daughter. I know what's what. No journey can be completely safe, I'm well aware of that.

Great, then we're on the same page. Let's get a move on.

Ah, you're back!

Hi, Daddy. I think it was a little overprotective of you to hire the guard to bring me back.

Don't be silly, girl.

My main concern was with getting that monster out of the swamp. Couldn't allow it to block up the trade routes like that.

Okay, sure...

Thank you both for all your help today.

No problem. This place is my home too, after all.

In that case, we'll pay you back by getting some real high quality products in.

Sounds good.

Oh, and Nomar?

Y-Yes?

Are you really serious about wanting to be a member of the guard? I only say this because I don't want you to get hurt, I just don't think you're cut out for it.

I've made my choice.

Okay. If you're sure.

Wow, I've never seen her go quiet for this long before. Way to go, Nomar!

Don't be such a jerk, Daddy!

Heh heh heh. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Thanks again, guardsmen. Good to know the safety of the village is in good hands.