As they traveled through the land, Nozel took notice of Ellie's excitement and found it rather odd- but also cute.
"Have you never been outside of the capital before?" he asked.
Ellie looked up at him and blushed, shaking her head. "No, I've never had a need to, and any place I had been through before when Julius found me I wouldn't remember."
"I see. Well, this will be beneficial to you, then."
Ellie smiled. "It will be beneficial to you, too, though sir. How often does a noble go out into the other realms and observe the people?"
Nozel thought about it a moment, realizing that she was right. "This is true."
"So, where are we stopping first?"
"I thought it would be best to start at the furthest region and work our way back to the capital."
"I see. That should help make things easier, too, right? We won't feel rushed or anything, we can take our time and really listen to the people, and we can see from up here what sort of state the areas are in, too."
"Agreed."
It didn't take them long to reach the Forsaken Realm and Nozel set them down just outside of the small village of Toaru. Ellie's balance was a bit off as his magik dissipated and she teetered forward a bit, catching herself before she fell forward or bumped into Nozel. Embarrassed, she brushed it off and composed herself as quickly as she could- following Nozel as he walked into the village.
Nozel rarely left the Royal Capital unless it was absolutely necessary, so he did feel a bit out of his element. What surprised him, though, was how well Ellie took to greeting the villagers and speaking with them. She was so friendly and charismatic with them, and they happily shared their thoughts, worries, and suggestions with her.
As they helped out around the village and listened to the people, Nozel and Ellie were not entirely surprised that the village was a bit worse for wear. It was in a bit of a state of disrepair, the people were having to tap into their winter reserves just to make ends meet, but even still they were welcoming to their guests and offered to give them what they could spare. Nozel wasn't sure what to say or do, but Ellie was quick to take over and told the villagers that while they greatly appreciated the offer, they needed it more. The village elder was grateful for their kindness and wished them well on their journey, sending them off after more than half a day of work.
As Ellie and Nozel readied to head to the next village, Nozel found that he was rather impressed with Ellie and how she handled the situations presented to them. As they took to the sky, Ellie pulled out a communication device to call Julius and Marx to report in.
"Ellie, good evening."
"Hey, Marx, just checking in."
"How did things go in Toaru?"
"As well as they could have been expected to. The village itself is still in a state of disrepair, even with all the work Captain Nozel and I put in today, and the people are tapping into their winter reserves just to get by. Is there a way we can send them supplies to help them out some more?"
"I will take note and we'll work something out, as soon as I find Julius."
Ellie chuckled at that. "Try looking at the East Tower or near the Black Market? Julius likes to observe people there. Just ask the little old lady in the burgundy shawl."
"Thanks, Ellie. We look forward to your next report."
"I'll call back in when we have more to report. Have a good night, Marx, and good luck."
Ellie sighed as she ended the call and put the communication device back into her pack.
"You seem to know the Wizard King quite well."
She glanced up at Nozel. "I've learned his habits, for the most part, over the years. If I ever can't find him myself, I wait in a place that I know he will come find me at instead." She looked out over the darkening landscape as the twilight hours settled in. "It puts less stress on Marx having to find him and it gives me a chance to learn more about the Royal Capital. I'm still learning new things every time I venture out, but nothing like this mission will have."
Nozel scanned the area, looking for a safe place for them to make camp- spotting the next village just up ahead. "We'll stay in Tolsa tonight."
Ellie spotted the small glimmer of lights ahead of them. "Wow, we made good time."
A few minutes later, Nozel set them down just outside of the Tolsa Village and were greeted by some of the locals with surprised enthusiasm. Ellie was surprised, but pleasantly so, at how welcoming the villagers were to them as representatives of the Magik Knights; she hadn't expected it being this far out in the Forsaken Realm. Nozel and Ellie followed the locals to the available lodging, finding they were being placed in a single room with two beds. It had been a long day for them both, and the next day would be even more so.
As they set their things aside, Ellie stretched and sank to the bed with a sigh. "Well, I'm beat. It's been a while since I've done that much manual labor." She looked up at Nozel as he stared out the window of their room. "How are you doing? I hope you didn't use too much of your mana transporting us about."
Nozel barely glanced at her, but he replied, "I'm fine." When he saw Ellie's face fall a bit, he added, "But your concern is appreciated."
Ellie smiled at that and set her shoes to the side. "I'm going to turn in. You should get some sleep, too."
"I will, in a bit."
"Alright, well good night then."
"Good night."