Added 11 minutes later
Lost in thought, gazing into the distance, Rainhild thoughtfully chewed on a freshly purchased arche fruit from Richard. It was hard to tell from the swordswoman's face if she was experiencing any discomfort. Aldric, however, was still a little hesitant to touch his own. — And how is it? — the jagensorcerer couldn't resist asking. — Is it really that unpleasant?
— I wouldn't say so, — the deytian replied, finishing the last piece. — In fact, I quite liked it. If we had more money, we should buy more.
Despite the answer, Aldric was still not convinced. After all, he couldn't remember a single food that Rainhild didn't like. Nevertheless, he saw no reason to postpone eating the fruit any longer. Sighing heavily, the leader of the "Iron Hearts" gathered his courage and took a large bite of the fruit. In the first few seconds, the taste of arche seemed tolerable to him. However, after that, the jagensorcerer's face contorted into a sour grimace. He knew that trusting his lover's taste was a mistake.
— Ald, are you feeling sick? — Rainhild worried, noticing Aldric's expression. — Don't force yourself if the fruit is causing you such a reaction. I'll gladly finish it for you...
— I'm fine, — although his face reflected pain and suffering, his voice held a grim determination. — Even if arche doesn't strengthen my health, it will at least strengthen my will.
The swordswoman said nothing in response, but simply nodded understandingly and, as it seemed, sighed disappointedly.
When the arche fruits were finished, and Aldric's face was finally able to reflect emotions other than pain, suffering, or extreme disgust, he gave the mercenaries their usual instructions and headed to meet Sharron.