The soldiers finished binding the last of the bandits, some casting curious glances at Akg as they worked. His effortless swordplay had clearly left an impression.
Rudhra Devi approached him, her posture steady, movements deliberate. Up close, Akg could see the slight sharpness in her gaze — the kind of eyes that weighed a man's worth in seconds.
"You handled yourself well back there," she said, her tone cool but not unfriendly. "Not many could take on that many armed men and come out without a scratch."
Akg rested the borrowed sword's point against the earth, giving a small shrug.
"I've had practice. Forest tigers, angry drunks, you name it."
That earned the faintest lift of her brow. "Hmm…" She studied him for a long moment, then said, "You're clearly not from around here. What brings you into the Kakatiya lands?"
"Passing through," he replied smoothly. "Looking for a place where I can put my skills to good use. Maybe make a name for myself."
Rudhra Devi's lips curved, just slightly. "The capital could use men like you. If you're willing, you could ride with us. The road isn't safe, and… I'd like to see more of your skill in action."
Akg's grin was subtle but genuine. "An invitation from the commander herself? I'd be a fool to refuse."
> Ding!
Side Quest Progress: +5% — Relationship with Rani Rudhra Devi has slightly improved.
She gestured to one of her men. "Give him a spare horse."
As Akg mounted up beside her, he caught the way she glanced at him from the corner of her eye — a quick, assessing look before she turned forward again.
Seeing her like this akg smiles and began moving with them , unfortunately weapons Mastery also included horse riding so he doesn't have embrass himself in front of them.
The convoy moved at a steady pace, the sound of hooves mixing with the occasional jingle of armor. The forest thinned into rolling green fields, the scent of wildflowers carried on the warm breeze.
Akg's horse rode alongside Rudhra Devi's, just far enough to speak without the soldiers overhearing too much.
"So… 'Commander,'" he began lightly, the faintest smile tugging at his lips, "how long have you been keeping this part of the road safe from bandits?"
Rudhra Devi shot him a sidelong glance. "Long enough to know that bandits will always return if you don't deal with the root of the problem."
"Which is?"
"Weak leadership. Corruption. Sometimes… just bad luck." Her voice was calm, but there was weight behind the words — more than she probably realized she was revealing.
Akg nodded, letting the silence stretch for a moment before saying, "You speak like someone who cares about more than just the fight in front of them."
Her eyes flickered toward him, studying him again. "And you speak like someone who knows how to read people."
"Guilty," he said with a small smirk. "But I'm also good at protecting the ones worth protecting."
That seemed to catch her attention. For a brief second, something softened in her expression before she masked it again.
Ding!
Side Quest Progress: +12% — Rani Rudhra Devi's impression of you has improved. She considers you both strong and dependable.
They rode in silence for a time, but it wasn't an awkward silence. The kind where glances and small nods carried more than words.
At one point, a young soldier dropped his waterskin, and before the lad could dismount, Akg leaned over with perfect balance, snatching it up and tossing it back with an easy smile. The small act earned him a grateful look from the soldier — and another glance from Rudhra Devi, one she didn't hide quite as quickly this time.
"You handle yourself well in battle… and with people," she said quietly. "Not many can do both."
Akg shrugged casually. "I just do what feels right. The rest takes care of itself."
She didn't answer, but her gaze lingered a fraction longer before turning back to the road ahead.
The capital's distant walls were just coming into view, bathed in the orange light of the setting sun. Akg's lips curved slightly.
Step one of his plan was going even better than he expected.