The Most Beautiful Among Them

Time frame: war time

They rode in an open-topped carriage, disguised as ordinary citizens out shopping in the city. However, Ragnar's large Gamaaloth body was something that was hard to hide.

The carriage creaked as it started to move, the sound of wooden wheels grinding against the dirt road filling the air. They made their way through the bustling city, with Ragnar doing his best to duck his oversized head and blend in with the others.

Despite the disguise, it was impossible to hide his massive Gamaaloth form. Those who saw him would either stare in awe or take a step back in fear.

The hustle and bustle of Clearport's urban center had begun to return as people went about their daily business. Rumors had been circulating about a rise in crime within the city, likely due to the increase in border security because of war with Ostrill and the unstable economic conditions that had forced many to resort to theft and robbery.

Pickpockets and muggers prowled the streets looking for their next victims, taking advantage of the busy atmosphere to blend in seamlessly with the crowds.

Despite the danger, the residents of Clearport persisted, going about their business with wary eyes and cautious steps.

Ragnar sat up front beside the carriage driver, holding the reins that controlled the horses. As the carriage moved through the crowded streets, the sea of human heads turned to stare at him in bewilderment.

It was as if they were seeing a monster before their very eyes. However, Ragnar was used to it. He had grown accustomed to the fearful looks and gasps of those who saw him, and he tried his best not to let it bother him, leaving the stunned onlookers behind.

Lady Sophia sat in the back of the carriage, her small frame hunched over a little notebook as she scribbled down the details of her shopping list.

Her petite form was almost completely hidden beneath the large hood of her cloak, making her look like a pile of fabric from the outside.

Despite her unassuming appearance, Lady Sophia had a keen wit and a sharp mind, always analyzing and calculating the best course of action for any situation.

As she finished writing, she closed her notebook and leaned back against the wooden chair of the carriage.

Lady Sophia sat in the carriage, lost in thought as she stared out at the passing scenery. The silence was only broken by the clatter of horse hooves on the cobbled road.

Ragnar sat up front, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. Lady Sophia couldn't help but admire his stoic presence, and the sense of safety and protection that he provided.

Despite knowing that Gamaaloths didn't understand the intricacies of social interactions, Lady Sophia couldn't help but feel that Ragnar was looking out for her.

However, they managed to make it through without drawing too much attention, and soon they arrived at their first destination.

After they arrived at the apothecary, Ragnar hopped down from the carriage and opened the back door for Lady Sophia.

The sweet gestures from Ragnar, such as opening the carriage door for her, filled her with a sense of comfort and protection. Although Gamaaloths didn't have much understanding of women, their natural instinct to guard and serve was something that Lady Sophia could rely on.

Although they did not realize it and covered it up with patriarchal arrogance. The innocent and unadulterated kindness of the Gamaaloths was truly heartwarming.

"Thank you, my lord." Sophia said softly as Ragnar's large hand gripped her arm to ensure she did not slip when getting off the high carriage. She stepped out of the carriage and straightened her cloak, glancing around the busy street and into a narrow alleyway. The grime-stained walls and the smell of rotten food were overpowering, but they went on.

Sophia led the way, her small frame somehow navigating through the tight space with ease. Ragnar followed closely behind, his massive bulk nearly taking up the entire alley.

Finally, they came to a door at the end, and Sophia knocked twice. The door slid open, revealing a dimly lit room.

The apothecary's storefront was cluttered with herbs, potions, and other mystical ingredients, and there was a stream of customers going in and out of the shop.

Lady Sophia brushed a strand of hair out of her face and walked into the store, with Ragnar following closely behind. Once inside, she got to work, scouring the shelves for the specific ingredients they needed for war supply needs.

As Sophia chatted excitedly about the remedies she was looking for, she couldn't help but notice that Ragnar seemed to be ignoring her.

It was something she had grown accustomed to - Ragnar had a habit of disregarding conversations he deemed unimportant. At first, it had bothered her, but now she simply accepted it as part of his personality.

"My lord, are you still angry with me?" Sophia said in the end as she took a bunch of medicinal herbs from the shelf and put them into the basket.

The shop patrons stared in awe at Ragnar's imposing stature. But despite the attention, Ragnar remained silent and reserved, his gaze cast down as he followed Sophia through the narrow aisles of the shop.

"My Lord, I apologize, I did not mean to play you. But I admit I was indeed insolent towards you. I spoke careless words because I felt comfortable with you. I shouldn't have done that." She said in a soft and spoiled voice.

"Say what you want, Sophia, I'm not good at small talk." Ragnar said without looking into Sophia's eyes. He knew he would lose if he returned Sophia's enchanting gaze.

"My lord, I don't know what information you have about my marriage to Sir Arthur. But whatever it is, our marriage has been going on for three years and it's going well even though we haven't had any children yet."

"Hm." Ragnar said with a final nod. "If you're asking me to retract what I said this morning about me making you leave your husband, it's too late, Sophia. I will not retract my words and will do so anyway."

Sophia let out a long sigh and instantly felt regret for continuing to tease Ragnar to the point where Ragnar did not find her teasing funny.

Sophia should have listened to Uzana's warning about Ragnar never joking about his words.

"Is it true that you're going to marry a woman without a tongue?" Sophia couldn't help but be more curious.

Sophia's words echoed in his ears, causing a sharp pain to throb through his head. He hadn't yet made up his mind about asking for a tongueless woman. The idea of hurting a woman in any way, shape, or form was revolting to him, and he refused to do it.

He knew that the men of Gamaaloth were not used to women with tongues, a stark contrast to their experiences when women were sold into slavery, but that did not mean that they had to resort to such barbaric practices.

Ragnar let out a deep sigh and ran his hand over his face. But imagining Sophia without her tongue, it felt like she wasn't Sophia anymore. She would be someone else without her sloppy tongue that loved to tease.

"Wouldn't you be able to be more careful with your words without that careless tongue?" Ragnar raised one eyebrow.

"Huh?" Sophia gaped.

Perhaps without her tongue, she would be more careful with her words, but he couldn't bear the thought of her losing

  her playful spirit. He started to grow to like her to be able to express herself freely and without hesitation, but he refused to tell her how he felt.

"Sophia, the more you talk, the more firm my stance is to make you leave your husband."

"Errr...," Sophia's mind was racing as she contemplated Ragnar's statement. It was difficult for her to imagine being quiet around Ragnar, especially when she enjoyed his company so much.

Despite her mission to influence the Gamaaloth nation's thinking on how to treat women, Sophia had found herself drawn to Ragnar - his strength, his kindness, and his intelligence.

She looked up at him, her eyes locking onto his gaze, and took a deep breath, "My lord, I'll try to be more mindful of my words, but I can't promise to be quiet around you. You make me feel alive in a way that no one else ever has. And I like talking to you too much to stay silent."

Ragnar paused at Sophia's words and then replied as he looked away, "I also wouldn't want you to be anyone other than who you are, Sophia." He muttered in a low, harsh voice.

Sophia could feel her face flush as she looked down, feeling ashamed for putting him in an awkward position. Not long after, Sophia joked. "Of course, there is no way you like me, my lord! There are many healer girls who are more beautiful than me. I'll slowly introduce you to them one by one." She said with a wide smile.

"Sophia." Ragnar interrupted.

"Yes, my lord?"

"You are the most beautiful among them."

.