After leaving, she ran into Lumine and Paimon on the street. Both looked dejected.
"What's wrong?" she asked, walking over. "You two look miserable."
Paimon sighed. "We couldn't find any way to meet her! Whether it's the Eremites or the Adventurers' Guild, no one seems to know much."
"She doesn't seem very well regarded," Lumine said softly. "The Akademiya—and most of Sumeru—still revere Greater Lord Rukkhadevata far more."
A voice suddenly came from nearby.
"Oh? Were you just talking about the Archon?"
They turned toward the sound.
A frail-looking young woman approached. "You must be foreigners who just arrived in Sumeru City. Are you asking about her?"
Noticing their confusion, she added, "Ah, sorry—I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Dunyarzad. I'm… a devoted admirer of hers."
They introduced themselves in return. Paimon asked, "Oh? Then do you know how we can meet her?"
"Of course not," Dunyarzad said with a gentle smile. "But what you said earlier reminded me of a legend about the Dendro Archon."
After she finished, Lora gave a brief summary:
"Wisdom isn't something given—it's built step by step. It's everywhere… just like the Archon."
Dunyarzad nodded, smiling. "Well said."
She suddenly noticed two mercenaries approaching in the distance. Her expression shifted, and she hurriedly said, "Ah… sorry, I have something to take care of. I should go—let's talk another time!"
She glanced back. "It's fine. No need to run—they can't see you."
"Huh?" Dunyarzad froze mid-step, looking at her in confusion.
Paimon added, "I don't really get it either, but just trust her—she's amazing!"
Sure enough, when the mercenaries walked past, they completely ignored the group right in front of them and kept going.
Dunyarzad stared in astonishment. "What? That's incredible—they really didn't see us! Miss Lora, how did you do that?"
"Just a small trick," she replied lightly.
Lora had simply used light refraction to create a thin veil of water in front of them, distorting the light. At the same time, she used the Akasha to plant a subtle mental suggestion, causing the mercenaries to instinctively ignore their surroundings.
It sounded simple, but aside from Lora, very few could actually accomplish it.
"This place still isn't very safe. Let's go somewhere more secure—I know a tavern nearby. Follow me," Dunyarzad said, glancing at the departing mercenaries.
The group followed her toward a tavern near the harbor. They thought they'd be safe once inside—but suddenly, a shadow darted out of the darkness and lunged from behind.
She didn't react in panic. A slight shift, a step to the side—then her hand shot back, catching the attacker's wrist in one smooth motion.
"Miss Lora, please don't attack!" Dunyarzad cried out.
She glanced at the person struggling in her grip. "Don't bother. You won't break free."
Dunyarzad hurried over. "Dehya, they're my friends!"
"Friends? Miss, this…" Dehya frowned, eyeing her warily.
She let go of her wrist with a soft sigh. "Then don't attack without thinking. If we were enemies, you'd already be down."
Dehya rubbed her wrist, still watching her warily. "You're strong."
"I know."
Dehya fell silent for a moment, then turned to Dunyarzad. "Miss, you need to come back with me. Your health isn't good—wandering around like this is dangerous."
"Huh? Dunyarzad's sick? What do you mean…?" Paimon looked at her in surprise.
Lumine gestured for her to stay quiet.
Dunyarzad shook her head. "I know my condition. I'm not acting on impulse. Whether I stay home or not, it won't change anything… so why shouldn't I live the way I want?"
Dehya said nothing.
Dunyarzad continued, "I'm grateful to them. But there's someone else I want to thank. That's why I had to come out… this might be my last chance."
Dehya watched her for a long moment before sighing. "...Fine. I won't force you back. But don't misunderstand—this isn't pity. I just… respect your choice."
"Mm." Dunyarzad nodded with a smile.
Only then did Paimon speak up. "Um… what's wrong with her? The way you're talking, it sounds serious."
"Oh, that… it's nothing to hide," Dunyarzad said gently. "I'm sick. And it's serious."
"Sick…?" Paimon frowned. "What kind of illness? If there's anything we can do, we'll help!"
"It's Eleazar," she said quietly.
Dunyarzad looked slightly surprised, but didn't deny it. She nodded. "Yes. Eleazar. It's a disease unique to Sumeru—and it can't be cured."
"Um… didn't you help Collei before? Could you help her too?" Paimon asked, turning to her.
"Miss Lora… can you really cure Eleazar?" Dunyarzad asked, looking at her in surprise.