"Let's ensure you are properly registered before we run into any more trouble," Lawson states firmly, and turns determinedly towards the center of town, taking an almost straight path. In fact, it is so direct that you wonder why he was circling around the city earlier in the first place. You doubt it was for your sightseeing benefit. As you follow Lawson, a thought occurs to you. Maybe that little run-in with Mage Yorui was intentional...after all, Lawson did pop up before you got into serious trouble...
Before you have any more time to ponder the method to Lawson's madness, you find yourself on a wide street with interesting buildings. Larger than the regular stores and inns you have passed, these are clearly intended to impress. The architecture is somewhere between fantasy fiction and the Dark Ages, but the structures seem sturdy and official. Lawson turns into one of the smaller buildings and you trot along behind him.
"Servant assignment," Lawson states tersely to an attendant by the door, who nods and indicates a hallway to the right, but not before you catch a strange look in his eye. Following the directions, the two of you head down the hallway to a bustling room with three tables. Stopping before one, Lawson waits for a portly woman who is busy writing with a quill pen to look up. When she does, her eyes narrow and a less-than-friendly look appears.
"What can I do for you, Mage Apprentice?" she asks coldly, obviously not pleased to see Lawson.
"I wish to register this man as my servant," Lawson proceeds, ignoring her derision. Not bothering to hide a scowl, she pulls out a large leatherbound volume from a shelf behind her and plops it down on the table, opening it to a partially-filled page with multiple columns.
"Name?" she inquires tersely, and looks up at you when there is no response. Since Lawson told you your real name would be meaningless here, you don't immediately reply, and you haven't discussed with Lawson if you should use a fake name. As a result, the expression on your wrinkled face is far from intelligent.
"This man is not very bright," Lawson finally jumps in. "He has decided to leave his former name behind upon entering my service. You may list his name as 'Azra.'" You desperately want to glare at Lawson, maybe kick him for his comments, but the chubby woman is still scrutinizing you irritatedly. When she finally looks down to write your new "name," you sneak a side glance at Lawson, but he steadily ignores you.
"The servant 'Azra' will belong to Mage Apprentice Broak," the lady grumbles. "Place your seal there," she points to an empty space, and Lawson takes out a small cylinder and presses it against the spot. Like a stamp, it leaves an image, although there is no ink. You recognize the symbol, as it is the same one that is on the medallion Lawson placed on you to hide your familiar brand. Registration accomplished, Lawson quickly turns around to leave, and as you follow you hear the woman snort derisively. You begin to wonder if people in this town are just jerks, or if everyone has a good reason for seeming to not like Lawson. Considering the way he has treated you so far, you sincerely begin to consider it might be the latter. You follow Lawson back through the streets, giving his back a grumpy frown.
"Now that that's over, let's hurry back to my Master's place," Lawson pauses and says softly to you, then keeps walking without giving you a chance to voice your grievances. You begin to question whether agreeing to help Lawson was a good idea. Trailing behind him, the two of you make your way to the outskirts of the village and...