"Aetos? What are they?" Xing Liyun mumbled incoherently to himself, as he quickly and swiftly turned his brain gears to try and figure out the possible meaning of 'Aetos.'
Ying, on the side, noticed Xing Liyun's unmoving stare on the signboard. Wondering what was so interesting, he aligned his gaze with Xing Liyun's and found out that he was looking specifically at the word 'Aetos' among the many words on the signboard.
Calculating and thinking through all the things he had seen these days about Xing Liyun and what he himself knew, Ying came to the conclusion that Xing Liyun must not know what it meant.
Clearing his throat to give a clear explanation for Xing Liyun, Ying was determined to showcase and prove his usefulness to Xing Liyun.
"Ahem. Aetos is the moniker given to people with a métier involving risky situations and thrilling adventures, the individuals who have this métier are often bold---and reckless---in nature. They're a little similar to mercenaries in that they also take on job requests. Those types of people tend to act wildly and have unrestrained behaviors, they are a major headache to some ordinary folks because of that. Though bar owners and alcohol sellers really like them since most of them drink a lot---they can really hold their liquor, much like the mercenaries." Ying quickly went through the data stored in his brain and smoothly summarized the massive amount of information about Aetos into a few simple sentences.
"In conclusion, most people don't quite like them because they think Aetos are people who have no manners. But that is simply a stereotypical impression people have of Aetos and not the real truth about all of them holding this métier."
Ying said and paused for a brief moment as he glanced at something before adding as a side comment, "The town closest to this forest must not like Aetos very much."
Xing Liyun took in all the above information as he continued to stare at the words on the signboard, seemingly in thought. Nodding his head, he turned to look at Ying and said, "Let's go. We should try to reach the town before nightfall."
Ying agreed.
They took off again, this time to find an actual place to eat and rest in. Although Xing Liyun had long since gotten used to sleeping on the cold, hard ground, and his body and mind needing only a little time to adapt to various different places and environments, Xing Liyun still thinks it best to sleep in a nice and proper bed if he can.
With their departure, the forest finally regained its previous peace. The animals and beasts of the forest could finally relax and rest without their instincts constantly keeping them on guard and tense.
Peace at last finally settled onto the distraught forest.
As Xing Liyun and Ying walked to the nearest settlement, Xing Liyun had Ying tell him all he knew about his world he woke up in. Although his request might make him appear suspicious and arouse doubts in Ying's heart towards him, Xing Liyun knows that it is vital for him to know the situation of this world. He needs the information to survive in this unknown world.
Although people tend to think that information isn't important and having it wouldn't make a big difference, in reality, knowing things actually does make a huge difference---especially in a disadvantageous or dangerous situation. It can also help win a fight using strategies and tactics created based on the gathered information and result in no loss on the winner's side.
Information on the enemy could turn the tide of a previously losing battle by knowing their weaknesses, their habits, and what they want to get out of fighting so that both sides could make peace and even reach a mutually beneficial agreement in the end without all the war and fighting.
Information is what truly makes a person the most powerful. The strongest person on earth can be taken down just because of the information gathered on them.
"Mmm, since you want to know about this kingdom's circumstances, that must mean you're not from around here, right? Don't worry! With Mr. Ying here, no matter what you want to know, I can tell you!" Ying boasted confidently, tooting his own horn not falsely.
Xing Liyun looked at him thoughtfully. Not minding it, Ying went on to explain to a completely clueless Xing Liyun about this kingdom.
"This land we're standing on belongs to the Asmano Kingdom that rules over boundless territories and land. It is one of the continent's largest kingdoms, ranking fourth on the Continental Kingdoms Ranking Chart. By the way, there is only one continent here, a huge weird shaped continent. This kingdom is best known for the opportunities it gives to both nobilities and peasants alike! Though in recent years, corruption seems to be spreading among the royals and their retainers. Most of the heirs to the throne are either incompetent trash or self-centered wastes, constantly submerging themselves in a vast and endless sea of luxury and indulgence."
Ying shook his head in pity as he thought it was such a waste and shame for such a good and still growing kingdom to turn crooked because of its corrupted royal family.
But then he brightened up.
"However, there are a few exceptions and they are competing furiously against each other for the throne.
"Lately, the king has fallen ill causing the throne competition to intensify. Even the useless princes are joining in the fray now, trying to catch fish in troubled waters."
As Ying explained to Xing Liyun the intricate workings of the royals and their succession competition system, he also went into detail on some of the laws and regulations of the Asmano Kingdom.
The whole way to the town, Ying explained quite a few things to Xing Liyun from the geographical features present in the Asmano Kingdom to how to greet nobles and royalty (even if Xing Liyun might never need it) to the unique merchandise of the kingdom to etc. He spoke and spoke and spoke. He spoke till his mouth went dry and his tongue was numb.
At last before nightfall, they arrived at the entrance of the town. This town they encountered was huge---though it was confusing and surprising that such a huge and prosperous town would be erected so close to the Forest of No Return, but then again, only if someone enters the forest will there be danger and 'no return.' Nothing will happen even if one stood right outside the entrance of the forest as long as they don't enter, not to say less of a town quite a distance away!
What was even more worth mentioning is that none of the beasts and animals of the forest ever leave the forest grounds. So the people in town were completely safe from the forest's danger and have nothing to worry about.
Walking into the town, they went to find a decent inn in which they would stay at for the time being.
Strolling along the streets, they saw many people setting up stalls on the roadside late in the night.
Going past them, Ying showed extreme familiarity with the town. He directly led Xing Liyun to one of the best inns of the town that was both cheap and decent with breakfast meals included, without having to ask for directions from any of the townspeople.
Inside the inn, they were welcomed by the clerk, paid for a single room with two beds, and went to rest for the rest of the night.
The night passed just like that.
Early the next morning, many people woke up just as the sun peeked above the earth's surface. The native people of the town were very energetic so early in the morning and were bustling busily about here and there.
Prepping food and their ingredients which could only be done on the day they're used, inspecting their stalls for any problems, organizing trinkets and local merchandise onto stalls and wooden tables, setting out chairs and tables for customers to sit at to eat, and many other preparations that needed to be done before tourists, travelers, and other people start to rise and pour onto the streets.
Standing in front of an open window of an inn facing the streets was someone watching the hustling and bustling liveliness of the hard at work townspeople. His long, waist-length light-blue and white hair was lifted up slightly by the morning breeze coming through the open window. His mismatched pair of eyes were without emotion as he watched the ongoing below.
"Yawn~" Someone from inside the room sat up in bed, yawned, then stretched. Having just woken up, they looked a little drowsy. Turning his head to look at the youth by the window, he greeted him, "Good morning."
"Good morning," the youth returned without looking back.
"Shall we go down for breakfast?" Ying suggested as he got dressed in outdoor clothing.
Xing Liyun nodded and walked toward the room's door.
Together, they walked down the stairs and sat down at a table.