Watching the girl trying to put on a fierce look, but her slender eyes still carried an indescribable charm, Lucas lay there lazily and said, "Hmm, I can't make you understand... let me put it this way." He glanced at Ariana's chest, "For example, if this is a 5..." Then, he turned his eyes to the black-clad girl's chest, pretending to yawn, "...that would be at most a 1... A-cup means this. If you still don't get it, I won't explain it anymore."
Seeing the veins popping on the girl's forehead, even Ariana, who initially didn't get along with the black-clad girl, was worried that Lucas might have gone too far. She and the girl had a reasonable argument, while Lucas was making a direct attack on the girl's figure and appearance, the things girls cared about the most!
The girl from the Ashina tribe still held back her anger, muttering to herself continuously, and it seemed like she was saying "ugly freak" and "stupid thief" based on the lip movements. She forcefully pulled out a fur coat from the saddlebag and threw it onto Lucas, saying, "Take it to cover yourself! Don't freeze to death!" Then, she urged her horse forward.
Ariana suddenly couldn't help but laugh, with small dimples appearing on her face, "This girl from the Ashina tribe is not bad... Stinky refugee, can't you control your mouth when you speak? You coud hurt anywhere except for the mouth."
Lucas weakly smiled, "This is just my temper. I'm willing to do anything when I'm in the mood. If I'm not, even the emperor won't get my attention... Don't worry, I'm just expressing my loyalty to you. I won't change my mind easily."
Ariana gently covered him with the fur coat, smiling wryly, "The girl seems to be straightforward. She probably wants us to reveal the secrets of the sacred treasure on us before she can tolerate us... When we arrive at the base, Javanshir Fortress, Mishe Ashina is a renowned old fox. Compared to falling into Uncle Cyrus' hands, the future is even more unpredictable."
Lucas silently laughed there, "At least, we're still alive, right? Let's think about the future later. Along the way, tell me stories about this era... I know nothing, like a fool."
Ariana's expression was slightly dim, and she looked at the face of Lucas that was still flying high despite the injuries. She murmured, "Yes, let's think about the future later..."
Snow fell silently, enveloping this small group in a world of silver and white. The small sled behind the horses became a tiny warm space for the boy and the girl who had been struggling between life and death since they first met. Ariana's gentle voice softly echoed along the way. At this moment, these two were each other's entire world.
The decades-long war between the Persian and Roman Empires significantly weakened the Persian Empire. And the Roman Empire facing its own crisis due to the exhaustive war, also suffered.
With the support of the Western Turkic Khaganate, the Roman Emperor Heraclius ultimately achieved victory, devastating the wealthiest regions of the Persian Empire. Although Persia troops led by Prince Farid managed to defeat the Western Turks in the north-east, Heraclius moved south along the Tigris River, plundering the Persian palaces in Dastagird and attempting to attack the capital, Ctesiphon City. His advance was halted only when the Persians destroyed the bridges over the Nahrawan Canal.
This series of events led to turmoil and political upheaval in Persia, resulting in years of succession disputes that weakened the Persian state. The current Persian emperor is Ishtari III, known for his extravagant and tyrannical rule, unable to unite the various kingdoms. Prince Farid, Ariana's father, facing various forms of exclusion, had no choice but to leave for Rome.
Both the Roman Empire and Persia Empire did not get a chance to recover. In the meanwhile, the newly rising Arab Empire in the south posed a continuous threat, constantly harassing the borders of both empires.
Traveling through the vast snowfall, Lucas listened to Ariana's narration of these stories. Looking at the mountains and rivers covered in snow, Lucas, as expansive as he was, inexplicably felt a heart-stirring sensation for these once-real events. The girl's soft voice conveyed a hint of tragedy. The sky a millennium ago was so clear, with dense forests covering the land. However, the population was scarce, and such scenery would normally be refreshing and pleasant. Especially on this journey through the pure white snow!
Yet, every time he saw the abandoned villages, desolate fields, and the bones not yet buried in the snow, Lucas, who already knew clearly what had happened in this land, couldn't help but be deeply moved. Growing up in the peaceful, prosperous, and somewhat indulgent 21st century, he couldn't remain unaffected by such scenes. Only at this moment did he truly feel the reality of being transported to this era. Why did the jade ring choose to send him here? What is he meant to do? How can he survive in this era?
Throughout the previous escape, Lucas struggled for his life, battled for Ariana and himself, and even enjoyed the excitement of such a perilous life. It's only now, in the calm aftermath, that he can contemplate the future. One can't survive without eating, nor can one endure without proper clothing. How is he going to live his life from now on? Does he really have to rely on Ariana's formidable but unseen father, his future father-in-law?
Unable to figure it out, Lucas decided not to dwell on it for now. He loosened up and began to enjoy this strange journey on the snow sled from a millennium ago. Ariana no longer carried that lofty demeanor but instead, she was tenderly taking care of him. Unfortunately, with so many people around and his injuries, he couldn't find an opportunity to showcase his impressive kissing skill. The flat-chested girl still didn't have a good attitude towards him, but at least she didn't cause any major trouble. She occasionally mocked them during the journey but always found herself unable to outwit the two of them, leaving her with a flushed face in frustration.
The group advanced through twists and turns. Along the way, they frequently encountered small groups dressed in black robes, all of whom seemed to be the warriors of the Ashina. They either helped conceal their tracks or split into groups to confuse any pursuers. The strength displayed by the Ashina was surprising, even to those observing. The followers of the black-clad girl, each bearing weathered and scarred faces, hinted at experiences of numerous battles. Even someone like Lucas could sense the many killings they had been through.
With two beautiful girls by his side, safety assured, and no worries, what else did Lucas have to concern himself with? As for what awaited him in the Fortress of the Ashina, he couldn't care less.
The only thing that made Lucas a bit uneasy was his body—not because he was too weak after the injuries but because he recovered too quickly. Every day, he felt the itchy sensation of new muscles growing at his wounds. When he got shot with so many arrows that it seemed like he had bled half a bucket, he should be lying there weak and groaning for at least a few days. Yet, now, after just a few days, he felt energetic and could banter with Ariana every day. His limbs also felt powerful, and when he felt restless lying down, Ariana forcibly held him back. What on earth were those strange silver lights? Had he really turned into a monster? With such strength, speed, and rapid recovery, it was all too puzzling.
However, he was accustomed to letting go of things he couldn't understand and dismissed these thoughts. Every day, he leisurely watched the two beautiful girls and enjoyed life. He really hoped this journey would last a bit longer...