I woke early the next morning, the underground arena already beginning to stir with activity. After a quick breakfast, I left the underground area, heading straight for the library. The Duchess had stirred my curiosity, and I wanted to learn more about the kingdom's history—especially anything that might give me an edge in understanding the current political climate.
The library was vast, its towering shelves filled with dusty tomes and ancient scrolls. I spent hours poring over the texts, searching for anything that might shed light on the kingdom's past.
The Kingdom of Angria, as it was known today, had been founded over two millennia ago during the Dark Ages. Back then, humanity was on the brink of extinction, their limited magical knowledge and the world's low mana levels making it nearly impossible to fend off the monstrous hordes that roamed the land.
According to the books, Angria, the ancestor of the Royal Family, was a fierce warrior who had led a group of hot-blooded youths in a campaign to rid the world of these monsters. They united several scattered cities, forging alliances and leading a desperate war against the creatures that had terrorized humanity for generations.
Under her command, the monsters were eventually driven back, and the kingdom was born. The land was named after her in honor of her bravery, forming what would become the Kingdom of Angria. It was a tale of resilience, of humanity rising from the ashes, but it also highlighted the brutal nature of those times—a stark contrast to the world we live in now.
The history was fascinating, but it also served as a reminder of how far humanity had come. The monsters that once threatened to wipe out civilization were now little more than a nuisance, easily dealt with by a single powerhouse in mere minutes.
As I closed the final book and prepared to leave the library, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the kingdom's history than what was written on these pages. And whatever that hidden truth was, I had nothing to do with it.
I left the library with my mind buzzing, determined to uncover the secrets that lay beneath the surface of this seemingly peaceful land. The war, the political intrigue, the mysterious circumstances surrounding the Crown Prince's death—all of it was tied together, and I intended to figure out how.
The sun hung low in the sky as I made my way through the bustling streets toward the outskirts of Greire. The golden hues of dusk cast long shadows, painting the city in warm tones and giving everything a serene, almost magical quality. The day had been productive—I'd spent hours delving into the kingdom's history at the library—but now, my thoughts were focused on a different kind of pursuit.
I had arranged to meet Calista again. Our first encounter had been brief but memorable; her genuine kindness and innocent charm had left an impression on me, and I was eager to deepen our acquaintance. Beyond personal interest, I knew that forging a connection with her could prove valuable in my broader plans to understand and perhaps influence the ongoing war. After all, she was a noble, and nobles always had access to information and circles that could be useful.
As I approached the familiar alleyway where we had first met, I noticed the usual gathering of impoverished families and orphaned children, their faces lighting up as various volunteers handed out food and necessities. Amidst the humble crowd, Calista stood out like a beacon. Dressed in a simple yet elegant pale blue dress that complemented her fair skin and golden hair, she moved gracefully between the people, offering warm smiles and gentle words as she distributed loaves of bread from a woven basket.
I paused for a moment, simply watching her. There was a certain purity to her actions—a selflessness that was rare among the nobility. She seemed genuinely invested in helping these people, and the affection in their eyes as they looked at her spoke volumes. It was clear that she had been doing this for some time and had earned their trust and admiration.
Taking a deep breath, I approached her just as she handed the last loaf to a small boy who beamed up at her before scampering away. Calista turned, her eyes meeting mine, and for a brief second, surprise flickered across her delicate features before transforming into a bright, welcoming smile.
"Ryan! " she said, her voice soft and melodic, carrying a hint of delight that made me smile in return, "So you do know how to keep a promise huh?"
"I couldn't stay away," I replied smoothly, offering a playful shrug. "After all, where else would I find such good company doing such noble deeds?"
A faint blush colored her cheeks, and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes dropping briefly before meeting mine again. "You're too kind. I'm just doing what I can to help."
"And making a world of difference while you're at it," I added, my gaze lingering on her. "But you shouldn't have to do it all alone. Let me lend a hand next time."
Her eyes widened slightly, clearly touched by the offer. "That would be wonderful. The more help, the better."
I glanced around as the crowd began to disperse, the evening drawing people back to whatever shelter they could find for the night. The air was cooling, and a gentle breeze rustled through the narrow alley, carrying with it the distant sounds of the city settling down.
"It's getting late," I noted, turning back to her. "Have you eaten yet? I know a charming little café nearby. Perhaps you'd allow me to treat you to dinner as thanks for all the good work you're doing?"
She hesitated, her eyes darting briefly toward the direction of the city center. "Oh, I wouldn't want to impose..."
I waved off her concern with a grin. "Nonsense. It would be my pleasure. Besides, after all the effort you've put in today, you deserve a nice meal and some relaxation."
Calista bit her lower lip thoughtfully, the gesture endearing in its innocence. After a moment, she nodded, her smile returning. "Alright, that sounds lovely."
"Perfect," I said, extending my arm to her in a gentlemanly fashion. She looked momentarily surprised but then laughed softly and looped her arm through mine. Her touch was light and hesitant, but there was a warmth to it that made the simple gesture feel intimate.