There were two people in a square, both of them men sitting on benches.
The benches were in front of a kind of establishment.
An establishment that was funny to describe—it was a large carriage.
It was big enough to fit six or seven people inside, both in width and space.
However, it had no wheels or horses pulling it;
It seemed as though it had been handcrafted.
Its color was black, with golden engravings on its edges, making it pleasantly beautiful.
It was a shop!
While the two young men stood in front of the shop,
The rest of the people gathered around the fountain.
This fountain was located in the middle of the city.
The fountain had a snowy white color, at least in appearance,
Spouting crystal-clear water; some people tossed coins into it and made prayers.
The streets were bustling—it was already nighttime.
Families, acquaintances, students—all were in the city center.
This was the city's main attraction.
Its name was Edoria, the Blessed Square.
"Don't you think it's a beautiful sight?"
Kiyo, while eating, was caught off guard by the question.
"What exactly?"
He was chewing on what appeared to be a sandwich, showing no concern for manners,
Reflecting his carefree personality.
"I was referring to this harmony, peace, families, friends, humanity enjoying all this. Don't you think it's a beautiful vision?"
He replied, resting his chin on his hand, smiling.
Kiyoshi thought for a moment.
"From that perspective, I guess it is. But not everyone can have this peace."
There was silence between them for a few seconds.
"What if we could make all humans happy?"
Surprise and confusion showed on Kiyo's face.
He countered.
"Luci, your thought is really noble, but that's impossible, practically speaking. You can't make every human happy; some societies aren't fair. We just have to get used to it. And even if you could, how would you do it? With whom? How would you start? There are so many questions to consider—it's not a simple matter."
After finishing his reasoning,
Someone interrupted them with a slightly old-sounding laugh.
"Ho, ho, ho, young people think too much."
It was an elderly man, specifically the owner of the shop!
"I think it's interesting to reflect on these things, even if they seem pointless. I don't think it's pointless; I used to do that in my youth. Ah... lost times."
Scratching his chin, he thought aloud.
Lucian, who had remained silent, shared some of his thoughts:
"How to start? Considering what predominates in this world—politics—I'd start with politics."
Expressing his idea.
"If you could gain enough influence, maybe it would be possible, young one. Nothing is impossible, as long as you have hope and resilience."
The old man responded instantly, gazing at the public square.
Kiyo, while eating his snack, listened to the conversation.
"If you can do something for people, no matter how small, do it—there's nothing wrong with that. Everyone has reasons, a story, a wish, but not everyone can explain their thoughts; yet they still hold on to hope despite all social difficulties. Hope isn't something that falls from the sky. It's not something that simply appears. It's a choice. They choose to have hope and live—the ability to live for tomorrow."
Luci grabbed his cane and looked up slightly.
His hair, which partially covered his left eye, revealed a small scar beneath it.
Not so small, but not too large either.
At this point, Kiyo had seen it a few times in passing but never asked about it.
The streets were full of people—people singing, people living.
Even though life is hard, it is still the choice of human beings to live.
With this thought in mind, Lucian walked straight ahead.
The direction he followed was towards the fountain.
Arriving at the fountain, he pondered for a moment.
"A wish... I don't have one. People usually toss coins and wish for good things, don't they? I don't have a wish for myself. God, whoever you are, bless these people and let them continue living their lives in peace."
Finishing his thought, he tossed a few coins into the fountain.
"Four Cilzet coins."
The Cilzet coins were traditional in this world.
Each Cilzet coin was equivalent to two individual reais.
On the other hand, Argentis was the paper money in this world,
Varying in amounts; a 10-Argentis note, as it suggests, was worth 10 reais.
Kiyo, finishing his food, stood up and wiped his hands on the table.
He did so discreetly, hiding it under the table.
Then he got up and left an Argentis note.
"Keep the change, old man."
Waving his hands,
He approached Lucian.
Lucian, however, observed silently.
Kiyo, now beside him, attempted to touch his shoulder.
Lucian dodged to the side, avoiding the touch.
"Do you think wiping your hands on the table could actually clean them?"
He asked with a sarcastic tone.
Kiyo was momentarily surprised.
"So you saw that? Even from such a distance? That's a little scary."
Both were now enjoying themselves as they walked through the square.