"What do you mean?" I ask. Madam Sylmora hesitates for a moment before replying, "Well… for now, let's just say a name doesn't define a person. But this is quite the rare coincidence… a very rare one indeed." She pauses, as if choosing her words carefully, before adding, "Let's not overthink it. Instead, did you two notice the poem at the start of the book?"
"Yeah, but what did it mean by 'seek what's hidden'?" Cian questions."Don't tell me we have to find every single original jewel," he adds jokingly.
"Excellent! Exactly, Cian," Madam Sylmora says with a small smile, though something in her tone makes me uneasy.
"Wait, no. This is impossible. Madam Sylmora, you know the only known jewel holders in this town are me and Elveria. Who knows where the others are, especially with the city flooded with fakes?" Cian protests. "Cian! Choose your words carefully," I reminded him.
"I know, but…" Cian stopped, his expression conflicted.
"You don't have to join me in this," I said. He didn't look eager to anyway.
Madam Sylmora watched us in silence as I turned back to her. "Madam, fill me in on the details," I asked.
Cian let out a sharp breath, clearly irritated. Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room.
"Do not be saddened by him, Elveria. For now, let's focus on the mission. You need to reach the place where these fake jewels are being created. The path will lead you to meet other original jewel holders, as written in the book," Madam Sylmora told me, her hand resting gently on my shoulder. "You can do it. I believe in you," she said, offering a comforting smile.
"But where is the destination?" I asked.
It's in 'Rethlo'," she replied. "As for any further questions, take this pen." She handed it to me, its surface worn with age.
"I know it looks old, but whatever you write, I shall receive. Farewell, Elveria." She replied in a gentle tone.
Outside awaited a new journey. I had never been alone with a responsibility this huge, but I have chosen this path. With that though in mind, I let out a quiet sigh.
"YOU THERE! WANT A RIDE?" A loud voice shouted from behind.
I turned to see a teenager. Sunlight kissed her tanned skin,her loose braids swayed with the wind as if it was carrying the ocean's quiet hum.Her golden eyes carried the warmth of a glowy sun,it was as if the beach were a person,it would be her.She was leaning against a vehicle that looked like it had been through countless battles. But I had to travel somehow. Cian wasn't with me, or I would've teleported there in no time.
"Sure," I replied as I climbed into the car.
"WHERE TO?" she asked.
"Rethlo," I said.
"RETHLO?? THAT'S MY HOMETOWN!" She exclaimed, her voice rising in excitement.
"Oh, I see. I've never visited Rethlo-" I started, but she cut me off.
"NEVER VISITED RETHLO?! THEN YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!GUESS WHAT, I'LL BE YOUR TOUR GUIDE FREE!" she declared, grinning with pride.
I gave her a quiet nod of agreement. With that, she started the car engine, and we set off toward Rethlo. Through the broken car windows, it was clear that Rethlo didn't have advanced technology. People lived in poor housing, with some not even having any. Little boys and girls wore torn clothes, and some women had to carry their babies while selling vegetables. The car stopped with a loud thud. "WE HAVE ARRIVED," the girl said with joy.
"Yes, thank you," I replied before adding, "I didn't catch your name."
"CALL ME LOSEL," she said.
"Oh, Losel, nice to meet you. I'm Elveria. Since this is your hometown, you might be familiar with everything, right?" I said.
"YEAH, NAME IT!" she ordered.
"Do you know where fake jewels are manufactured?" I asked.
"WHAT ARE FAKE JEWELS?" she replied with curiosity.
Suddenly, I felt a small hand tapping me from behind. "Ma'am, can you please play with me… please?" I turned around to see a little boy, around six, his face filled with worry. "Sorry, but I can't right now," I replied, feeling guilty for disappointing him.
"Please… or they'll hurt me."