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Chapter 257: Lanchi's Doubt and Understanding Becomes Tata
Chapter 257: Lanchi's Doubt and Understanding Becomes Tata
A week later, as night fell, the distant town lit up, its lights twinkling in harmony with the emerging stars.
In the tranquil dusk, the maglev train sped along the tracks, passing through majestic mountains, dense forests, and serene lakes.
Inside the carriage, the light reflected off the deep brown hardwood floors and the antique bronze iron decorations. The elegant lacquered walls exuded a sense of timelessness, as if whispering tales of their past.
Passengers stood or sat, engaging in various conversations. Ladies in elegant dresses held wine glasses filled with deep ruby-red wine, whispering to their companions. In one corner of the carriage, a group of young people chatted excitedly, their eyes sparkling with anticipation and awe for Protos Metropolis.
The train attendants, dressed in immaculate dark uniforms, patrolled the carriages, occasionally stopped by passengers who politely inquired about their needs.
In one of the luxurious compartments towards the front of the train, a young man and a young lady sat by the window.
The young man's attire was a unique blend of vintage and elegance. He wore a white long-sleeved shirt with black trim on the collar and cuffs, paired with a form-fitting sleeveless waistcoat in beige and deep brown stripes forming a diamond checkerboard pattern. Hanging on the wall beside him was a deep gray overcoat with a large lapel and two slanted pockets, exuding a sense of flair and mystery.
This outfit, in the North Continental style, had been tailor-made for Lanchi by an old tailor in Lilom City who specialized in clothing for Viscount Francis.
At that moment, he was quietly reading a book.
Across from him, Zesstira had changed into the standard uniform of the Protos Royal Magic Academy.
Although wearing a hat to slightly conceal her demonic features would have spared her many curious stares during the journey, she chose not to hide.
She saw nothing wrong with her demonic traits.
While the Protos Empire had its own maglev railways, traveling from a remote town like Lilom City to the imperial capital involved first heading to the main city in the southwest to board this particular train.
Most of the time, the two of them focused on their respective books.
Unfamiliar sights and lights flickered past the windows in the night.
Zesstira closed her book, placing it beside her, but she didn't pick up another one because she had finished them all.
She wasn't particularly interested in academic books and preferred magic books.
However, bringing magic books through security was a hassle as they were regulated items.
She glanced at the color of the book in Lanchi's hands and knew what he was reading.
"Chronicles of the Holy War", published by the Imperial Royal Magic Academy Press, authored by Xido Allen Dale. It narrated the century-old war that ravaged the northern and southern continents and the rise and fall of the demon tribe.
While some parts were undoubtedly filled with the author's imaginative embellishments and dramatic flair, many secrets of that ancient holy war remained unclear even to this day.
"So, you're indeed from the Southern Continent," Zesstira said.
She had long suspected that Lanchi was from the Southern Continent, but seeing him so engrossed in a history book commonly found in the Northern Continent was more convincing than any evidence.
Hearing Zesstira's voice, Lanchi smiled and put down his book, looking up at her.
"The information about the Northern Continent in the Southern Continent is so mixed up that it's hard to separate fact from fiction. After being cut off, the only way to discern the truth is to come here and see for myself."
"That book, I borrowed it from Viscount Francis."
He hadn't expected Zesstira to have read it as well, and based on his current understanding, she shouldn't have liked historical novels.
The Southern Continent was only marginally affected by the war, and its involvement in the Northern Continent's Holy War, from its causes to its outcome, was not deeply explored. The Southern Continent's literature on the history of the Northern Continent tended to be heavily romanticized, with a mix of truth and fiction.
As for the history of the Protos Empire, who knew how much of it was true? After all, history was often a matter of emphasis and omission. Lanchi was merely browsing through it casually.
Zesstira nodded.
She, too, had heard numerous rumors about the Southern Continent, but most of them were obviously false due to their contradictory nature.
"Are there any idioms or references you don't understand?"
She had gotten used to teaching Lanchi, and whenever she saw him encountering a potential challenge, she would instinctively offer her help.
"I'm fine. I understand most of it."
In truth, Lanchi already had some prior knowledge about the background of the Northern Continent, but the author of this book seemed to enjoy shrouding things in riddles.
Nevertheless, with his basic understanding of the context, he found the book fairly comprehensible.
"That's good. Feel free to ask me if you come across anything unclear."
Zesstira offered her assistance.
"Sure."
Lanchi replied with a smile.
He paused for a moment, appreciating the rare occasion of Zesstira's willingness to chat.
Then, he temporarily marked his place in the book with a silk bookmark and set it aside on the table.
"Do you have any favorite historical figures?"
Lanchi asked Zesstira.
It was always a good idea to start a conversation about history by discussing notable individuals, as it could reveal the other person's stance and help avoid saying something that might dampen their enthusiasm or displease them.
Zesstira thought for a moment.
"I quite like several of the Demon Tribe's generals, but my favorite is probably Talia."
"......?"
Lanchi's expression froze momentarily, but he quickly regained his composure.
He was surprised to hear a familiar name mentioned so suddenly.
He even flipped back through the pages of "Chronicles of the Holy War" and indeed found mentions of Talia.
So, her name still appeared in the historical novels of the Northern Continent. No wonder, considering her status as a centuries-old figure.
"What characteristics of that ancient woman do you find appealing?"
Lanchi asked curiously. Aside from her beauty, strength, and immortality, he wondered what else about her captivated Zesstira.
"She's resilient, powerful, and talented. Beneath her cold exterior lies a rational mind. She embodies the type of woman I aspire to be. Moreover... if the Demon Tribe were ever to restore their nation, I believe it would be through her efforts."
For once, Zesstira's usually monotone voice carried a hint of admiration as she spoke of Talia.
"Why is that?"
Lanchi's confusion deepened.
In his opinion, Talia alone couldn't possibly restore the Demon Tribe. She had already settled into a comfortable retirement in the Kingdom of Heketer.
Forget about restoring the nation; he doubted she would even want to leave her peaceful life in Heketer.
"She's unlike other demons who lose themselves to their desires and their power. There's an ancient saying in the Demon World: 'Should a desireless and selfless demon appear, they shall be the most terrifying and powerful among the Demon Tribe.' Perhaps it is because of this trait that Talia survived the destruction of the Demon Tribe and became the princess of its remnants."
Zesstira shared her thoughts, her tone earnest.
(End of Chapter)
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