The journey continued. Approaching Kyrios, Maven and Reyl stopped by on a cliff north of the Parthenian capital.

Under the blazing midday sun, soaring towers could be seen from afar, as well as large chimneys coughing hefty amount of smoke. All of them were proofs of Kyrios as the center of the latest scientific and cultural development in the entire Aurelia.

There were two characteristics that affirmed Kyrios’ standing as the technological forefront in the civilization.

The first being the tallest light house in the world, the Collosus. It has the shape of a man standing upright, with a crown upon his head that is sheltering beacon lamps within. The giant statue-shaped building is stretching both hands, as if welcoming the vessels entering and leaving the bay and the harbor right in between his feet.

The second proof were few of the vessels themselves, which at glance looked like boats yet possesed a pair of wings which enabled them to fly with the power of magical crystals. There were just a handful of those airships, yet many people of wealth were willing to dive into their coffers simply to experience travel by air. Such a unique experience would be an unmatchable luxury.

Sitting leisurely on a large rock, Maven turned her attention away from the mighty Kyrios towards the shores of Scathia Peninsula. The deep blue sea, glistering by reflecting the sunlight and swallows flying in the distance, all of them simply distracted Maven from burdening thoughts at the moment.

Besides, the handsome young man who was sitting beside Maven completed her viewing pleasure.

Maven then began a conversation in a laid back manner. “By the way, Reyl. It’s been more than three months since I’ve known you and started travelling with you. But to be honest, I’m still curious about your stories. Would you mind telling me about yourself?”

Hearing the question, Reyl rubbed his neck then began talking, “Very well. I came from the city of Lu Vazr in the Kingdom of Halethia. My dad, like me was a travelling merchant, and my mother was a home maker. When I was eleven years old, my father who have just departed from Lu Vazr was was robbed and killed by bandits….”

Reyl's face turned glum, while Maven was reminded of her own story.

Reyl caught a deep breath and continued, “My mother was… deeply mourned my father’s death. Yet she didn’t capitulate to her own sorrow. She always encouraged me to take my father’s footstep and become a merchant. She even paid for my training in swordsmanship and tutoring.

Her words that I always have been keeping in mind are, ‘As long as there are monsters and criminals, the world shall never be truly peaceful,’ Therefore I have to be able to defend myself and my family with all I have.

All the time.

Until the days of my children and theirs.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Until every creature that defies and violates natural equilibrium is vanquished from Everna.

Until that day comes, my sword is the second biggest insurance for my life, the Grace of Vadis being the first.”

Reyl then went silent and his face turned even gloomier. “My mother passed away two years ago with a smile of relief, knowing that I have become an independent merchant. Right after watching me demonstrating my art in sword…”

Reyl could no longer continue. He could only stare at the sword he was holding, his reliable, loyal company all this time. On the other hand, Maven could not take away her keen eyes from keep gazing at him.

“And that is all of my story. Now, it’s your turn to tell me yours.”

Being caught staring at her counterpart had made Maven awkward. “Eh… I.. I don’t know much about my own origin, except from what Father Nigel, my teacher in the orphanage told me…”

Maven then told Reyl about her parents who also fell victims to the bandits. However, she purposedly didn't tell him about the identity of the culprits, the Viperwolves.

“And then, I was taken and raised in Saint Ambrosius Monastery under strict discipline. Not to mention, the other kids in the monastery were always mocking me because I was ‘different’.” Maven pointed to her own ears. “My only friends were Father Nigel, an old nun who cared for me like her own daughter and an orphaned boy named Declan.”

The last name raised Reyl’s interest. “Oh, who is he?”

“He was a former street kid who was taken in by the monastery. He always protected me like I’m her own little sister.”

“Oh, then why didn’t you just stay with him?” Reyl asked curiously.

Maven bowed her head and explained, “That was what I wanted. Yet reality doesn’t always grant our wishes. When I was only eleven, a woman came to the monastery and adopted me. I was then raised by her and taught how to use dagger.”

“Oh. Just that?”

“Well… also reading, writing, counting and assorted knowledges. I once took my time to visit the monastery just to meet Declan, but he wasn’t there. The monks told me that he was out travelling with Father Nigel. So I still haven't met him until now.”

“Why did you run away from home?”

“I ran away because my new mother turned out to be a cruel woman. Moreover, my father didn’t really agree to my adoption, and he is also violent…”

Reyl commented, “Ugh... I don’t want to imagine what he could’ve done to you…”

Maven nodded. “So far he couldn’t lay his hands on me since he realy loves his wife. But no one knows when he will lose it… Luckily I managed to escape, so here I am.”

Reyl was unable to hide his amazement. “It turns out that we share a similar fate,” he said. “We both lost our parents to bandits, and are forced to live through hardships.”

Maven smiled thinly and nodded. Yet, deep down she was hiding something that she couldn’t tell even Reyl. The first was the plan for vengeance that she had failed to realize.

The second being her true identity.

“Mave, what’s wrong?” Reyl called the girl. “I’ve noticed that you’re very prone to spacing out whenever we’re talking. Honestly, you’re making me worried. Don’t tell me you are…”

Maven quickly put her finger on his lips.

“Enough, Reyl,” she whispered. “Let’s get over with this talk about the past. I’m already happy enough now, ever since I started travelling… with you.”

Maven's words and action more than startled Reyl. He wanted to say something, but the words didn’t come out.

Both of them simply kept looking at each other. Then, something was pushing Maven to bring her face near Reyl’s. Reyl himself reciprocated. Both of them closed their eyes as their lips approached each other…

Then suddenly Reyl pulled back, leaving Maven stunned and looked awkward. Her face had become so red out of embarrassment and confusion.

Now that Reyl already knew about a part of Maven’s past, as well as her feelings, what was holding him back?

On Maven’s part, she simply opted to stay quiet rather then pushing her luck and risking to break their current relationship. She simply looked at Reyl, who in turn gazed at the moon.

The two of them remained silent for the rest of the night.