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Chapter 8.2: Meeting Place
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As Adira sat inside the carriage, her chin resting lightly on her hand, her thoughts drifted, tangled in the endless consideration of how long the journey would take.
This time Adira had prepared well, stocking her dimensional pocket with multiple coin purses, along with food and bandages, having learned from past experiences.
Having such a convenient pocket, one might as well make the most of it.
The ride to the teleportation array within the city would take no more than an hour, perhaps less.
Adira couldn’t help but notice the people along the road, their gazes filled with curiosity and awe as they turned toward the family carriage. The family crest, prominently displayed on its side, seemed to draw attention like a beacon. Yet, she mused, the carriage and its insignia would soon be left behind—they wouldn’t be using it for the remainder of their journey to Luminara.
The journey to Luminara, however, would stretch on relentlessly—a full day and night confined to the carriage.
Even with the possibility of reaching the Empire’s border by afternoon, they’d likely only arrive in Luminara as the sun dipped below the horizon.
That is, assuming they didn’t pause for the customary midnight break in the wilderness or detour to a nearby village for a brief respite at an inn.
Adira frowned at the thought. Resting would only waste precious hours. She needed every moment she could spare to gather information. If her efforts proved fruitless, at least she could return sooner and dedicate the remaining time to exploring other possibilities.
Arriving promptly was vital, yet as she sat within the carriage, the sluggish pace and the inevitability of delays loomed before her like insurmountable obstacles.
Adding to the possible delay was Judith’s notorious selectiveness when it came to carriages, as well as her painstaking negotiation tactics.
One day and one night? Absolutely impossible.
Adira had always traveled directly to her destination without halts, leaving no room for these trivial inconveniences. She hadn’t accounted for such setbacks. Now, with all things considered, she resolved to part ways with Judith at the teleportation array.
But the question was, how could Adira convince Judith? She couldn’t help but think, if this was what the princesses in her mother’s stories felt when they sought to sneak away and meet their charming prince.
The thought was so absurd that it made her want to pull her hair out. Perhaps the act might grant her some semblance of clarity amidst her muddled musings.
With a deep, exasperated sigh, Adira leaned back lazily in her chair. She had been using her brain complicatedly for the past few days, and now, the simple act of being idle felt unexpectedly refreshing.
“Milady, what’s wrong?” Judith’s concerned gaze fixed on her.
Adira offered a small smile, casting a brief glance at the maid accompanying Judith. She still hadn’t figured out how to gain this maid’s cooperation.
Then, a sudden, ludicrous idea struck Adira. Sitting upright, she peered out of the window and observed the crowd of people walking by then to the stores that are still open.
“Judith, I want to purchase a dress,” Adira declared abruptly.
Judith blinked, caught off guard. “Now?”
Adira turned to her and responded. “Yes.”
Judith raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with incredulity. “May I know why?”
Adira’s eyes softened as she pleaded, “A lady must always come prepared. Most of my clothes are not new! Judith, please!”
With a resigned sigh, Judith tapped on the wooden panel separating them from the coachman and instructed him to redirect the carriage to a specific boutique.
Moments later, they arrived at an ornate storefront, halting before it. As Adira stepped out of the carriage, she took a deep breath, taking in her surroundings.
Outside, their retinue of knights stood sentinel, an imposing and conspicuous presence that only exacerbated Adira’s irritation.
Adira pressed her fingers to her temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache.
Attempting to go undercover with such a parade following her was an exercise in futility. The knights would attract attention regardless of the carriage’s presence.
Adira’s mind churned. In the past, She had never needed to strategize like this. Every mission had been meticulously planned by Lucien or the others. This level of mental exertion was... exhausting. She silently prayed, Old Lady Leafa, grant me your guidance—and patience.
Adira went inside the store, dismissing the assisting ladies swiftly, preferring to search the racks herself for attire suited to her purpose.
However, the boutique’s selections offered no reprieve. Gowns and dresses dominated the displays, their restrictive lace and delicate corsets wholly unsuited for any kind of movement, let alone combat.
Adira requested a room for herself, and it seemed she didn’t need to introduce herself—the carriage had already served as her identity check. She sank into the couch in the private room they had provided, her thoughts swirling. At least this room offered her a brief moment of solace, far from the bustle outside.
Finally conceding, Adira summoned Judith and the maid.
As they entered the room, Adira rose to her feet, her eyes steely with resolve.
“Judith,” Adira began, her tone firm, “here is the plan: I’m going to sneak out.”
Judith’s expression turned incredulous as she exclaimed, “What!?”
Ignoring the outburst, Adira turned her attention to the maid. “What’s your name?”
The maid, visibly pale, exchanged a stunned glance with Judith before stammering, “L-Lillian, Milady.”
“Lillian,” Adira continued, her voice unwavering,” you will remain in Luminara, assuming my identity as Adira Laskaris. As for why… Well, I simply cannot travel to my destination with a dozen knights at my heels.”
Suddenly, Adira knelt before Judith, who immediately reacted in dismay.
“ Lady Adira!” Judith exclaimed, horrified. “ Please, rise! A duke’s daughter should never kneel before her servants! You could simply command us, and we would obey without question!”
Adira remained steadfast, “Judith, I understand this may seem reckless, but believe me when I say I do this for one reason alone: to protect. I cannot disclose the full details yet, but trust that I would never act without purpose. For this to work, I must journey South. Time is not on our side. I promise that when this is over, I will explain everything.”
“Milady! Please stand up!” Lillian pleaded, though fear clouded her eyes. It seemed she had raised her voice too high for her comfort.
However, Adira remained kneeling, her resolve unshaken. When she finally lifted her gaze, she was struck speechless. Tears were already streaming down Judith’s cheeks, and Lillian, standing at her side, was no different.
Unsure of how to handle the situation, Adira began to panic, flailing as she searched for a handkerchief. "I—I’m sorry! I’ll stand up," she stammered, rising to her feet in a fluster. Once she found the fabric, she quickly handed it to Judith, while Lillian retrieved her own.
Judith and Lillian hurriedly wiped their tears with handkerchiefs, their emotions slowly settling in the quiet that followed. Once the moment had passed, Judith finally broke the silence.
“Milady,” Judith began hesitantly, her voice laced with concern, “are you certain you’ll be safe with that man?”
Adira nodded confidently, offering a reassuring smile. “Yes. I’ve hired a very, very strong and noble knight. I won’t be in danger, I promise.”
Though Adira couldn’t be entirely certain of Cain’s current status—whether he could still be called a knight—she clung to the memory of his past. In her previous life, he had been a holy knight of unparalleled skill. Surely, she assumed, hiring a knight alone would be enough to reassure Judith.
“Milady,” Judith choked, “if you’re truly determined, then go. Lillian and I will manage here.” Her trembling hand motioned toward the door. “Go quickly, before I change my mind.”
Adira’s face brightened with gratitude as she embraced them both. “Thank you! I promise I’ll return soon. Don’t worry too much, I will be okay. Now I want both of you to stay safe while I’m gone, please?”
“Sniff… Alright, Milady! Just…” Judith’s voice trembled, quivering on the edge of tears once more. “ Just take care of yourself, okay?”
Lillian’s sweet voice chimed in, equally unsteady. “Milady…”
Adira couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “ I won’t be gone for long, I’ll be back before you know it. Hahaha!”
As Adira spoke, she moved swiftly to the window, jumping down with ease using her thread as support. The audible gasps of the two women behind her reached her ears, but she could only laugh quietly at their reactions.
Adira quickly made her way through a narrow alley, emerging into the lively district of the city’s midnight marketplace.
The bustling streets were lined with vibrant stalls offering wares from every Nation near the Empire. Goods from the East with their verdant and nature-inspired designs, sat beside the bold, crimson textiles and intricate ornaments of the South.
Adira had one goal in mind: she needed to change into clothing better suited for her journey.
She wandered through the marketplace, her gaze scanning the stalls for something practical. Around her, merchants and customers, their appearances as varied as their wares, haggled over prices. None spared her a second glance, despite her extravagant and out-of-place attire.
Adira marveled briefly at the sheer diversity of the scene. Despite it being night, the city streets were bustling, even more alive than in the morning. But she quickly refocused on her task—this journey demanded practicality, not admiration.
Every item in the marketplace was a feast for the eyes, especially now that Adira had more than enough money to indulge her every whim. Yet, she knew better than to give in to temptation. With a sense of restraint, she moved through the stalls, her mind fixed solely on searching for a specific clothing that she wanted.
Eventually, she found herself at a stall owned by a southern merchant who sells fabric and clothing alike.
Adira purchased a leather arm guard, a cheap cloak, a sleeveless turtleneck, trousers that appeared uncomfortable, leather boots, and a striking red upper garment—distinctly southern in style.
“If I’m going undercover, I might as well blend in,” Adira reasoned to herself.
However, as Adira glanced down at her nearly gown-like dress, she realized how desperately she wanted to change.
With that thought in mind, she entered a nearby boutique, her sole purpose being to use a room to change her clothes.
The shopkeepers greeted her warmly, their eyes lighting up at her appearance. However, when she emerged, clad in a completely different outfit, the staff could hardly believe their eyes.
The long red robe peeking out from beneath her cloak was far too conspicuous in the Empire, but in the South, it was utterly commonplace.
Red was the defining color of the region, and the flowing garments paired with ink-black hair marked one unmistakably as a southerner.
Adira marveled at how comfortable she felt in the attire; the freedom it offered her movements was exhilarating. Without wasting another moment, she hurried toward the teleportation array—determined not to keep Jessie waiting any longer.
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By the time Adira arrived, her mind was in complete disarray, her face a mess—sweat dripped down her skin, and her hair clung to her forehead. She gasped for air, the sharp sting of exhaustion settling in as though she had run a marathon across all of Lirosa. Her chest burned, and her breaths came in ragged gasps.
Adira wiped the sweat from her brow with the cloak she had just purchased, grateful that it was black and wouldn’t leave any marks. Letting out a sigh of frustration, she thought to herself that she really needed to start working out after this. She couldn’t believe she was already this tired from a short run.
At least the turtleneck she wore underneath kept the sweat from seeping through her clothes, preventing any embarrassing stains.
“ Milady! Over here!” A familiar voice called out from a far.
Adira turned toward the voice and spotted Jessie waving at her, standing in line with a bustling crowd. She jogged over to him, drawing sharp glares from the people waiting behind him. Feeling a twinge of self-consciousness, she quickly turned her back to them.
While they waited, Jessie asked where Judith was, and Adira filled him in on what had happened. His face paled when she mentioned the kneeling part.
They remained in line for some time, as Jessie had yet to purchase a ticket.
When their turn finally came at the booth, Jessie used Adira’s money to buy tickets for the outer border of Lirosa. He selected a location near the road leading to Luminara, as the town itself lacked a teleportation array.
A worker then asked them to sign a log. Adira did so without hesitation, simply writing "Adi," knowing that the logs were rarely checked and were merely a formality. Afterward, the worker guided them to a smaller array making sure they stand in the center.
Although the entire teleportation area lacked a ceiling, there were still metal fences separating the smaller arrays for individuals, medium-sized arrays for things like carriages, and the largest array in the center, capable of transporting thousands of people at once.
The largest array wasn’t in use at the moment, as it was typically reserved for special events or emergencies.
On the other side stood another array, known as the "Arrival Array," its greenish hue marking the place where arrivals could depart with ease, their fees already settled, and no further concerns to hold them back.
Once Jessie confirmed their destination with the ticket inspector, a paper was handed to him. After the inspector left the circle, the array flashed before their eyes in an instant.
Adira’s body felt weightless, like a feather, and a wave of discomfort churned in her stomach as if it might soar out of her. She quickly shut her eyes to shield herself from the blinding light. Then, just as suddenly, her weight returned, grounding her once more.
Adira’s eyes sparkled with wonder; the thrill of such an extraordinary experience was unlike anything she had ever felt! A journey that could have taken hours had been completed in the blink of an eye, and the sensation of soaring through the air was utterly revitalizing!
Though Adira still felt light on her feet, as if she might stumble the moment she took a step forward, Jessie reassured her, "Don't worry, Milady, it’s normal. You’ll feel grounded again in just a moment."
Adira nodded, letting out a soft chuckle. “Sorry for being a burden! We can go now.”
Jessie waved his hand dismissively and offered his arm for support. “Don’t worry, Milady. Just take your time.”
Adira smiled politely and declined. “Thank you, Jessie, but don’t worry. I can manage.”
Jessie returned her smile with a nod. “Alright, Milady, just let me know if you need anything.”
Adira responded,” Thanks!”
And with that, hey had arrived at the edge of the city. No workers were there to greet them on the arrival side of the array, and they walked out of the fence without issue.
Adira couldn't help but marvel at the experience. In the past, she rarely used the array for travel, as most of their destinations were outside the empire or in areas that required traditional methods. Even when they did use the array, they always traveled in a carriage. Standing on the array, feeling the sensation of flight, was a first for her—and she never expected it to be so fun!
As they walked toward the gate that goes to the road outside the Empire, Adira turned to Jessie, "There's a stable nearby. We can get a horse there to continue our journey."
Jessie raised an eyebrow, glancing around. "At this hour, Milady?"
Adira nodded. "It's a quiet place, and they’re usually open late. We’ll be able to get what we need."
The two of them wove through the streets, the border of the empire now swallowed by the night. Only a few people remained out, their footsteps echoing in the quiet, but the difference was clear—the bustling crowd of the morning had long since dissipated in this part of the Empire, leaving the streets eerily still.
From afar, Adira was struck by surprise at what she saw. Under the shadow of thick trees lining the wide road leading to the city’s outer gates, Cain stood, holding the reins of three horses.
His figure was unmistakable, even in the dimming light. His posture was relaxed, yet there was an air of quiet readiness about him. The horses, sturdy and well-groomed, stood calmly by his side, their eyes gleaming in the fading light.
Adira hadn’t expected to find him here, let alone with horses prepared for travel! She had previously told him to wait in Luminara, but now, reflecting on it, she realized that might have been a bit too far.
If things hadn’t unfolded as they had, Cain could have been waiting for up to two days in Luminara alone. It struck her then—taking up someone’s time over uncertain matters was rude, and she felt a flicker of guilt for her lack of foresight.
Adira quickly grabbed Jessie’s wrist and tugged him into a brisk run toward Cain. Jessie, surprised by her sudden motion, followed her lead with a bit of concern.
“Sir Cain!” Adira called out.
The sudden sound startled one of the horses Cain was holding, and it neighed wildly, stamping its hooves in agitation. Cain quickly reined it in, calming the animal before it could bolt.
Adira halted in her tracks, eyes wide with surprise. "Whoa—Sorry! You already brought a horse, is this perhaps… for us?"
Cain turned to her, his expression calm, and simply nodded.
Adira’s excitement bubbled up, she exclaimed,” Thank you! You’re so reliable, who would have thought?”
Not only was Cain righteous and holy, but now he was also incredibly capable! Adira was filled with a deep sense of gratitude and vowed to repay him someday for this thoughtful gesture.
Jessie chuckled beside her, raising an eyebrow. "Your guard is well-prepared, Milady," he teased, glancing at his wrist. "Milady... if you may. My wrist is kind of hurting... hahaha..."
"Ah—sorry!" Adira quickly released her grip, flustered. "I’m really sorry, Jessie."
Jessie waved his hand with a kind smile. "No, don’t worry, Milady. It’s nothing to be sorry about. I was just taken aback."
Adira nodded, her voice soft but earnest. "I see… please, tell me anytime if I cross the line. I’m really sorry. By the way, he’s not my guard. He’s—" She paused, unsure of how to introduce Cain. "He’s—uh... an acquaintance who offered to help guide us to our destination. He is Sir Cain! A distinguished man, very strong, very reliable—I'm sure you've heard of him!"
It was only after Adira finished speaking that she realized she wasn’t entirely sure if Jessie had heard of Cain, or if anyone else had, as she hadn’t kept up with the latest rumors or news. Still, she hoped the introduction would suffice.
“The name does ring a bell, but I’m not entirely sure…” Jessie said, scratching the back of his neck. “Nevertheless, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir Cain. My name is Jessie Pernoud.”
Jessie extended his hand, but Cain glanced at it for a moment before offering a quick handshake—one that was firm to the point of discomfort. Jessie cleared his throat, rubbing his wrist as he smiled awkwardly and discreetly tucked both arms behind his back.
Jessie's gaze flickered nervously between Cain, whose expression remained unreadable, and Adira, who seemed to be worried. Both of them stood in silence, staring at him.
“Phew! I thought my wrist was about to get torn from my arm, hahaha!” Jessie chuckled awkwardly, trying to ease the tension, though his expression still held a trace of nervousness.
“Oh my goodness! Did I pull you that hard?” Adira’s voice was filled with guilt as she quickly clasped her hands in front of her, lowering her head in apology. “I’m really sorry, Jessie, I promise I won’t do it again, I’ll be careful of my actions next time!”
A wave of panic surged through Jessie at the sight of the Duke’s daughter bowing her head before him. His instincts kicked in, and he almost reached out to stop her, but as his hand moved, he caught sight of Cain’s presence behind her. His hand froze, then snapped back as if it had touched a hot iron.
" Milady, you do not need to apologize," Jessie said quickly, his words tumbling out in haste. " It was merely a jest!" He smiled nervously.
Jessie's smile remained, but it was as if his very life had been drained from him. Cain’s imposing figure, coupled with his unwavering stare, was more than he could bear. With a shaky hand, he pointed toward one of the horses, his voice growing smaller with each word.
" Is this my horse, sir...?" Jessie asked, forcing a chuckle that barely masked his discomfort. His eyes flicked nervously between Cain and Adira.
Cain handed Jessie the reins as a reply, and Jessie, still a bit shaken, managed a strained smile. "Thank you so much..." he muttered, gripping the reins tightly.
Adira stepped forward with an apologetic smile. “ Jessie, would it be all right if we departed as soon as possible? I cannot afford any delays—there are urgent matters… I must attend to upon our arrival.”
Jessie quickly shook his head. “Oh, please, Lady Adira, don’t concern yourself with me. I am merely tagging along.”
Adira gave him a small nod. “Very well, but let me know if you feel uncomfortable during the journey.”
Jessie offered a faint smile. “I will, thank you, Milady.”
After a brief moment of getting ready, Cain tied one of the horses to a nearby shed. Jessie busied himself with his own horse, gradually growing more comfortable with his mount. Adira, on the other hand, seemed preoccupied, her thoughts elsewhere.
Truth be told–She couldn’t ride a horse!
It had been a lie, a convenient excuse to gain Judith’s permission.
The truth, however, was that in the past, Lucien had never allowed them to ride a horse—in fact there had never been one to ride in the first place. Keeping a horse was simply another life to manage.
So, they were trained to rely on their own stamina, pushing their bodies to their limits without the aid of a mount. This rigorous training had made Adira agile, despite her naturally low physical strength.
Adira had learned to run, to rely on her legs, to endure. It was the only way she had ever traveled long distances, a skill that had become second nature over the years. But now, as she recalled the memory of running through Lirosa, it is simply impossible!
The realization hit her like a wave crashing against the shore. Adira quickly averted her gaze, her voice steady but tinged with frustration. “I’ll take a different path from here. Let’s meet up at Luminara.”
As the words left her mouth, she couldn’t help but picture the journey ahead with horror. It would be nothing but her running—nothing more.
The thought of pushing herself to her limits, running through the unforgiving terrain of the South, made her stomach twist with dread.
Even the memory of running through Lirosa, with the benefit of mana, had already drained her. The exhaustion of relying solely on her physical energy would be unbearable.
Adira thought bitterly, She’d be lucky if she didn’t collapse before reaching Luminara. No… she would die. She’d die from exhaustion.
For some reason, the memory of her grueling training under Lucien flashed through her mind. She hated to admit it, but that training had really been necessary to build up a stronger body.
Jessie mumbled, almost to himself, "Was there a different path to Luminara?"
Adira was silent, unsure of what to say. Not only was she reluctant to run, but now she realized she had no other choice. Running was all she had left, and the thought of it made her feel even more trapped.
"This horse is tamed," Cain spoke calmly, holding the reins of one of the horses. "It won’t run wild. I’ll lead, and you can just sit."
Cain’s words were simple, yet there was an authority in them that made Adira’s eyes sparkle. They were so reassuring that she felt on the verge of tears. She glanced at the horse—calm, serene, as still as a pond—and then back at Cain, whose confidence in his plan was unshakable.
However, Adira hesitated for a moment, an unspoken question lingering in her mind—what would the journey be like? Yet, almost immediately, she dismissed her doubts. This was Cain, after all—the General renowned for accomplishing the impossible. Who was she to second-guess him? A man capable of feats others could only dream of surely deserved her trust!
With a bright smile, Adira exclaimed, “Alright!” She extended a hand toward the horse’s mane, and to her surprise, her fingers brushed against it without resistance. The horse remained as serene as a still lake, unfazed by her touch. Turning to Cain, her grin widened, her eyes alight with trust. “I entrust my life to you, Sir Cain!”
Cain gave her a small nod and began pulling the reins of the calm horse, his movements swift and practiced.
Jessie watched closely, his gaze darting between all three horses, a hint of concern clouding his features. “Sir Cain, if I may ask, are you planning on using the Ponying technique? Wouldn’t that be too dangerous? The speed required needs to be slow for the other horse to keep up.”
Adira turned to Cain, her eyes still sparkling with anticipation, though curiosity lingered within her gaze. She couldn’t help but wonder how he intended to accomplish it.
Cain turned to Jessie, his expression as nonchalant as ever as he spoke. “Who said anything about Ponying?”
Jessie raised an eyebrow, his mouth forming an “Oh…” His expression shifted between surprise and understanding, but he wisely refrained from offering any further comments.
Cain turned to Adira, his voice steady. “Get on.”
Adira stood there, speechless, a smile playing on her lips as her eyes subtly scanned the horse, searching for the best place to put her feet in order to “get on.”
Seeing her still unmoving, Cain asked. “Do you know how to ride a horse?”
Adira beamed with a smile. “Of course I do!” NOT!
Adira grabbed the horse's mane, using her arm to lift herself before stepping into the stirrup. The metal wobbled under her weight, and she instinctively reached out for something sturdy.
Turning her head, she realized with a start that it was Cain’s shoulder she had grabbed.
A nervous chuckle escaped Adira’s lips, the lie she had told earlier unraveling in real time. "I-it seems the horse is taller than expected!"
With a quiet sigh, Cain grasped her waist, lifting her with ease and helping her swing her leg over the horse’s back so she could sit properly.
Adira was frozen in surprise at how effortlessly he handled her, as though she were no more than a doll. She couldn’t help but recall the times when the twins would make their human dolls ride horses, racing them around the manor in playful competition.
It almost made her shudder at how weak she is now! The very idea that she had once fought this man felt absurd! If anyone found out, they’d surely think she was making up stories!
A fire ignited within Adira, stoking a silent promise to herself. Once this journey was over, she would train—hard. Cain was undeniably powerful, but she could surely keep up. She would keep up.
Suddenly, with a swift motion, Cain sat behind Adira, effortlessly mounting the same horse.
"Give the sign." Cain spoke, his voice steady.
Adira blinked, momentarily stunned. "Sir Cain, why are you riding this horse?" she asked, confusion creeping into her voice. She had expected she would be riding this particular one and be tied to Cain’s horse, dragged along for the journey, not this.
Cain’s calm gaze met hers, "This horse is mine," he explained, his tone unwavering. "It’s only tame when I’m the one riding it."
Adira glanced toward the other two horses. Jessie had successfully calmed his own, but the third horse—the one she had been eyeing—reacted wildly. The moment their eyes met, it neighed loudly, its hooves stamping the ground as it backed away in fear.
Jessie stared at Adira, he smiled as though forced that didn’t quite reach his eyes. It was a strained expression, one that didn’t quite match the amusement he was trying to convey.
Adira noticed the unease in Jessie’s expression, realizing he was likely confused by the situation.
Adira quickly gestured to the other horse—the one that had been cowering in fear earlier—and hoped the explanation would clear things up.
Jessie followed her hand, his gaze flickering to the frightened animal. His expression shifted slightly, but he still clung to a lighthearted tone.
"Oh..." Jessie murmured, the sound soft but lacking any real concern. It almost seemed as if he were playing along, pretending for the sake of it.
Adira couldn't shake the feeling that she was somehow tarnishing Cain’s image.
Instead of looking like the flawless knight he was, with his regal posture drawing the eyes of anyone who saw him, here was Adira, riding in front of him, stealing the spotlight in the most awkward way possible.
Adira could only imagine how she must look, clinging to the front of his horse, seemingly like a flaw in the otherwise perfect image of the man behind her!
Adira sighed inwardly, wishing she could make herself smaller. She could feel the warmth of his body against hers, but the feeling didn’t comfort her. No, it only made her feel more out of place, like an unworthy passenger!
Adira had always known Cain carried natural kindness, but today’s weaknesses were ones she could have addressed had she trained beforehand.
Due to this Adira swore to make up for this blunder by training in both combat and horse riding, so that the bearer of light wouldn’t have to bear the burden of her shortcomings!
Once everything was set and ready, with a disappointed signal from Adira to move forward, the three of them began their journey to Luminara.