Wilson walked into the classroom under the eye of one of the priests. He walked to the back and sat down in one of the chairs before they left the room. Grant at the front of the classroom eyed them both before he started class.

“Welcome to your first of hopefully many history lessons. I know some of you have read some of this information in the library, but I hope to explore the information more deeply and discuss why events in our past happened the way that they did. For those younger listen well and feel free to ask questions. Those of you a bit older I hope that you can answer the questions or give your best guesses. I will start calling on people if I need to.”

He slid into one of the middle seats next to Brad, Greg, and Taylor. Once he was in his seat Priest Grant continued his discussion.

“I want to start our history discussion on the history of the city we live in. Henoes has stood for well over one hundred years. First, it was a small outpost before expanding into a town before it became the city it is known to be. Through the continual development of its people and resources, Henoes grew to be a city. Does anyone know what made that possible?” he asked the kids.

Wilson sat back as Priest Grant began to delve into the history of Henoes. The city's growth from a small outpost to a thriving metropolis had been of mild interest to him. As Grant posed the question about what made Henoes' expansion possible, Wilson's hand shot up, eager to share his knowledge.

"Henoes grew because of its border with the kingdom of demons that opens up every five years," Wilson said confidently. "The city's strategic location allowed it to become a hub for trade and commerce, even with the demon realm."

Grant nodded, impressed by Wilson's answer. "Excellent point, Wilson. The city's proximity to the demon kingdom played a significant role in its development. Can anyone else elaborate on how this unique border affected Henoes' history?"

Brad raised his hand and added, "The border opening every five years created a cycle of trade and cultural exchange. Merchants from both realms would gather in Henoes to buy and sell goods, leading to the city's economic growth."

"That's right, Brad," Grant affirmed. "The influx of diverse goods and ideas from the demon kingdom enriched Henoes' culture and economy. However, the border also presented challenges. Can anyone think of what those might be?"

Behind them, another kid spoke up, "The border opening also meant that Henoes had to be prepared for potential conflicts or invasions from the demon realm. The city had to invest in strong defenses and a well-trained military to protect its citizens."

Grant smiled, pleased with the student's engagement. "Precisely, Alfred. Henoes' leaders had to strike a delicate balance between fostering trade and ensuring the city's safety. This led to the development of a unique system of governance and diplomacy. Because of the difference between realms, unique items are found only here and some only in theirs. Some have tried to grow demonic plants, but they fail to eat the nutrients found in the soil here. Now does anyone know why we can’t stay in the demon realm?”

“We will die,” said Taylor simply.

Grant nodded solemnly at Taylor's response. "You're correct, Taylor. The demon realm is inhospitable to humans, and prolonged exposure can be fatal. The very air and environment are toxic to our bodies, slowly draining our life force."

He paused for a moment, letting the gravity of the statement sink in before continuing. "However, there have been rare instances of individuals who managed to survive in the demon realm for extended periods. One such case is the story of a man named Alastair."

The students leaned forward; their curiosity piqued by the mention of this mysterious figure. Grant began to recount the tale, his voice low and captivating. "Alastair was a scholar and adventurer who became fascinated with the demon realm. Despite the warnings of his peers, he ventured across the border during one of the openings, determined to uncover the secrets of this forbidden land. As expected, the demon realm's hostile environment began to take its toll on Alastair. His body weakened, and he found himself on the brink of death. It was then that he encountered a group of demon healers who took pity on him."

Grant's eyes sparkled with a hint of wonder as he continued. "These healers possessed ancient knowledge and powerful magic. They recognized Alastair's thirst for understanding and decided to help him. Through their arcane arts, they managed to sustain his life force, allowing him to survive in the demon realm."

The students were now completely engrossed in the story, hanging onto every word. "Alastair spent the five years among the demons, learning their ways and uncovering the mysteries of their realm. He became a bridge between our world and theirs, a living testament to the possibility of coexistence and understanding. But his story is not without its tragedies. The price of his survival was high, and the demon healers' magic left an indelible mark on his soul. When Alastair finally returned to Henoes, he was a changed man, haunted by the experiences he had endured."

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Grant leaned back, his gaze sweeping over the classroom. "Alastair's tale serves as a reminder of the dangers and wonders that lie beyond our borders. It is a story of the lengths one may go to in the pursuit of knowledge and the sacrifices that come with it. He was left weak. The demonic energy tainted his soul for the rest of his life. Even after returning to our realm, he could not recover and barely lived long enough to make a proper accounting of his experiences. From what the demons have reported and written accounts it is the same for them. You will not see a demon here except for the one week the realms connect. Otherwise, they too will die."

Grant paused for questions. The kids were busy with their thoughts, so he posed a question. “Who knows of the capital’s role in Henoes and the demon realm.”

“They enforce the trade and military roles during Demon Week,” said an older girl.

Grant nodded at the older girl's response, acknowledging her contribution. "You're right. The capital plays a crucial role in overseeing the trade agreements and military presence during Demon Week. But there's more to it than that. The capital's involvement in Henoes and its relationship with the demon realm has evolved over time, shaping the city's culture and politics."

He stood up and began pacing the room, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "In the early days of Henoes, the capital was wary of the demon realm. They saw it as a potential threat and were hesitant to engage in any form of diplomacy or trade. However, as Henoes grew and the economic benefits of the border opening became apparent, the capital's stance began to shift."

Grant stopped and turned to face the class, his eyes scanning the room. "The capital started to see the demon realm as a valuable trading partner. They began to negotiate trade agreements, establishing rules and regulations to ensure fair and mutually beneficial exchanges. These agreements not only boosted Henoes' economy but also helped to foster a sense of cooperation between the two realms. Still, they set up a larger military presence, but that has been due to an interest in smuggling and illegal goods crossing between the realms. This has also included goods traded by our people. Due to the large amount of trade, every merchant house comes during the week and often conducts major trade deals unrelated to the demons in the city. On average almost half of all trade goods for the city in terms of price pass through this one-week window."

"As the years passed, the capital's role in Henoes and the demon realm became more complex. They had to balance the needs of their citizens with the demands of the demon kingdom. This led to the development of a specialized branch of the government, dedicated solely to managing the relationship between Henoes and the demon realm. This branch, known as the Demonic Relations Council, is responsible for negotiating trade agreements, resolving disputes, and ensuring the safety of both human and demon citizens during Demon Week. They work tirelessly to maintain the delicate balance between the two realms, often making difficult decisions that impact the lives of many. For example, the prices of goods can be a hard topic due to the abundance on one side and the scarcity on the other. Many things can change in five years which causes expected prices for items to vary wildly. It can be frustrating for many merchants looking to make money."

He walked back to the front of the classroom, his gaze intense. "The capital's influence on Henoes extends beyond just trade and diplomacy. As the city grew and changed, so did its culture. The influx of demonic goods and ideas began to shape the way people lived their lives. Demonic fashion, art, and even language started to seep into Henoes' society, creating a unique blend of human and demon culture." Grant paused, letting his words sink in.

"This cultural exchange has not been without its challenges. Some in Henoes fear that the city is losing its identity, becoming too influenced by the demon realm. Others embrace the change, seeing it as a natural evolution of a city that has always been defined by its relationship with the border." He looked around the room, making eye contact with each student.

"As future leaders and citizens of Henoes, it is important for you to understand the complex history and dynamics at play in our city. The capital's role in shaping Henoes and its relationship with the demon realm is a testament to the power of diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange. But it is also a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with living in a city that straddles two worlds." Grant walked back to his desk, his voice softening.

"In the coming lessons, we will delve deeper into the specific trade agreements, diplomatic efforts, and cultural changes that have defined Henoes over the years. We will explore the stories of individuals like Alastair, who dared to cross the border and bridge the gap between our realms. And we will discuss the role that each of you can play in shaping the future of our city and its relationship with the demon realm." He sat down, his eyes twinkling with a mix of excitement and challenge. "But for now, I want you to think about what you've learned today. Consider the implications of living in a city like Henoes and the responsibilities that come with it. And most importantly, never stop asking questions and seeking to understand the world around you. Next time I want to explore the history of the capital and the kingdom as a whole. There should be a book or two in our library on the histories if you want to delve deeper. I hope you do so."

Taylor listened intently as Priest Grant concluded the lesson, her mind buzzing with newfound knowledge and insights. The complexity of Henoes' history and its relationship with the demon realm fascinated her, and she found himself eager to learn more. As the class began to disperse, Taylor approached Grant, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"Priest Grant, thank you for the enlightening lesson. I have so many more questions about Alastair's journey and the cultural exchange between our realms. Are there any specific books in the library you would recommend for further reading?"

Grant smiled warmly at Taylor’s enthusiasm. "I'm glad to see your interest, Taylor. Several excellent books delve deeper into these topics. 'The Chronicles of Alastair' by historian Elara Blackwood is a comprehensive account of his life and experiences in the demon realm. 'Borderlands: A History of Henoes and the Demon Kingdom' by scholar Roran Frostwind explores the evolution of our city's relationship with the border. I highly recommend both. Unfortunately, I don’t think we have a copy of Alastair’s first-hand account at the orphanage, but the others should get you started."

Taylor nodded, committing the titles to memory. "I'll be sure to check them out. Thank you, Priest Grant."