Journal entry: Enter Nuisance

The inn erupted in cheers and applause as I prepared to rise from the table, victorious. However, before I could fully stand, Killium extended his hand toward me. "Good game," he said, his voice carrying a tone of respect that I hadn't anticipated. The smugness I had seen earlier was absent; in its place, there was a look of genuine admiration. It dawned on me that his arrogance might have been a facade, a mask for the dissatisfaction he felt with the lack of challenging opponents. In our match, he had found the challenge he craved, and his admiration was for the game that pushed him to his limits, not the defeat itself.

"It was alright," I replied nonchalantly, shaking his hand. My response was measured, not out of disrespect, but because I saw no need to indulge further in the aftermath of our game. If losing was what brought him joy, then so be it; I had no interest in analyzing his motivations. With a sense of fulfillment, I excused myself from the lively atmosphere of the inn and retired to my room.

Lying in bed, I reflected on the day's events. This small victory, this brief but intense clash of wits, was just the beginning of what I envisioned as a journey filled with challenges and discoveries. I was eager to uncover what lay ahead, the unknown adventures that awaited me. However, the tranquility of these thoughts was short-lived. The very next morning, I was greeted once again by the same familiar face. Killium, it seemed, had more in store for me than just a congratulatory handshake.

As I descended to the lobby that morning, Killium was already there, his anticipation palpable. The moment he spotted me, he leapt up with an energy that belied the early hour, waving and calling out enthusiastically, "Diojo! Over here! Sit here!" His exuberance was almost childlike, and I couldn't help but feel as though I was dealing with an overeager youngster rather than a peer.

"Why is the first thing you do in the morning scream at the top of your lungs?" I asked, my tone laced with a mix of amusement and mild irritation.

"Morning? The sun is already high in the sky, you know," he replied with a grin that suggested he was enjoying this a little too much.

I glanced out the window, noting the position of the sun, and realized I had slept in more than intended. Not wanting to concede to a small mistake, I retorted, "Does it matter? As long as the sun is in the sky, it's morning."

His energy undiminished, Killium pressed on. "Nonetheless, why are you shouting my name like we're long-lost friends?" I asked, genuinely curious about his over-familiarity. We had shared only a game, yet here he was, acting as if we were old companions.

"C'mon, wouldn't you also want to hang out with a highly intellectual person like me?" he quipped, a twinkle in his eye. I wasn't entirely convinced about the 'highly intellectual' part, but seeing as I had already taken a seat, I decided to stay put. I ordered my breakfast, resigning myself to what seemed like an inevitable conversation with Killium. After all, his peculiar mix of smugness and eagerness had piqued my curiosity, even if just a little.

Killium's incessant chatter continued as my food arrived, making it feel like his words were as much a part of my meal as the food itself. Each time I opened my mouth for a bite, another of his questions or comments seemed to find its way in. "You're clearly a noble, but how come I haven't heard of the Kawn name before?" he inquired, his curiosity evident. I couldn't help but wonder how he himself was a noble. "Well, I haven't heard of the Rauth name either," I retorted, balancing my fork between bites.

"Ouch, that's rough," he responded, a playful smirk crossing his face. But I had only stated the truth. "Let me rephrase that," Killium continued, "I'm familiar with all the noble families from the West desert to the South Peak, but the Kawn name is new to me." His words trailed off as a realization seemed to strike him, his eyes widening dramatically. "You must be from the East shore!"

His astonishment was puzzling to me. "Yes, I lived by the shore, and yes, I came from the east, so technically, you're correct," I confirmed, somewhat bemused by his reaction. Killium's face turned to one of disbelief. "You don't understand the significance of this! Everyone believes there are no kingdoms in the East. The common assumption is that it's unclaimed land or part of some obscure kingdom, with no real civilization established there."

As Killium spoke, the isolation of the Randus kingdom became more apparent to me. Surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills, it was indeed a remote land, almost forgotten or overlooked by the rest of the world. The revelation added another layer to my understanding of my homeland and its place in the broader tapestry of the realms.

The realization dawned on me that my own ignorance of the wider world was a byproduct of living in the secluded East, far from the bustling centers of knowledge and power. It was only thanks to my grandfather's fascination with the world beyond our shores that the seed of curiosity was planted in me. Despite the enlightening conversation with Killium, I yearned for a moment of solitude to enjoy my breakfast. "Well, it was good for you to meet me. Goodbye," I said, standing up to leave the inn for some much-needed peace.

As I wandered through the town, I noted its distinctive architectural style, which set it apart from what I had seen elsewhere. However, beyond the unique buildings, the town seemed to lack any other remarkable features. One notable aspect was the apparent absence of farmers. The streets were filled with well-dressed townsfolk, with only a handful of beggars visible throughout the day. This observation led me to ponder the town's source of wealth. It was affluent enough to rival a kingdom, explaining perhaps why a noble like Killium would choose to stay at an ordinary inn. The fact that he was still there, even after I had woken up late, suggested he had spent the night, further hinting at the town's unspoken prosperity.

My exploration of the city, while lacking in grand discoveries, offered a glimpse into the lives of its residents and the economic dynamics at play. It was a small piece of the puzzle in understanding the complex tapestry of the world beyond my homeland.

As my stay in the town neared its end, I replenished my supplies, preparing for the journey that lay ahead. Despite my intentions for a restful respite, Killium's incessant inquiries made their way into my daily routine. Initially, I considered ignoring him, but his constant presence became a sort of background noise that added an unexpected layer of interest to my stay. His questions, though at times irksome, were a reminder of the world's vastness and the diversity of its inhabitants. I was convinced, however, that once I left this town, Killium would become just another fleeting memory in my travels.

Or so I believed until the moment of my departure. As I was about to leave the town's boundaries, Killium's voice echoed from behind, "Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?" I turned to face him, struggling to find a reason why I should have informed him of my plans. His expression was a mix of earnestness and expectation. "C'mon, don't give me that look. You're heading south, right? Let's travel together."

I paused, considering his proposal. "You know what, now that I think about it… Why not, let's go together."

"Really?" he asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"No," I replied flatly.