Kyōniko

Eiji's face immediately paled at these words.

"Ophelia? And why should I go to those fanatics? Don't you know we have been at war for several decades?"

Tahrren remained silent for a few seconds before answering in a more serious tone than usual.

"Eiji... Please forget all these misfortunes. How long has it been since the armies of Higashito and Ophelian met on the battlefield? Can we still call it a war?"

The tragic war between the Ophelians and the Higashito had begun eighty-five years ago, with the former calling their opponents heretics. Their "crusade" started without any warning. They burned fields, looted towns, and slaughtered people. The Higashito retaliated quickly, driving their attackers back to their last strongholds.

But both sides soon realized that their forces were equal. The Ophelians were better equipped, but the Higashito, driven by their spirit of revenge and protection of their land, were more numerous.

Thus, the Ophelian Crusades continued for several decades without much success. Recently, with the election of a new Pope, their policy changed. Although the two nations were still officially at war, there had been no fighting for six years.

A heavy silence fell between the two riders.

"Eiji. You are now my student and a future member of the Soul Hunters. You must forget all your grudges, for from now on, you will fight in the name of all races and peoples that tread the lands of Aurdalia."

"Tahrren... How can I? They have murdered so many. All in the name of their religion. We, heretics? They are the real barbarians!"

"Who cares!"

Taking a firm tone and raising his voice to a point that was unnatural to him, Tahrren lectured Eiji, who grumbled slightly but nodded nonetheless. After all, he was a proud Ninakami guard. He knew how to listen, how to admit his mistakes, and how to reluctantly accept orders.

"We're heading for Ophelia. But it's a long trip. It will take two weeks on horseback. Today we will ride as far as Kyōniko. We will also rest there tomorrow. I suppose you know this town, at least by name."

"Kyōniko? It is one of the largest cities on the border of our territory. The presence of the ophelians there is strong, but the city still belongs to us. "

Historically, the city of Kyōniko was an important trading hub between the Ophelian and Higashito peoples. But since the beginning of the war, everything became much more difficult for the inhabitants. Fortunately, the city was slowly regaining its former prosperity thanks to the less bellicose personality of the current pope.

The two riders rode along the dirt road winding through the tall grass. It took them nine hours to reach their destination.

The architecture of the latter was very similar to that of the capital, although more classical in its conception: the lands of the nobles were in the center of the city, near the administrative buildings.

Around the latter lived the people, in neighborhoods whose sanitation was sometimes questionable. Outside the city were the markets, the games, and the services. This was where travelers usually spent the night during their journey.

When Eiji and Tahrren approached the city, it was already dark. Torches lit up the cloudy sky, and a few vibrations betrayed the movements of a still lively crowd.

They left their horses at a stable on the edge of town. Although Kyōniko was a Higashito town, the Western influence was felt: entertainment was abundant, including gaming tables and taverns.

"Follow me, Eiji. We need to find an inn for the night."

The two men walked into a busy building. The sign on the front read 'Taierma Rupux'.

"This is… Ophelian language!"

Tahrren stopped dead at the words, turned, and put his hand on the man's shoulder, whispering in his ear.

"The merchants here have it much harder than you think. Here may be your territory, but it's the Ophelians and their resources that rule. Not getting them in your pocket is a big step away from a decent life. Now shut up and follow me."

Surprised by his mentor's reaction, Eiji turned pale. He remained silent and followed Tahrren, who had already entered the establishment. Quickly, a hostess approached them. Her hair was blonde, a rarity in the region and a typical Ophelian characteristic. Her cerulean eyes, sporting a poorly characterized epicanthus, were reflecting the dancing flames of the surrounding torches. Dressed in a blue linen tunic and leather boots of a very light brown, almost cream, she greeted her two guests with a broad smile and a slate in her hand.

"Good morning, gentlemen! May I help you? Would you like to eat, drink or spend the night in one of our rooms? Our beds are some of the most comfortable in the city!"

Tahrren smiled at her before answering.

"Hello, a room for two, please, for two nights, including meals."

"Very well! I'll show you your rooms. Then you can come and eat whenever you want! The kitchen is still open for two short hours!"

The young woman headed for a stairwell at the back of the shop, motioning for her two guests to follow.

Their room was on the second floor. Walking along the wooden walls for about ten meters, they came to a door with the number forty-seven engraved on it.

"Here is your door key. Don't lose it, or you'll be charged."

The hostess put the key in the lock and opened the door to the room. It had two single beds, several torches, and a window overlooking the main street. The room was surprisingly well soundproofed, with little or no sound to be heard despite the noise on the first floor and the street. There were also a few basic furnishings, such as a desk, a closet, and boxes for storing weapons.

"Well. I'll let you get settled in. I'll be waiting for you on the first floor. Ask for Ayano, you will pay the bill with your first meal."

She left the room, not forgetting to close the door carefully behind her.

"Get rid of your armor and weapons. We are safe here. Then we'll have a bite to eat."

The two men deposited their belongings in their respective corners of the room. Eiji put down his sword, armbands, pauldrons, and the rest of his armor, leaving only a simple white linen top.

Tahrren did the same, though he carried many more weapons: in addition to his sword, he parted with two short blades that he usually kept carefully hidden under his tunic.