Chapter 143: Paradise On Sand (1)
Brahham was a place where nothing much happened, except for Lucia confronting her past. Thus, Shiron couldnt confidently claim he knew everything about Brahham.
The man named Asad, whom Shiron encountered in a dimly remembered tomb, was, of course, a stranger to him. Shiron was wary of him. Being cautious around strangers was somewhat instinctive, but his level of caution towards Asad was notably high.
Though his face was visible, he concealed his body with a black hood. The smile on his face, intended to appear welcoming, somehow felt forced.
I would like to take you to a place suitable for conversation. Would that be alright?
Lets do that.
Despite his reservations,
Shiron decided to accept Asads offer, intrigued by the phrase Lords revelation that Asad had unexpectedly mentioned.
A revelation Could it be someone sent by Latera?
Latera had vaguely instructed him to come to this holy place, so he wondered if she had communicated a revelation to Asad.
For someone deeply religious, meeting a transcendent being in an entirely white room would be enough to consider it a divine revelation.
No Maybe.
Shiron also entertained the possibility that the source of Asads revelation might not be Latera but another entity. Since Asad seemed to be a resident of Brahham, he would primarily be a follower of the one true god, but there were many religions in this world and equally many gods were worshiped.
Even malevolent gods that must be vanquished existed as adversaries, didnt they? Shiron whispered to Lucia, who was standing beside him.
Lets follow him.
Okay.
Lucia replied, her gaze fixed on Asads back as he led the way. She didnt trust Asad, who had suddenly appeared and acted friendly, but like Shiron, she was captivated by the word revelation.
The two followed Asad for quite some time. Shiron wasnt sure what the appropriate place for conversation was supposed to be, but he felt that Asad was intentionally taking a circuitous route.
Whats he up to?
From the tomb to here, they had made unnecessary stops at three places.
A deserted back alley. The alchemy district, where acrid smoke rose intermittently. And a fountain where clear water continuously sprang forth.
Upon entering the back alley or the alchemy district, he wondered if this was a trap, but nothing occurred.
Upon seeing the fountain that flowed without magical aid, Asad began babbling with a sincere smile, as if he had suddenly become a tour guide.
Are we even going the right way?
Rest assured, we are taking the most efficient route.
Lucia, feeling as though they were going in circles, voiced her concerns in a challenging tone, but Asad convincingly dismissed her piercing gaze.
Shiron said nothing to Asad.
In the game, the later you enter the region of Brahham, the exponentially lower your chances of being attacked by enemies.
If Shiron were alone, perhaps, but having witnessed Lucias strength with the eyes of a lion, he wouldnt dare attempt any foolish moves.
Finally, they arrived at a restaurant. Not overly fancy but moderately atmospheric, with quite a few people around, making it an inappropriate place for secretive conversations.
Have you eaten yet?
Asad, stepping inside the building, turned around and asked. Shiron, facing his smile, replied with an indifferent expression.
Is this place suitable for conversation?
Yes. Isnt it somewhat lacking to just talk? The pigeon dish here is also delicious.
With that, Asad found a seat by the window and casually began to peruse the menu.
Crack-
Was it then? A grating sound of teeth grinding emanated from below.
What the hell is with this guy? Did we walk under the hot sun just to eat pigeon dishes?
Lucia muttered quietly, as if speaking to herself. Being in a foreign and unfamiliar land, she wanted to avoid any rash actions, but the thought of being manipulated by someone she didnt know made her blood boil.
Lets wait a bit longer.
Shiron calmed Lucia, who looked ready to storm out at any moment. Meanwhile, Asad had finished ordering food from the waiter and gestured towards them.
Dont just stand there, please take a seat. You must be tired from looking around so much.
Shiron didnt respond but took a seat.
I ordered dishes not much different from what Ive ordered before. Is that alright?
Is that all you wanted to say?
Ill try to give you the answers you seek after the food arrives. Please decide on my treatment after hearing the whole story.
Asad spoke persuasively, showing a smile on his face. Shiron, who had been glaring at him, looked around.
It was night, and the restaurant was filled with customers. They caught some glances, perhaps because they werent dressed in Brahhams attire, but it was fleeting, so Shiron didnt feel like this place was a trap.
He mentioned treatment, so it doesnt seem like a joke, but I have no idea what hes up to.
At Kyries tomb, they couldnt find any clues other than Yuras traces, so he thought about looking elsewhere. Then, the man in front of him spoke, which seemed almost like fate due to the timing.
Whether the man before him was an ally or an enemy wasnt important. He just hoped this unexpected meeting wasnt a waste of time.
Your order has arrived.
While he was thinking, the dishes were served at their table. The exotic aroma of spices was tantalizing, and it whetted their appetites.
I have something Id like to ask.
As if the arrival of the food was a signal, Asad finally spoke.
How do you find the scenery you saw today?
So, after all, you want to talk about some trivial sightseeing?
Its not trivial. I can assure you that nothing that happened today was unnecessary.
Asad looked intently into Shirons black eyes with his gray ones.
Every place and scene I showed you today had its significance.
You seem to have something you want to hear?
No, not at all. You just need to share your thoughts.
If I set aside the feeling of being played by you, it was a fine city.
Shiron closed his eyes, recalling the scenery he had seen that day.
Please, tell me why.
There were no vagrants in the alleyways with few passersby, and the main roads were bustling with tourists and merchants, whether they came for pilgrimage or not.
Go on, please.
The alchemists street we briefly visited was quite large. In a desert where water is precious, it was unexpected to see fountains spewing clean water where children played. Even in Rien, known for its national strength on the continent, such scenes are rare to find.
Yes. You saw correctly.
Asad smiled broadly, seemingly satisfied with the answer, then tore into his pigeon dish with his hands.
Thats all. Ah, isnt it.
The movement of his jaw mashing the food made no sound, but the act of chewing seemed exaggerated enough to seem audible.
Though its provided only to the citizens of Brahham, all food and groceries, including this pigeon dish, are free.
Is this restaurant operated with the nations money? What about the wages for the staff and chefs? And their willingness to work?
Lucia asked Asad while biting into a pigeon leg. The pigeon dish she was eating was far superior to the overpriced chickpea soup and barley bread.
The staff and chefs are not from Brahham. They are all contracted personnel hired from abroad. The immense wealth from pilgrims sustains all of this.
Asad chuckled and finished his plate. Then, he took out a cigar from his pocket and put it in his mouth.
And thats not all. The surrounding nations that covet our country
Whoosh-
A sacred flame appeared at the tip of Asads fingers, lighting the end of the cigar.
This holy power has allowed us to repel them all.
Its all thanks to the hero Kyrie. The person who saved the world 500 years ago has provided us, 500 years later, with an inexhaustible source of milk and honey.
What are you trying to say?
Im trying to persuade you.
Persuade?
Lucia spoke up, her fingers flicking the handle of her knife.
Not a threat?
Its persuasion. There are those who wish to destroy this paradise Ive received a revelation to resolve this peacefully, hence this cumbersome affair.
Asad recalled the dream he had seen at dawn.
The feeling, though pounding in his head, felt as if it gently caressed him, repeatedly impressing upon him that the party before him would lead to Brahhams downfall.
In the dream, the sun shining down on Brahham was seized by the young man before him and taken away, plunging Brahham into darkness, where it no longer flowed with milk and honey and gradually walked the path to ruin.
So, Im asking you this.
He inhaled deeply from the cigar, exhaling the smoke towards the ceiling as if releasing his troubled thoughts.
I may not know exactly what you intend to do, but it only leads to the downfall of our paradise.
So, Id appreciate it if you refrain from any troublesome actions while youre here. If you just stay quiet, you can maintain the peace of hundreds of thousands.
What if we refuse?
It wasnt Shiron who responded. Lucia, having finished her plate, crossed her arms and spoke.
Are you going to force us out with power?
Haha. You jest.
Asad began to laugh, lowering his head. Lucia tensed, ready for any potential attack.
However, the words that came from his mouth were unexpected.
Then it cant be helped.
What?
It cant be helped. Was my language too difficult? If you insist, youre free to do as you wish.
Asad repeatedly washed his face with his hands, making a sorrowful expression.
But then, the city of Brahham will dry up and die.
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