NOVPUBA week later.
As night fell, the lights of the distant towns gradually illuminated, corresponding to the emerging stars in the sky.
In this serene night, the Demon Energy Train sped along the rails, passing majestic mountains, dense forests, and tranquil lakes.
Inside the carriage, the lights reflected off the deep brown hardwood floor and antique copper decorations, making the elegant lacquered walls appear evergreen. It seemed to be whispering the tales of times passed.
The passengers, standing and sitting, engaged in various conversations. Ladies in evening gowns held glasses of wine that shimmered with deep red as precious gems, whispering with their companions. At one corner of the carriage, a group of young people eagerly discussed their longing and anticipation for the Protoss Imperial City.
The train attendants, dressed in neat dark uniforms, perambulated the carriage for routine checks. Occasionally, they were halted and asked, with a polite smile, about the needs of the passengers.
Within one of the luxury compartments at the front of this Demon Energy Train sat a young man and a girl by the window.
The young man’s attire was a mix of retro and elegant. His white long-sleeve shirt had black trims on its collar and cuffs while his beige, form-flattering waistcoat was divided into diamond-shaped checks by deep brown stripes. A dark grey coat hung by the wall. With a large turned-over collar and two slant pockets, it added an air of elegance and mystery to his demeanor.
This North Continent style attire was tailored exclusively for Lanci by a veteran tailor of Lilom City, who specialized in bespoke clothing for Viscount Francis.
He presently sat in the carriage, quietly engrossed in a book.
Sitting across him, Zestira had donned the standard uniform of the Protoss Royal Magic Academy.
Although, if Zestira wore a hat to slightly cover her Demon Race characteristics and spared herself many curious glances during the journey, she was not willing to do so.
She didn’t think there was anything wrong with her Demon Race traits.
The construction of the Demon Energy Railway is also present in the Protoss Empire. However, to get to the imperial capital from a remote town like Lilom City, one must first travel to the main city in the southwest to board this train.
Most of the time, the two of them were engrossed in their own books.
Strange scenes and bright lights flashed past, one after another, in the night.
After closing the book in her hand and placing it by her side, Zestira didn’t pick up another one because she had no other books to read.
She wasn’t interested in academic books, she preferred Magic Books.
However, taking Magic Books through security is a hassle as they are controlled items, so she did not bring any along.
She glanced at the color of the book Lanci was holding and immediately knew what he was reading.
"Chronicles of the Holy War", published by the Imperial Royal Magic Academy Publishing House, written by Xido Allendale. It recounts the war that swept the North and South Continent a hundred years ago, as well as the rise and fall of the Demon Race.
Although some parts were filled with the author’s wild imagination and drama, many secrets of that Holy War remain murky.
"You are indeed from the South Continent," Zestira commented.
She had long affirmed that Lanci was a visitor from the South Continent. However, seeing him so engrossed in reading historical novels widely available in the North Continent, that was more convincing than any other evidence.
Upon hearing Zestira’s voice, Lanci put down his book with a smile and looked across the table.
"Information about the North Continent in the South is a mix of fact and fiction, and only by coming personally after being isolated can one ascertain the truth."
This is a book that he had borrowed from Viscount Francis.
He never expected that Zestira might have read this book too. According to his current understanding, she should not be interested in this kind of historical novel.
The South Continent was only slightly affected by the war. The specific reasons, course, and outcome of the Holy War on the North Continent were not deeply involved, and the South Continent’s books on the history of the North Continent have a lot of artistic elements, it could be said to be one part truth and nine parts fiction.
How much of the history of the Protoss Empire is true is also unknown. After all, history is a matter of detail and appropriateness, and Lanci was just reading casually.
Zestira nodded.
She heard many versions of rumors about the South Continent, but clearly most versions were false because they contradicted each other greatly.
"Is there anything you don’t understand?" She had gotten used to teaching Lanci and found herself instinctively worrying when she saw him possibly encounter difficulties.
"It’s fine, I vaguely understand some," Lanci said. He knew a bit of the backdrop story about the North Continent, but all the texts were cryptic.
It could only be said that this book was quite understandable when combined with the general background.
"That’s good. Ask me if you don’t understand anything," Zestira said.
"Alright," Lanci replied, smiling. After thinking for a bit, he appreciated this rare opportunity to chat with Zestira.
So, he placed a silk bookmark connected to the book spine on the page he was reading and put the book at the side of the table.
"Do you have any historical figures you like?" Lanci asked Zestira.
It’s good to start talking about history from the people involved, because this could help deduce the other person’s position and avoid saying something that might disappoint or displease them.
After considering for a moment, Zestira said.
"I quite like a few of the Demon Race’s generals, but I suppose my favorite would be Talia."
"...?"
Lanci was momentarily surprised after hearing this, but he quickly regained his composure.
He didn’t expect to suddenly hear a familiar name here. He even reopened "Chronicles of Holy War" and flipped through it in reverse. Indeed, he spotted Talia’s name.
Turns out her name could appear in historical novels of the North Continent. After all, she was an antiquity of several hundred years.
"What’s special about this ancient woman?" Lanci asked, curious. He didn’t know what charm Talia held beyond being beautiful, powerful, and immortal.
"She was tough, talented, and brimming with intellect. Despite her outward coldness, she possessed a sensible mind. She is the type of woman I aspire to be and... I believe if the Demon Race were to resurrect one day, it would certainly be on her account," Zestira said.
When she spoke of Talia, her otherwise monotone voice held a hint of admiration.
"Why would you say so?" Lanci became even more puzzled. He supposed that if it relied on Talia, the resurrection of the Demon Race was unlikely. She was already enjoying a leisurely life of retirement in Ichrite.
If we even mentioned resurrecting the nation now, he doubted she would be willing to leave the Hutton Kingdom.
"She has never lost herself in her own power due to desire, unlike other demons. There’s actually an old saying in the Demon World - if an undemanding demon appears, they would certainly be the most terrifying and powerful demon. Perhaps for this reason, Talia did not fall with the extinction of the Demon Race, but instead became the princess of the descendants," Zestira evaluated seriously.
