Chapter 26: An Unexpected Encounter in the Twilight Town

Having bid farewell to Alice, Aldoran and her companions pressed on, reaching the small town nearest to Aranpa in less than a week.

Dusk had already settled by the time they reached the town. Despite the arduous journey of several days leaving Aldoran utterly exhausted, Qing Yu’s insatiable curiosity about new places proved irresistible. Yielding to his persistent pleas, Aldoran instructed Thrud to take Liliya ahead to secure lodging, while she herself accompanied Qing Yu for a tour of the town.

The town itself was far from bustling, with only a scattering of pedestrians strolling along its streets. Modest taverns and sundry shops dotted either side of the road, and every so often, a carriage would rumble past, its horses’ whinnies fading into silence as it rounded a distant corner.

“It seems all the residents in this town are human,” Qing Yu remarked, his gaze sweeping left and right, eager to spot any non-human races within the settlement.

“Human towns seldom host other races,” Aldoran explained, “as they typically aren’t comfortable living environments for most non-human species.”

“But I think human settlements are perfectly fine!”

“That’s not quite right. Different races possess distinct preferences for their habitats. Harpies, for instance, predominantly reside in forests or atop sheer cliffs; Orcs largely inhabit rainforests; Arachne tend to dwell in caves; and Merfolk prefer the boundless expanse of the ocean…”

Aldoran elaborated with numerous examples, patiently illustrating the diverse preferences of each race.

“Mhm,” Qing Yu hummed, nodding his head despite still not fully grasping the concept.

To him, human towns offered an abundance of delicious food and exciting amusements, bustling with life and perfectly safe. They seemed an utterly flawless place to live, leaving no conceivable reason to reside anywhere else.

“Oh, Aldoran,” Qing Yu suddenly recalled, “I remember your own territory has quite a number of non-human residents, doesn’t it?”

“Aranpa, after all, stands as the largest trade hub,” she explained. “It sees an immense influx of people daily, with merchants of all races choosing to conduct their business there, earning livelihoods for their families.”

“Ah, so it’s ultimately because this town is simply too impoverished!” Qing Yu exclaimed, a sudden realization dawning upon him. His outburst drew curious glances from passersby, prompting Aldoran to swiftly cover his mouth.

“That was incredibly rude of you to say,” Aldoran chided gently, her voice barely above a whisper, devoid of any genuine anger towards Qing Yu.

“My apologies, my apologies,” Qing Yu muttered, scratching his head with a shy smile.

This side of Qing Yu made him seem like an endearing simpleton, a quality Aldoran found herself not disliking in the slightest.

For Aldoran, who had observed Qing Yu’s life long before his summoning to this world by the crest, his carefree and guileless nature was, in fact, his most endearing virtue.

“Still, Aldoran,” Qing Yu began, shifting the topic, “my stomach is starting to rumble a little.”

As if on cue, his stomach let out a timely growl.

As luck would have it, a quaint, elegantly decorated tavern stood right beside the road. Its owner, positioned at the entrance, enthusiastically extolled the exquisite cuisine of his newly opened establishment to every passerby.

Upon entering, they found the tavern already bustling with patrons. Aldoran and Qing Yu could only secure a table directly opposite a young woman with cherry-blossom pink hair.

“Pardon me,” Aldoran began, gently holding Qing Yu’s hand, “the tavern seems quite full. Might we share this table with you?”

The young woman lifted her head, her cherry-hued eyes sweeping over Aldoran and Qing Yu.

In that fleeting moment, an inexplicable pressure permeated Aldoran’s entire being. It felt as though an immense boulder had settled upon her heart, a profound sense of powerlessness eroding her every nerve. Fear, reluctance, and an overwhelming urge to submit surged through her mind, leaving the sensation of utter helplessness deeply etched into her consciousness.

‘Haa… haa…’

“Aldoran, Aldoran,” Qing Yu called, tugging at her sleeve. “Are you alright?”

“No, no, it’s nothing,” Aldoran finally murmured, pulling herself from her daze. Wiping beads of sweat from her brow, she sank gently into the chair, her body already thoroughly damp with perspiration.

“My apologies,” the young woman said, seemingly aware of the profound effect she had just had on Aldoran. “I appear to have caused you some discomfort. Please, do sit.” Leaning forward, she gently took Aldoran’s hand, her cherry-blossom lips parting to release a voice as soft as a spring breeze. It was as if imbued with a magical power, instantly calming the turmoil within Aldoran’s heart.

Qing Yu, however, remained utterly oblivious to the underlying tension.

“My apologies,” the young woman repeated, offering another tentative apology when Aldoran remained unresponsive.

“No, it’s nothing,” Aldoran replied, shaking her head. “I was merely overly sensitive.” She felt a bit clearer now.

It was as though something deliberately obscured her perception; Aldoran could detect no magical circuits within the young woman’s body. Yet, gazing into those enigmatic eyes, Aldoran instinctively knew that the girl’s magical power must be extraordinarily potent.

Nevertheless, she appeared devoid of any hostility. Aldoran perceived instead an overwhelming sense of peace and gentleness emanating from the young woman, coupled with a faint, benevolent aura, utterly devoid of malice.

A delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms also wafted from her.

“Indeed, thank you,” the young woman responded, resuming her seat and offering a gentle smile to both Aldoran and Qing Yu. “I’m relieved if you don’t hold it against me.”

Her smile was like the warm breeze of spring.

Qing Yu’s face immediately flushed crimson, yet he quickly registered Aldoran’s presence beside him. He promptly leaned against her shoulder, subtly signaling to the young woman that he was already ‘taken’ by Aldoran.

“Might I ask if you two are a couple?” the young woman inquired, her voice incredibly soft, yet her gentle words cut through the tavern’s din to reach Aldoran and Qing Yu distinctly.

“No, no, no, we’re married!” Qing Yu declared, immediately wrapping Aldoran in a hug. “Allow me to introduce us: this is Aldoran, and I’m Qing Yu.”

“Mhm, you certainly appear to be a very happy couple,” the young woman responded, her smile utterly genuine, devoid of any artifice. “Hello to you both. Due to certain circumstances, I’m unable to disclose my name at this time, but you may simply refer to me as Ms. R.”

“Hello, Ms. R,” Aldoran acknowledged with a nod.

“What can I get for the two of you?” At that moment, the tavern owner arrived at their table, pen and notebook in hand, asking with a cheerful smile.

Aldoran gestured for Qing Yu to place their order, while her gaze remained fixed on the young woman.

“I’ll take the stir-fried meat and chicken soup,” Qing Yu said. “Aldoran, what about you?”

“Just a glass of juice for me, please.”

“Understood, I’ll have that prepared for you both right away.”

The young woman’s smile was gentle, radiating an unparalleled purity, utterly untainted and as pristine as a crystal-clear lake.

“Excuse me, Ms. Aldoran, is there something on my face?” The young woman asked, a hint of confusion gracing her features as she noticed Aldoran’s persistent gaze.

“No, nothing at all,” Aldoran quickly replied. “It was merely impolite of me to stare.”

It truly appeared that this young woman, Ms. R, harbored no ill intent. From every angle, her presence exuded an aura of gentle benevolence and profound tenderness.

This was a disposition entirely uncharacteristic of a girl her apparent age.

“Speaking of which,” the young woman began, opening up the conversation, “I once met a couple as deeply devoted as the two of you.”

“The only difference was that the young man in that couple was incredibly willful, and the young woman always found creative ways to appease him.”

“Despite his constant capriciousness, they were, nonetheless, an exceptionally happy pair.”

“Ah, my apologies,” the young woman suddenly interjected, offering an apologetic smile to Qing Yu and Aldoran. “I seem to have spoken some strange things without thinking. Please, pay it no mind.”

“No, no, not at all,” Qing Yu hastily reassured her, shaking his head.

“I am deeply grateful for your understanding,” the young woman said, bowing gracefully, her movements as refined as any noble’s.

Indeed, her every action and gesture, coupled with the conspicuously expensive attire she wore, suggested she was undeniably a noble.

Yet, for a noble to appear in such a place without any retinue of guards was, to Aldoran, somewhat surprising. Still, she reminded herself, it was none of her concern; such matters were surely private.

“Um, excuse me, Ms. R,” Qing Yu blurted out, “are you a noble?” Unexpectedly, he and Aldoran had arrived at the same thought, yet unlike Aldoran, Qing Yu spoke his mind without any reservation.

Upon hearing this, the young woman covered her mouth, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

“What a charming child,” she replied. “However, I am not a noble. Please simply regard me as an ordinary person.”

“But you don’t look like an ordinary person in the slightest!” Qing Yu insisted, undeterred.

“No, no, no,” the young woman gently corrected, smiling warmly at Qing Yu, “in my eyes, everyone is much the same, merely one among the countless souls that populate this world.” Her smile radiated a comforting warmth, instantly putting one at ease.

“My apologies, Ms. R,” Aldoran interjected. “Qing Yu seems to have said something that might trouble you.”

“It’s quite alright,” she replied, “please don’t give it another thought. I find your wife utterly charming.” For some inexplicable reason, two delicate, pale pink flowers had materialized in the young woman’s hand.

“I have a fondness for charming individuals,” the young woman declared, “both Qing Yu and Aldoran.” As she spoke, she extended the flowers to them, her movements exceptionally delicate, as if she were cradling priceless treasures.

Despite appearing to be roughly the same age as Qing Yu, she referred to him as a child. Aldoran, observing the blossoms, accepted them with equal care.

A subtle, refreshing fragrance wafted from the petals, a scent utterly delightful to inhale.

The young woman seemed to radiate an incredible, almost mystical allure, rendering it impossible to refuse her or harbor any ill will.

“Um…” Qing Yu mumbled, glancing at Aldoran, who subtly gestured for him to accept the blossoms.

“I would be immensely grateful if you both found enjoyment in my small gift,” the young woman said, her smile radiating warmth.

“I love it!” Qing Yu exclaimed with his characteristic enthusiasm, while Aldoran merely offered a slight nod.

“I’m glad you like them. Your food has arrived, and I also have pressing matters to attend to. I won’t disturb you further. I wish you both a pleasant evening.” Noticing the dishes being placed on their table, the young woman rose, curtsied, and bowed to Qing Yu and Aldoran.

“Wait, Ms. R, won’t you eat with us?” Qing Yu invited, finding the young woman to be a delightful person.

The young woman simply smiled.

“I wouldn’t want to intrude on your meal.”

“Then, I wish you a pleasant journey,” Aldoran said, returning the young woman’s bow.

The scent of cherry blossoms lingered as the young woman elegantly moved past Aldoran and Qing Yu.

“It was a great pleasure speaking with you both. Until we meet again, I hope.” With that, the young woman produced a rose, placing it before Qing Yu, while leaving a White Featherwood blossom for Aldoran.

“Aldoran, Ms. R’s flower for you is so beautiful!” After the young woman departed, Qing Yu picked up Aldoran’s flower, examining it closely.

Its color was pure white like snow, its petals soft and tender, exuding a barely perceptible fragrance.

Aldoran, meanwhile, smoothed Qing Yu’s hair and served him a bowl of chicken soup.

“This is a White Featherwood blossom, often given to those embarking on a journey. In the Central Court, it signifies—”

“Safe travels.”