The sun still shone, casting golden reflections on the peaceful roads of southern Ednia.
After our morning at the beach, we had changed clothes at the villa.
Now ready for a more urban outing, our small group of three set off toward the nearby town.
I wore a slightly tilted straw hat, along with tinted glasses that partially hid my face.
Sylena, also wearing a straw hat, had concealed her long elven ears beneath a light scarf.
Nilyna had traded her servant attire for a simple peasant dress, like those worn by women working in the fields.
She walked lightly, her sandals tapping softly on the dirt path.
After a few minutes of walking, Nilyna addressed me, her voice soft but curious:
"Majesty, may I ask you a question?"
"Of course," I replied, looking at her.
"Why didn't you ask the governor of Kyosval to lend us men and a carriage? It would be more comfortable and certainly safer."
I smiled, glancing at the path lined with wildflowers.
"I want to stay discreet. No need for an escort. Just you by our side is more than enough for our safety."
She smiled, lowering her gaze, a slight sparkle in her eyes.
"I see…"
As we continued walking, a transport wagon appeared, drawn by a large caravan painted in local colors. The driver, an elderly Ednian with a gray beard and a woven straw hat, slowed as he saw us.
"Well now! You're walking all the way to town? That's still a good hour's trek," he said with a chuckle. "Hop on, I'll take you!"
"Thank you so much," Sylena said, looking for something to offer. "Here, let me pay—"
"Oh no, no, young lady! No need for that. Here in Kyosval, transport is free. It's tradition—we help those who walk."
We gratefully climbed aboard and sat on the wooden benches. The old man snapped the reins, and the cart resumed its way along the countryside road.
"Tell me, young folks, you don't look like you're from around here. Where are you from?" he asked, glancing at us through the front mirror.
Nilyna replied naturally:
"We're from Fiorensha, in the capital—Amiria."
"Ah! Western province then. I set foot there once, long ago… And tell me, this new monarch… Kaya, right? Is he really as visionary as the papers say?"
Sylena shot me an amused glance, then said:
"Monarch Kaya deeply cares about Ednia's future. He acts with clarity and compassion."
The old man nodded, eyes on the horizon.
"I see… Then it will be up to the youth to guide this nation toward a future worthy of its past."
We chatted a few more minutes until the city finally appeared on the horizon, stretching between the green hills and the sea.
"Well, here we are. Kelsihaan. I'll drop you off here. Take care now," he said, stopping the wagon.
"Thank you, Grandpa," Nilyna said warmly as she hopped down.
The old man smiled, raised his hand, and rode off.
Sylena looked around, fascinated.
"Sis, what's this city called again?"
"Kelsihaan," Nilyna replied. "It's the central city of the Kyosval province."
As we walked, she continued:
"During the unification war of Ednia, this city—on the northeast coast—served as a stronghold for Roland Ednia's loyal factions. It was a strategic contact point for coordinating allied forces."
Looking around, we saw several mural paintings depicting the great war, statues of Roland Ednia, and banners with royal emblems fluttering in the breeze.
The historical heritage was carefully preserved.
"It's beautiful," Sylena said, in awe. "You can really feel their attachment to Ednia's founders."
"Yes," Nilyna replied. "Their bond with their ancestors is very strong here. They cherish their heritage above all."
Suddenly, two local young men approached us.
One held a bouquet of wildflowers, his eyes locked on Nilyna.
He stopped in front of her, visibly nervous but determined.
"Miss, you are radiant… Would you marry me?" he asked, holding out his hand.
Before he could go further, I stepped between him and Nilyna, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Sorry, but she's already taken," I said, pulling Nilyna close, my hand on her waist.
"W-wha…" she began, blushing and surprised by my gesture.
The young man, flustered, nodded, backed away, and left without pressing the matter.
I turned to her, releasing my hold.
"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just wanted to stop him from insisting."
She lowered her eyes, her voice softer than usual.
"It's… it's nothing… Thank you…"
We resumed exploring the city.
The architecture was charming—varnished wooden houses with curved roofs and flowered balconies lined the cobbled streets.
The atmosphere was peaceful, and locals greeted strangers with warmth.
As we wandered through the alleys, we came upon a small street market.
Stalls offered tropical fruits, handmade jewelry, and local food.
We bought bowls of stir-fried noodles, scented with basil and regional spices.
Sitting on a bench under a cloth awning, we enjoyed our meal.
As we finished, a young boy ran toward us, waving colorful flyers.
"Here you go, sir!" he said, handing me a leaflet.
I took it and read aloud:
"'Grand Sumo Tournament of Kyosval! Tonight, at the municipal arena!'"
Sylena tilted her head, curious.
"Sumo? What's that?"
"It's a traditional combat sport," I replied. "Two fighters face off in a ring… The goal is to push the opponent out or make them fall."
She smiled, intrigued.
"Oh, that sounds fun!"
Nilyna asked:
"Would you like to go, my king?"
I folded the flyer with a small smile.
"Why not? It'll be interesting to discover more of the local culture. Let's go."
And thus, after a day of sunshine, walking, and laughter, our simple outing to the town of Kelsihaan would conclude with an evening immersed in an age-old tradition.