After they finished their meal, Maya stood from the table, a graceful yet casual movement as she glanced around one last time before turning her attention back to Astron.
"Well, that was quite the start to our day," she said with a smile. "Now that we're done here, how about we explore the city a bit before heading to the tailor?"
Astron gave a small nod in response, adjusting his posture as he stood up as well. "Sounds fine to me," he said, his voice calm as always.
Maya's eyes sparkled with excitement, clearly looking forward to the day. "Great. I've got a few places in mind. There are some interesting spots I think you'd appreciate—bookstores, rare artifact shops, even a hidden tea garden that's been around for centuries. We'll have enough time to wander until noon before heading to the tailor for the measurements and clothing. What do you think?"
Astron looked at her with his usual composed expression, though he could see how much thought she had put into this. "I'm fine with it. Lead the way."
Maya smiled warmly, feeling a sense of satisfaction at his response. As they stepped out of the restaurant and into the bustling streets of Ardmont City, she took the lead, pointing out different landmarks and occasionally stopping to share tidbits of the city's history.
The city was alive with energy—people bustling about, street vendors calling out to passersby, and the smell of fresh pastries and roasted chestnuts lingering in the air. The towering buildings and intricate architectural designs reflected both modern and traditional influences, blending seamlessly into the lush greenery that adorned the streets and plazas.
As they walked, Maya would occasionally glance at Astron, observing how he took in his surroundings. He wasn't one for outward reactions, but she could tell by the way his eyes scanned everything that he was absorbing every detail, processing it all in his quiet, meticulous way.
"This part of the city is always busy," Maya commented as they passed through one of the central markets.
"Do you come to the city often? Considering the location of the mansion, that didn't seem to be the case to me," Astron asked, his voice calm as his eyes scanned the vibrant market around them.
Maya smiled, nodding as she took in the familiar sights of Ardmont City. "Well, while I spent most of my time training at the mansion, when I was younger, I would often take the airship and wander around the city," she explained. "It's something of a personal gift that I made sure to use well. I'd explore different parts of the city—some places you can't easily reach by foot—and I always enjoyed learning about the history here."
Astron, though typically unfazed by such revelations, could only shake his head inwardly. Maya's casual use of such luxuries, like the personal airship, was something he had come to expect. In her world, these things were normal and he had long since stopped being surprised by the ease with which she wielded her family's wealth.
As they continued through the bustling streets, Maya led him on a winding tour of the city's more historical and cultural spots. They passed by ancient buildings adorned with intricate carvings, their stone walls still standing strong despite the passage of time. She pointed out key landmarks, including statues commemorating past rulers and plazas where pivotal events in the city's history had taken place.
"Ardmont City is one of the oldest in the Federation," Maya explained, her voice carrying a tone of pride as she gestured toward the grand architecture. "It's been overseen by the same family for centuries, which is my family, and you can see their influence everywhere—from the layout of the city to the preservation of historical sites."
Astron's gaze followed hers as they passed through a narrow street lined with stone buildings that had stood for generations. "It's well-maintained," he observed. "The preservation of the city's history is impressive."
Maya nodded. "When my ancestor came to this world, he had always been interested in the history here. Since it was very different from the humans of the other world with different traditions and cultures, that is why he had always respected the remains, and it is now a protocol for our family to follow."
Maya continued leading Astron through the bustling streets of Ardmont City, her steps guiding them toward some of the city's most revered historical sites. As they walked, she delved deeper into the rich history that her family had meticulously preserved.
"The previous human kingdom that governed over these lands was called the [Kingdom of Arenthia]," Maya explained, her voice steady with reverence. "Long before the Federation was established, Arenthia ruled this region with a strong hand. Their culture was very different from the Elven influences that came later, but we've taken great care to preserve the remnants of their legacy."
Maya nodded. "Yes. When my ancestor arrived in the human domain, the Arenthian Kingdom had already fallen. What we do know is that my ancestor respected the remnants of their kingdom. He believed that, even in conquest, there should be respect for the history and traditions that came before. That belief became a cornerstone of how we've governed ever since." frёewebnoѵēl.com
They arrived at a large, open plaza with towering stone pillars surrounding it. At the center stood a grand monument—the remains of an ancient Arenthian temple, its intricate carvings telling stories of the old kingdom's gods and heroes. The weathered stone still radiated a sense of strength and power, even after all these years.
"This is one of the last remaining structures from the Arenthian era," Maya said as they approached the monument. "My family has spent generations restoring and preserving it. The temple was dedicated to their chief deity, Asteris, the God of Kings. They believed he blessed their rulers with wisdom and strength."
Astron took a moment to examine the carvings, his sharp eyes catching the detail in the worn stone. The figures depicted battles, rituals, and moments of peace—each one telling a piece of the larger story. "It's remarkable," he said quietly.
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