All the way down the cemetery hill, Rian pondered something. He realized something was strange about himself. He didn't realize it at the time, but it became clearer as time went on.
Rian touched his chest. His heart felt lighter and calmer. It was like a heavy burden had been lifted from him. Rian also noticed his enthusiasm when listening to Zain's story. It wasn't like his usual self.
Living in this cruel world made him constantly train his emotions and guard his actions. This was especially true when he recalled the events of his past that had caused him to close his heart.
Although Rian opened his heart a little to Evan, he still had a wall that wouldn't let anyone in.
But strangely, towards Zain whom he had just met for the first time, for some reason his heart opened so easily. There was no wariness, suspicion, or doubt whatsoever.
"What happened?" Rian couldn't help but ask himself as he took the bouquet of flowers Evan had requested.
...
On the border of Lumiville and Endawn. Inside a building, three people were conferring. Each of them had a silver plaque with a code name attached to their left chest.
With serious faces, they looked at a map covered in scribbles.
"They'll most likely be in action tonight," A burly man with a scar on his lip spoke.
"Stairl District again? They're really annoying." A short-haired woman spoke with a firm tone.
"There can't be any more victims this time," a man with white hair spoke politely.
...
Rian returned to the lounge chair under a large shady tree with a bouquet of white chrysanthemums in his hand. He handed it to Evan.
After that, Zain and Evan got up from their seats. Evan and Rian followed Zain's lead.
As they walked, Rian looked at the graves they passed. They looked clean and well-maintained. The grass that grew there appeared to be neatly trimmed. After a while, they arrived at a grave.
The headstone bore a name 'Mayor. Hyder Zevanor'.
"Sorry, I'm late." Evan bowed his head in front of the gravestone.
Following Evan, Rian also bowed in greeting. Evan placed a bouquet of white chrysanthemums on the grave.
"Thanks to your help, many people survived. But I'm sorry you had to go to protect them."
"Actually, sometimes I wonder. Why do we have to protect others when they might not protect us."
"Is it because we have powers and they don't? Then what's the point of protecting those who don't have powers?"
There was a hint of anger and mockery in Evan's tone.
"A stupid question with no answer."
Evan smiled sarcastically. Evan fell silent, his expression gloomy.
"The knight who protects the world..." Evan stared off into the sky.
"Why does this world need to be protected, anyway? There are so many rotten people living in it."
"Again, a stupid question with no answer." Evan smiled mockingly at himself.
"Forgive me for cursing here." Evan looked back at the tombstone.
"Thank you for your sacrifice, my friend. Sleep well."
Evan bowed to the grave again and approached Zain.
"So, since it's lunchtime, would you like to eat together?" Evan asked.
Zain paused for a moment and then shook his head.
"Is that so? Okay, I'll go to Aria Village." Evan walked away, and Rian bowed to Zain and followed him.
"The graves here look very well-maintained. Nowadays, most people choose to cremate, even though it's a bit more expensive, but it's easier to maintain and doesn't require a long trip." Said Rian, who had been observing the graves they passed.
"Well, that does seem easier. But don't you think it looks painful?"
"Painful?"
"Yes, seeing the body of someone you love burned to ashes. Even if you were burned, you would feel pain, right?"
"But it's a dead body."
"Someone told me it hurts."
"Then how is it different from being buried?"
"When they're buried, they look as if they're sleeping soundly and peacefully."
"Is it the same person who said that?"
"Yes."
"May I ask who?"
"You just met him."
Rian could only stare in confusion at Evan, who was smiling. The two of them arrived at Aria Village.
"For a village, this place is amazing. More like a small town. The buildings are just as good as those in the city, although simpler." Rian was amazed by Aria Village.
"It seems like many people from various regions are trading here," Evan said.
As they were looking around, they passed someone. They paused for a moment, observing each other.
"Respectfully, Private Zidane Arden greets Minister Evan Dante." Zidane greeted Evan with a perfect salute.
Evan was a little surprised.
"Greetings, Lieutenant Colonel. Are you on duty here?"
"No, I'm visiting. I used to live here when I was younger."
"Ah, is that so. Since you and I are off duty, you can be more relaxed." Evan smiled.
"Okay, thank you." Zidane returned the smile.
"We're going to have lunch, would you like to join us too?" Evan invited Zidane.
Zidane was confused for a moment.
"I'm sorry, but I have to decline." Zidane bowed his head politely.
"Why?" Evan asked.
"There's someone I want to meet."
"Oh, Zain?"
Zidane was a little surprised.
"You know big bro- i mean Mr. Zain?"
"Hahaha, big brother Zain? I didn't know he could be called big brother." Evan laughed.
Zidane could only stare at Evan in confusion.
"Okay, see you later."
"Okay. Please take care." Zidane bowed.
Zidane headed to Zain's place. When he arrived at his usual seat, he didn't see him there. While searching for Zain, Zidane scanned the names on the tombstones as if searching for a grave.
Finally, he found it. It was Major Hyder Zevanor's grave.
"Respectfully, Private Zidane Arden greets Major Hyder Zevanor." Zidane saluted the grave.
"Forgive me for being late, Major. Although we've only met twice, you've been an inspiration to me."
"Your achievements are remarkable. I greatly respect you, Major."
"May your fighting spirit be instilled in the other soldiers. My regards." Zidane bowed respectfully to the grave.
"Didn't you bring flowers for him?"
Zidane turned toward the voice behind him. It was Zain.
"No." Zidane shook his head.
"I see." Zain walked away, Zidane following behind him.