BRAND NEW WORLD-Chapter 61: A New Fireflies Beneath a Fragile Sky

"Since the important matters have already been discussed, we'll take our leave now," Rima said.

"Auntie, where are you going? Don't leave me." Shany's face turned pitiful, unwilling to be left behind.

"You still have work to do. We just don't want to disturb you," Rima replied.

"No, I don't have any work," Shany answered with a bitter smile.

Suddenly…

Ahem!

A soft clearing of throats came from Brudack and Izzat.

"Don't worry. We'll come back when dinner time arrives," Rima added.

"Really?!" Shany exclaimed.

Rima and I nodded.

"YAY! Then let's have a pajama party later!" Shany said excitedly.

Seeing this, Brudack and Izzat could only shake their heads. After reaching an agreement, Rima and I left the room. At the palace entrance, we ran into Clive.

"Clive! You just arrived?" I greeted.

"Miss Luna! Miss Rima! Ah, no." Clive leaned forward slightly. "Where are you two heading?"

"We're going to stroll around the capital while waiting for nightfall. What about you?"

"I'll report to the organization first," Clive replied.

"Oh, I see. Then see you later."

We said our goodbyes.

• •

After leaving the palace, we walked along the capital's streets. Unlike other cities, Beastmen dominated this place.

Could that be related to their faster reproductive cycle?

Perhaps because Dwarves, Elves, Draconians, and Demons have long lifespans, they rarely have offspring. Even if they do, it may be once every few decades or even once every century. Their populations are far smaller than those of humans and Beastmen.

Since Rima left the decision to me, we decided to visit the market. Upon arriving, the Kingdom of Nyrranthea surprised me again. The market here was very different—it could be called an indoor market, as the merchants were gathered within a single district or block. A signboard stood at the entrance.

"You must be surprised, huh?" Rima smirked.

Of course. This looks like a market on Earth. Must be Shanaerah's idea again.

We entered the market area.

• •

Perhaps because Nyrranthea lies in a tropical region, many merchants sold a variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices. As I browsed…

Ah, peanuts! With these, I can make peanut sauce. For batagor, lotek, fritters… I can't wait.

"Why are you smiling to yourself?" Rima asked.

Ah, I forgot.

"It's nothing, hehe," I replied awkwardly.

After that, we visited several shops and bought goods in bulk. The merchants were shocked to see me purchasing such large quantities. Even Rima beside me looked surprised. Fortunately, food stored in spatial storage wouldn't rot, so I didn't have to worry.

Next, we visited weapon and armor shops. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The quality wasn't much different from other places. Items labeled "uncommon" cost dozens to hundreds of gold coins. Meanwhile, not a single shop sold "rare"-quality weapons.

Is this also the policy of an old player like Shanaerah?

After wandering long enough, we decided to leave the market.

• •

When we exited, the sky had turned orange. Street lamps and buildings began to light up, painting the capital in a beautiful light.

"Oh, it's already evening. The sky was bright blue earlier," I murmured.

"Of course. That's because you were too absorbed in shopping," Rima teased.

"Did we shop that long?"

"Two hours and forty-nine minutes. That's your shopping time," Rima said.

That long? "Hehe, sorry. I got too excited."

"Don't worry. They say women are like that when it comes to shopping," Rima said with a sly smile before walking ahead.

"Hey! What do you mean by that?!"

I quickly chased after her.

• •

Night deepened. We returned to the castle. Upon entering, a servant guided us straight to the dining room. Shany was already waiting, still wearing the same dress from earlier.

"Auntie!" Shany called.

"Good evening, Shany!" Rima and I replied.

She approached and hugged us one by one.

"Come on, please sit!"

After a brief chat, the servants brought the dishes. We enjoyed dinner together as one family.

[After our stomachs were full…]

During the meal, I noticed Shany eating with true noble etiquette. Rima as well. Watching them, I tried to imitate their manners to look like a noble, but Rima laughed at me.

"Auntie, do you really dislike nobles? Even though you're one yourself?" Shany asked.

…

In TNWO, nobles always infuriated players. They often gave 'requests' that contradicted moral values. The developers were even 'attacked' by players because of it. After many complaints, the requests were changed to be less controversial. But the damage was done—many players still avoided noble quests. Of course, I can't say that.

"Shany… you may not know this, but before the Era of Chaos, most nobles were greedy and cruel, especially among humans," Rima interjected.

"How greedy?" Shany asked.

"They would do anything to satisfy their desires. Because they held 'power,' they often oppressed the weak," Rima answered.

Before the Era of Chaos? I wonder when that was.

Humans also enslaved other races, especially elves, because of their beautiful faces. Many were turned into sex slaves," Rima added.

That happened? That background never existed in the game.

"Did that really happen?" Shany slammed the table, her face filled with anger.

"When I left the elf village to chase after Luna, I witnessed many of the nobles' evils. Even after the Era of Chaos, many were still like that," Rima said.

Is this the true world background? This is my first time hearing it.

Hearing Rima's explanation, Shany clenched her fists, staring at the table in thought.

"Alright, alright… no need to dwell on it. It's all in the past. Nobles nowadays are much better," Rima said, lightening the mood.

"Rima's right. What's past is past. Let's do our best for this moment—right now."

That's a quote from a movie I once watched.

"What about the pajama party?" Rima asked.

"Ah, right! Let's go to my room!" Shany exclaimed.

• •

The view of the capital's scattered lights from Shany's balcony was breathtaking. Soon, footsteps approached from behind.

"Lun, are you thinking about something?" Rima asked.

"Look, Rim! The view from here is beautiful. The lights look like fireflies at night."

"You're right… "It's beautiful," Rima replied.

"Everyone's asleep, dreaming peacefully, unaware that danger could strike at any moment."

"You're right… It would be a shame if this view disappeared." Rima fell silent. "Maybe tomorrow we'll get our answer."

We gazed at the city lights, accompanied by the night breeze.

"Auntie! So you're here!" Shany called.

She had changed into cream-colored pajamas with floral patterns.

These… are Earth-style pajamas? Definitely Shanaerah's idea.

"Come inside! I can't wait for story time! YAY!" she cheered.

We exchanged smiles and followed her inside, sharing stories until the day ended.

• •

The next morning, after bathing and breakfast, we said goodbye. Shany looked sad.

"We just met yesterday, and now we're parting again," she sobbed.

I approached and held her hand.

"Don't worry. We'll definitely meet again. Next time, not the three of us—but four, with Shanaerah."

"Really?" Her eyes sparkled.

I nodded. After one last embrace, Rima and I flew swiftly toward the Forbidden Land.

Forbidden Land… here I come.

• •

Cold wind pierced my skin as I flew.

"If my memory is correct, it shouldn't be far now…" I murmured.

Half an hour later, I stopped midair.

"What's wrong, Lun?" Rima asked.

A vast green field stretched before us, with dense forest behind.

"That's strange…"

"What is?" Rima asked.

"That place… I remember it should already be visible, but…"

"The Forbidden Land?" Rima asked.

"Yes…"

"Shouldn't there be a city?" she said.

"That's what I remember…"

We landed.

"Lun! Something's coming!" Rima shouted.

The air rippled like a mirage. A figure emerged.

A woman clad in dark blue armor hovered with two black wings. Her cold gaze locked onto mine.

"Randgris… the Fallen Valkyrie… why is she here?" I murmured.

"You know her?" Rima asked.

"Yes… she's…" I stumbled on my words.

Randgris was one of TNWO's Level 500 NPC bosses—just like Tiamat.

She descended and landed on one knee.

"It is an honor to meet you, Lady Lunaria… and Miss Rima. My name is Randgris."

"Huh?" Rima blinked.

Huh?

"She's another of Radhimar's servants, like Tiamat," I said.

We both facepalmed and sighed.

"Yes… It's nice to meet you, too, Randgris."

After a brief exchange, I asked, "Was it Radhimar who ordered you to kneel before me?"

"Yes, Lady. Master Radhimar instructed me to do so."

"Honestly… that man. What I'm gonna do with him… Good thing this isn't in public," I muttered.

After clarifying matters, Randgris explained that she and the Four Horsemen had been guarding the seal for over 200 years—since the battle against the Demon King.

She predicted the barrier would collapse within a year.

We thanked her, then returned home via teleportation magic.

[Meanwhile, at Luna's cabin…]

A golden magic circle appeared in the backyard.

"Ah, home sweet home…" Rima said.

Suddenly—

"AHH~!"

Daisy screamed from inside.

Rima and I turned pale and rushed in.

BANG!

"Daisy! Are you alright?!"

The sight before us shocked us.

Daisy was laughing while playing with a blue-colored bird.