NOVEL WEB Chapter 95
095.
If one were to pick the most important places within the inland territories of the Claire Empire, the Northern, Southeastern, Southwestern, Southern, and Central regions would undoubtedly be mentioned.
This is because the symbols of the empire, now known as the Five Great Houses, are each located in these areas.
Although the regions each have quite distinct characteristics, the contrast between the Northern and Southern regions is especially pronounced, to the point where they could be considered complete opposites.
The Northern region is often associated with remoteness.
Surrounded by a massive wall, the area gives off an atmosphere as if it were isolated from the rest of the empire.
The culture inside the wall is so distinctive that it has been handed down over generations largely independently.
In contrast, the Southern region enjoys a rather rich environment.
While it can get a bit warm, it is by no means as cold as the Northern region.
From this perspective, the Southern region is indeed the most peaceful land within the empire.
However, even such a place cannot be considered entirely safe and tranquil.
There are several locations within the inland territories of the empire notorious for their hazards, and the Southern region is no exception.
Despite the dangers, a few citizens of the empire still venture to these places, thanks to their breathtaking beauty.
Take, for example, the Latia Waterfall.
The towering, steep cliffs that frame the waterfall are impressive enough on their own, but the waterfall plunging down below is nothing short of majestic.
The mist that forms at the base of the cliffs has a dreamlike quality, and the mighty yet serene sound of the falling water can clear your mind.
Getting closer to see it would, of course, be ideal, but that is not possible here.
The height from which the waterfall descends is dizzying, and the pressure and current at the bottom are too much for an ordinary person to withstand; one could easily be swept away and pulled under.
To avoid such dangers, one must remain a significant distance away, so much so that it might seem as if the mist covers the entire waterfall.
The inability to see it clearly gives rise to a sense of regret, and thus the true appearance of the Latia Waterfall remains one of its many mysteries.
And now,
at a distance judged safe from the Latia Waterfall,
a boy and a girl stood, their figures silhouetted against the backdrop.
Their dull and ashen-gray eyes signaled their destination: the Latia Waterfall.
*
“Wasn’t it unnecessary for me to be here if you planned to come without informing anyone?”
“Um…”
Ideally, Laris should have awakened the Heart Image first, before events unfolded. This meant Laris would use the awakening of the Heart Image as leverage to secure a promise regarding their mother’s funeral, thereby prompting a change in the family’s attitude, with Kalen stepping in accordingly.
Kalen’s question about whether it was acceptable not to inform the family carried the same underlying meaning.
However, Laris decided, rather abruptly, to proceed directly to the Latia Waterfall without notifying the family.
“But I can’t go to the Latia Waterfall alone, and you, Kalen, said you’d come along too.”
Laris hadn’t expected things to unfold this way.
Initially, Laris approached Kalen with the intent of using the Heart Image as leverage, premised on the idea of using it to negotiate with the family.
The change of heart was prompted by the slender thread of hope and conviction that Kalen demonstrated—his belief that they could overcome any obstacle inspired Laris to reconsider her options.
One of the many contemplations was to come to her mother’s funeral before even obtaining the Heart Image.
With Kalen as a means to this end, there was no need to awaken the Heart Image or use it to negotiate with the family.
Having no attachment to the family or her position as a noble, Laris felt it was appropriate to simply conduct the funeral and move on.
Of course, her decision also stemmed from a mix of resentment and impulsive rebellion.
“Now that I can conduct Mother’s funeral, I don’t see why I need to resort to risky negotiations with the family, do you?”
Thus, Laris’ plans shifted on the spot.
“…The risk I was considering referred to the possibility of the Plache family pressuring us.”
“Mmm. I understand. But if things go well and we can conduct Mother’s funeral peacefully, I intend to leave the family immediately. The Heart Image isn’t that important anymore.”
“…”
“And… because I’ve made this decision, Kalen has to take responsibility. Come on, lead the way. It’s still a long way to the waterfall.”
In essence, her plan was to quickly handle the funeral that the family had made impossible by their pressure, and then escape.
With Kalen now acting as her opportunity for a breakthrough, she had changed her mind.
It’s understandable; however, Kalen was perplexed by something different—Laris’ attitude had subtly softened.
Whereas previously she seemed unapproachable, now there was an air of innocence akin to that of a young girl.
Was this due to Laris revealing her innermost thoughts, secrets never shared with anyone else? Laris had begun to smile more and her tone had become gentler.
This demeanor continued as she teasingly nudged Kalen’s back, urging him forward, making it seem like they’d known each other for a long time.
Although Kalen had formed a somewhat different impression of Laris after witnessing this change, he chose not to comment and simply followed her lead.
Beyond the safe distance, they now faced the true magnificence of the Latia Waterfall.
*
Ah—Does it feel like it’s raining?
Such a powerful rush of water created the impression of rain.
Kalen and Laris approached the Latia Waterfall, getting closer and thus nearing the lower reaches, where they encountered the immense mist created by the falling water colliding and merging with the flow downstream.
The mist was so thick that it almost resembled fog, and the roar of the waterfall was so immense that it drowned out all other sounds. Though visibility was restricted due to the foggy water spray, they sensed they were much closer to the waterfall.
“…We need to go upward from here.”
It was easy to lose sight of one another even with a slight movement due to the enveloping mist.
If Laris were to get separated and lost within this vast water spray on her own, it would be dangerous for her to maintain her footing.
Before entering the mist, Kalen had already pushed her lightly in the back, a cue suggesting a solution that wasn’t long in coming.
“My wrist hurts.”
“What? Oh, ah…”
Even though they were close together, Kalen had trouble keeping track of Laris while forging ahead. Thus, it was decided that Laris would physically stay connected to Kalen.
Initially, the idea was to hold hands, but for some unknown reason Laris declined. Instead, she opted to grasp Kalen’s wrist while following behind.
The closer they got to the waterfall, the tighter Laris’s grip became.
Unable to see behind him, Kalen occasionally spoke softly to Laris, who would then sheepishly loosen her grip after realizing her firm clutch.
However,
Kwaah!—
“Uh…”
“Ahh… I’m sorry…”
Gently, gently.
The Latia Waterfall was already impressive from a distance, but up close, its immensity was palpable.
The sheer force of the cascading water couldn’t simply be described as a stream. The mist itself, created by the collision of falling water, was dense like fog. The roaring sound of the waterfall was enough to startle anyone.
Kalen glanced around, feeling the soft pressure of Laris’ touch as she fidgeted with his wrist. The mist was thick enough to obscure his view, leaving him barely able to see beyond his immediate surroundings. It felt akin to navigating through an island of ice in winter—difficult and treacherous.
Whereas the ice island represents a general hardship across the Northern region, the Latia Waterfall itself harbors numerous specific dangers. Without caution, one could easily be swept away by the rapids next to them.
Experienced in extraordinary situations, Kalen wasn’t startled by the noise of the waterfall, but noticing Laris’ grip tightening again, he decided it was better to take action.
Laris probably felt that letting go of Kalen’s wrist wasn’t an option. Considering their current pace, there was certainly a lack of consideration for Laris. Having to adjust her strides while maintaining her hold would naturally cause her to tense.
Kalen paused momentarily before starting to slow his steps.
“Kalen…?”
“Then, let’s hold hands, Miss. I’ll guide you.”
He slightly turned his head, fixing one eye on Laris.
“That’s…”
Laris instinctively intended to refuse.
Kwaah!
“Uh…”
Coincidentally, the waterfall’s sound surged louder. Clutching Kalen’s wrist tightly, Laris slowly opened her tightly shut eyes.
Kalen’s gaze remained steady upon her, and under that gaze, Laris softly lowered her head, released her grip on his wrist, and let her hand fall.
Upon feeling the delicate touch of a small, refined hand, Kalen silently took it.
Only then did Kalen turn his head back forward, and he resumed walking with a slower, more measured pace.
Thus, Laris followed, firmly holding the hand of a boy her age, whose rough touch seemed unbelievable for someone so young. She walked in step with the adjusted pace, matching her strides with his.
And so they moved forward together.