The Empire of Reimia (3)

Wandering through the academy's corridors, or rather, studying its layout, Lathro comes across two of his classmates and, for some reason, instead of going up to them or continuing on his way, he decides to stop and listen. Perhaps he simply didn't want to interrupt or interfere with their conversation – who knows? "Don't you think it's fate that brought us together in the same class?" Romeo's manner of speech was very different this time from what he usually displayed in class; his gaze was sharper, and his eyes seemed dangerous. He spoke with the same words, but they sounded much more serious. "Shouldn't we, following the example of our great ancestors, form an alliance for the duration of our stay within the walls of this magnificent academy?" "Unfortunately, I am not interested in that and must decline." For some unknown reason, this conversation caused Azarina noticeable discomfort. "If that's all, I'll return to my business." The girl intended to leave, but Romeo stopped her, firmly grasping her wrist. "That answer does not satisfy me. At the very least, I want to know the reason for your refusal." "Listen..." Azarina wanted to say something, but she changed her mind and sighed heavily, giving up. "I am not proud of this part of my family's history, so this alliance is not of interest to me, okay?" "But why?" Romeo seemed genuinely surprised. "Why?!" Just like Romeo, Azarina was noticeably surprised, but for a completely different reason. "The reign of Thiaria brought nothing but suffering to this country and its millions of inhabitants. Tyranny, war, poverty, famine, the invasion of demonic hordes – how can I be proud of that?!" "I cannot grasp the meaning of your concerns. If our ancestors should be ashamed of anything, it is for losing the war. There were no villains or heroes then, only different sides pursuing very different interests. The world is not divided into black and white, Azarina." "But that's not true, Thiaria was..." "A tyrant. Yes, that's true, but so what? You wouldn't say that the coalition forces were heroes who saved people from his rule, would you? Come to your senses. Do you remember history so poorly that you've already forgotten what the victors did to the defeated empire during the civil war? Let me remind you – they left it in ruins." "..." "I'll leave you alone with your thoughts," Romeo loosened his grip and allowed the girl to free herself, "but my offer remains in effect." Lost in her own thoughts, Azarina stared at the floor and walked away, not noticing anything around her. Romeo, however, remained unperturbed and noticed Lathro's presence. "Aha, how unfortunate," the aristocrat's voice once again had the playful notes that were characteristic of him during his introduction to the class, "but I can't blame a peasant for not knowing etiquette, can I? But let's put this misunderstanding aside; today I am in a good mood and ready to show more generosity to my subordinates. Tell me, how about becoming my page? It's a great honor and a rare opportunity for a commoner like you."