The Empire of Reimia (3)

"Um, you mean not that way?" Bert was surprised. "Maybe we should ask someone for directions."

Berwang nodded, and they went to look for someone who could tell them the way to the house where the boy grew up.
"Ber?" As they passed through a small courtyard, the couple stopped at the sound of a girl's voice. "It's you!"

"Ari!" Berwang was both surprised and happy. He rushed over to hug her and began bombarding her with questions. It soon became clear that his old friend lived here with her family and often visited Berwang's orphanage to help out or just play with the children. Now, however, she studied in a neighboring town, which she reached by train.
"Oh, Ari, this is Bert, my best friend at the academy," Berwang said, pointing to Bertrand and putting his fists on his hips, as if it were a reason for great pride.
"Hello, Bert," the schoolgirl smiled politely at the elf.