☀️ Arselia and Akonia

-- Lady Doran? A pleasant encounter, good day. How is your exploration of the world going today? Did you come across anything interesting?

This was probably the first time in Alaria's life that someone addressed her as "Lady Doran." It was a very strange, unfamiliar, and alien feeling. Her first instinct was to reply, "Yes, I learned that you shouldn't overindulge in sweets if you ate a plate of dumplings yesterday," but the red-haired aristocrat would hardly appreciate such humor.
— I discovered something interesting during my last visit," smiled the former inquisitor, "but I haven't had time to delve into it. I learned a little more about the members of the imperial council," Alaria tactfully avoided mentioning Shen directly, "and I also began to grasp the basics of commerce. However, reading books alone isn't enough; practice is needed. I have some experience in selling valuables, but it's clearly not enough.