🍁Nine Ancient Obelisks

In the restaurant, a rather unremarkable-looking man approached Genze. He appeared to be of middle age, although his eyes held the weariness of a ninety-year-old.
- Listen, kid, are you local? You're lucky. You were born and raised in a good country, unlike me. You know where I'm from? From the desert, ha-ha! - Despite the joke being accompanied by laughter, the stranger's eyes didn't smile; rather, they were filled with sadness. - Okay, bad joke. I haven't been very funny lately, and my thoughts aren't great either – all I think about is negativity. So, answering my own question, I'm from Kororat, in Marcella. Just north of here – I assume you at least know the geography of the neighboring countries. We were recently attacked by the undead from Haran. I managed to escape in time, but I lost everything. I'm practically left with nothing. - Realizing how that sounded, he quickly apologized. - Don't think I'm begging or anything. I just... you have kind eyes. I've been thinking about how my ancestors worked hard, toiled, and developed these lands, and then the Empress came along and destroyed the empire, and now we have to suffer. What was the point of it all? - He shakes his head. - But the worst part isn't that, it's everything in general.
The man shows a collage of two photographs.
- She's beautiful, isn't she? She's from Riedel. There are some problems there, and I have to wait two or three years to get the necessary paperwork to go there, which isn't an option. So, she usually swam to me, not the other way around... But that won't work now. I don't have a home anymore. And I don't have any money. I can't even afford to send a letter. But asking someone for money for something so personal... it's just awful. Lately, I just want to take a rope and... but I stop myself, thinking about her. It's just a paradox. - He sighs heavily, finishing his thought. - And why was I born in this wretched place? My life would be so much easier if I were from Asuguh.