Rebirth: Star Witch Lilian

Chapter 39: rebuild

If I had a nickel for every time this story was added to a reading list called Webcomic I'd have four nickels. Which isn't a lot but it's weird that it happened four times.

After a week of recovery and mourning dedicated to those lost in the war

I spoke with Lisia and we agreed to work together to rebuild Gehna.

A month passed and the rebuilding had been put into motion. Now that we had rebuilt houses and agriculture has been improved to help with the food supplies it was time to build a school.

"So tell me Lisia how does the education system in Gehna work?" I asked her trying to figure out the plans.

"Pardon? Education system? You mean schooling correct." She spoke and I could tell she was surprised and confused by my question.

"Yes I'm asking because..." then I realized something.

Gehna had been at war for over half a decade ran by dysfunctional leaders even forcing children to fight.

They likely didn't know much of anything about the world outside of Gehna. Even less than me and I'd only been around for a few a little over a year.

"Gehna doesn't have any sort of proper schooling system does it Lisia?" I asked awaiting an answer I fully expected.

"No... I'm afraid people aren't really taught much. Most people have focused on trying to survive, Feeding their family, or fighting this war. Only high class families could afford to teach their kids anything more than what's needed to survive." She explained.

"Well then we could always start somewhere." I told her and her face gave me a look of interest

"Hmmm... well my world had a public schooling system for ages 6-18 years old. The first 9 years were spent on more general education while the next 3 specialized more based on what classes the kids planned on attending. Something like that sound reasonable?" I asked her approval.

"Hmmm. Well it sounds good on paper but... I'm not sure it'll work in practice. Especially not a change so drastic... oh maybe we could do a simple 1-2 year education for kids and see where things go from there?" She suggested

Honestly not a bad plan. I suppose it'd be a bit much to make such a big change so quickly so slower and more gradual changes would be for the better.

"Sounds like a plan. Let's do that Lisia."

I got a nod in response before seeing her smile for the first time since Excella passed away.

Huh. I hadn't thought about it before but she does have a nice smile.
*********

Six months since the war ended.

The new education system was put in place but building actual actual schoolhouses takes time.

But after a lot of hard work I now faced a new challenge...

After months of working together I began to grow close with Caius. He was a nice man that cared about the well-being of others, often asked for others opinions on important matters, and most endearingly he loved to build things or moreso love to see how things were built and put together.

Then he asked me out on a Date. I'll admit I was surprised but happy.

Though I must admit I did tease him a bit

**

"A date? What's that Caius?"

"Oh well you see Lisia when a girl and a guy like each other sometimes they can go out and do things together to grow closer. Often times they can be between friends or acquaintances and..."

"Haha. Caius I'm kidding I'm kidding. I imagine they're a bit different from how they were in your world but we still have dates and courting here." I answered him

"Ah... so then would you like to..."

"I'd be honored Caius. Let's do something relaxing like dinner... tell ya what we can cook together!" I suggested interested in trying some recipes from his world.

"Ah y-yes. That'd be great Lisia."
***

Back to date knight I was getting dressed. I had on some dress pants and my baby blue blouse.

In truth I wanted to wear one of my dresses but... I hadn't gotten a new dress since I was 15 years old and now that the war ended... well a 21 year old woman doesn't exactly fit into her teenage dresses. Maybe in the future I'll get some new outfits.

I heard a knock on the door and opened it to be greeted by Caius.

"Caius. Welcome come in come in."

"Ah. Thank you Lisia. Uhhh I should confess something I'm not a very good cook." He said scratching the back of his head

I chuckled at then honesty

"Well that's fine Caius. Do you know any types of food from your world?"

"Well to be honest Lisia a lot of food we at was rations. When it came to meals themselves usually my sister was the one that cooked since she was much better at it. Although there was one recipe that I remember making for Kate that she always liked. It was a sort of Cheese flavored potato soup. Thankfully this world has similar ingredients."

Oh ok then. It was a standard crop here but there wasn't a proper name for it in the Gehnan language. But in English, his language, they called them 'Potatoes' and used some milk  and cheese which was blended together to make a nice warm comfort food.

It was nice. Combined with some roasted dragon lizard for a meat we had a simple but nice dinner together.

"Hey Lisia. I was wondering about this city. It's been rebuilt. But I heard some of the people worried we'd go back to how things were once it was all rebuilt."

"I'd been thinking about that Caius... actually there was a fairytale we were told as kids. About a promise land that acts as a sort of beacon of hope for us Gehnans." I told him

"I've thought about it. We should rename the Capital to Unita. The hope of Gehna."

We talked with each other and enjoyed the company of each other.

Aaaand that's the chapter hope you enjoyed.
One chapter left in this flashback and you can probably imagine what's gonna happen next.

And no I will not be submitting this story for the 2022 Wattys because I don't really want to rush the ending to get it in. I suppose I could segment this story into multiple parts but I'd rather just have one long story.

Anyways hope y'all have been doing well and see you soon. Unless Xenoblade 3 takes over my life.