The Perfect One - A Light Novel

Chapter 3: Unraveling The Unknown

The morning sun bathed the city of Celestria in a soft, golden light, casting long shadows across the narrow streets and bustling markets. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of the sea and the promise of a new day. Merchants were already setting up their stalls, their goods displayed in vibrant arrays of color, while townsfolk hurried about, eager to start their daily routines.

Raya awoke early, as she always did, ready to tackle the day's tasks. The previous night's encounter with Kael lingered in her mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the mysterious stranger than he had let on. There was a certain intensity in his gaze, a depth to his questions, that made her wonder who he really was.

As she prepared a simple breakfast, her parents chatted in the next room, their voices warm and familiar. They were good people, her parents—kind, hardworking, and loving—but life had not been easy for them. Their small home was modest and worn with age, but it was filled with the kind of love and care that made it a sanctuary for Raya. Despite their struggles, they had always managed to provide for her and her triplet's siblings, instilling in them the values of kindness, resilience, and a strong sense of duty to others.

After breakfast, Raya gathered her things and headed out into the city, her mind focused on the tasks ahead. She had promised Kael she would show him more of Celestria, and she was determined to make good on that promise. But first, there were deliveries to be made and errands to run.

Kael was waiting for her at the agreed-upon spot, a small, quiet square tucked away from the main thoroughfares. He greeted her with a smile, his eyes lighting up as he saw her approach. "Good morning, Raya," he said warmly, handing her a small pouch of coins as agreed. "I appreciate your guidance yesterday."

Raya nodded, accepting the payment with a polite smile. "Not at all," she replied, tucking the coins into her satchel. As she studied the map he handed her, she noticed that the locations he had marked were far from the usual tourist spots. Instead, they were places that few outsiders ever visited—places that revealed the true heart of Celestria. "Are you ready to see Ethoria from my perspective?" She asked, excited.

Kael returned her excitement, though there was a hint of tension in his expression. "I'm ready. Lead the way."

Their first stop was a small, rundown district on the outskirts of the city. The buildings here were old and crumbling, a stark contrast to the grand architecture of the city center. Yet, despite its appearance, the district was alive with activity. Children played in the narrow streets, their laughter echoing off the walls, while women hung laundry from windows and men worked in makeshift workshops.

Raya led Kael through the winding alleys, explaining the history of the district as they went. "This is one of the oldest parts of Celestria," she said. "It used to be a thriving community, home to some of the city's most skilled artisans. But over the years, as trade routes shifted and the city expanded, it was gradually forgotten."

Kael listened intently, his eyes taking in every detail. "And the people who live here now?" he asked.

"They're mostly descendants of those original artisans," Raya replied. "Many of them still practice their crafts, but it's hard to make a living here. The city's wealth is concentrated in the center, and the further out you go, the harder life becomes."

As they continued to explore the district, Kael noticed the resilience of the people who lived there. Despite the hardships they faced, there was a strong sense of community. People helped each other, sharing what little they had, and there was a quiet pride in their work.

At one point, they came across a small shop where an elderly man was carefully carving intricate designs into a piece of wood. Raya introduced him as Master Elian, one of the last remaining artisans in the district who still practiced the old ways.