By morning, they reached the Dalhia Region and continued their journey to Faldris District. After several moments, they arrived at the governor's building, where they were greeted by the governor and other officials.
As they stepped down from the carriage, the governor, a welcoming smile on his face, approached them. "I hope your journey was pleasant," he said warmly.
Silas stepped forward. "Thank you for greeting us this early, Governor. May I introduce the king's aides, Miss Naseria Aelith Gaheris and Odessa Welsh," he gestured toward them. "And this is the governor and his wife, Kenley Galen Welnerg and Ferelith Caelie Welnerg."
Odessa bowed respectfully, and Naseria nodded, acknowledging them.
"Please, feel free to rest. Our attendants will guide you to your lodging," Governor Kenley said with a courteous nod.
They were led to their spacious lodging, complete with individual rooms and a shared area for meals and relaxation. Once left alone, they began to unpack and settle in. Meanwhile, Silas was outside, tending to the horses.
Later, Silas entered the lodging with a middle-aged woman, who smiled warmly at them. "Hello, I apologize for not meeting you at the governor's building earlier. I’ve prepared some food for you."
"Thank you, Mayor," Silas replied, introducing her to the group. "This is Mayor Isna Dafni Morris, of the Faldris District. And, as mentioned earlier, these are the king's aides, Naseria Aelith Gaheris and Odessa Welsh."
Odessa smiled gratefully, while Naseria nodded politely once again.
Silas and the mayor exchanged a few more words before she left. As the door closed, Odessa began preparing the food while Naseria quietly wrote in her journal.
"Are you journaling again, Miss?" Odessa asked, watching Naseria nod in response.
Odessa hesitated, then added, "I wonder how it feels... to write and read."
Naseria looked up, surprised. "What do you mean?"
"I don’t know how to write or read," Odessa admitted softly, looking down.
Naseria looked up, startled. "How? Why?"
Odessa shrugged. "I never had time. I was too busy surviving, and it’s not common for commoners to get an education these days."
Naseria's brow furrowed. "Hasn’t the king addressed this issue?"
"He has," Odessa said, "but it’s mostly for nobles. For people like us, survival comes first. Why teach us when we’re just trying to get by?"
Naseria sighed deeply, shaking her head. "That’s unacceptable. Starting tomorrow, I’ll give you letters. I’ll teach you to read and write."
"You will?" Odessa asked, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Yes," Naseria confirmed. "When I leave this kingdom, I'll pass on the knowledge I have so you can become a healer or botanist and support yourself."
"You'll leave the kingdom?" Odessa's tone shifted to concern.
"Not now," Naseria reassured her. "Not until I finish my mission. But once that’s done, I will leave."
"Why?" Odessa questioned, pausing for a moment.
"Because being in the kingdom isn’t for me," Naseria replied, her voice steady but resolute.
"Will you tell me where you'll go?" Odessa asked softly.
"Of course," Naseria said, a faint smile touching her lips, and Odessa smiled in return.
They started their meal, the atmosphere comfortable but tinged with the weight of the future. Later, as they prepared for bed, Odessa sat beside Naseria, gently helping her with her hair.
