I'm not sure about all the details, but it's said to be one of the largest gatherings of different races in Maaya—aside from the conferences. Some go there to earn, some to enjoy, and others just to see different races for the first time.
Zane paused for a moment, noticing that Aidan didn't seem inclined to speak. Then, with a soft exhale, he said,
"To be honest, Aidan… I'm curious about this world—about this land, about Maaya. I've spent most of my life in the darkest corners of it. So, yeah… I want to see the brightest parts too. I want to explore Maaya."
His voice grew quieter, tinged with melancholy.
"I'm curious about the other races. I want to meet them… talk to them."
He continued after a brief pause,
"While races can visit other empires if they want, it's still hard to blend in. The locals… they don't always welcome outsiders. They make it difficult. It's the same in every race."
Aidan heard Zane's words and couldn't ignore the sadness woven into them. There was no denying it—Zane had truly struggled his entire life, even for the most basic standard of living.
Aidan's eyes drifted to the stars shining overhead, their quiet glow somehow comforting. Then, his voice broke the silence.
"Zane, can you look at the brightest star above us?"
Zane glanced around, searching the sky. When he spotted the brightest star slightly to his left, he turned to confirm it by checking Aidan's line of sight.
"I know you'll see the brightest parts of the world someday, Zane," Aidan said softly. "And when that day comes… anyone who looks at you will wish they could shine just as you do."
Zane chuckled at Aidan's words, a soft smile spreading across his face.
"So, Aidan," he said with a teasing glint in his eye, "should I change my name from Zane the Breeze to Zane the Shining Star?"
Aidan glanced at Zane, and seeing the soft smile on his face made him feel strangely at ease. Since coming to this world, if Aidan had to name one person he could truly call a friend, it would be Zane.
What did it matter if Zane was younger, a little less wise because of his age?
Because beneath it all, Zane was just like him—someone who wanted to be strong, someone who understood the true nature of humanity. Strong enough to break the chains life had wrapped around him. Strong enough to be free.
Aidan laughed, a rare sound—soft and genuine. For a moment, he forgot about his worries, about the Dark Forest—before saying,
"As if. Maybe I should start calling you Shining Star from now on."
He smirked, glancing sideways at Zane.
"Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it, Zane?"
Zane raised an eyebrow and said,
"Call me whatever you want—Shining Star or Zane the Breeze, I don't mind."
Then, with a hint of a provocative tone, he added,
"And maybe I should start calling you Young Master."
Aidan rolled his eyes.
"If you start calling me Young Master, you'll need to bow too."
Zane frowned, eyeing him with mock suspicion.
"Oh? You don't seem annoyed this time."
Aidan shrugged, his gaze still fixed on the stars.
"After hearing it so many times… it's just become normal for me now."
"I see," Zane muttered, going silent.
Aidan hesitated, unsure if he should tell Zane about his plan. Truth be told, after Matthew, Zane was the only person in mind if Matthew had refused.
But now that Matthew had agreed, there was no need to drag Zane into danger. Aidan had even been prepared to write a will—just in case he didn't make it back and Zane did.
But now, that seemed unnecessary.
Aidan rose from his spot on the grass, shifting from lying down to sitting up. A few blades of grass clung to his back.
Seeing him move, Zane sat up too, brushing his palms against the ground as he thought, Guess it's time to head back to the room.
Aidan glanced over at Zane.
"What you said earlier… about wanting to see other races—I haven't seen them either."
He paused, his voice more thoughtful now.
"What do you think about going to the festival in the Lizardman Empire?"
Zane's eyes widened, confusion flickering across his face as he leaned in slightly.
"What do you mean by that?" he asked, his voice carrying a questioning tone, unsure if Aidan was joking or serious.
"Well, you see," Aidan began, "I heard the Wilsons are planning to send a representative—as a sign of respect for the invitation that came from the council—"
Zane suddenly sat up straighter, eyes narrowing.
"Wait a minute… are you saying you're thinking of going as the representative?"
Aidan gave a small nod, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Well… yeah. That's the plan," he said, his tone calm but firm.
Zane, bewildered, stared at Aidan.
"You can do that? Damn, and you're a Wilson—the heir to the Wilson family! That's... damn. I don't think even the Lizardman Empire would be expecting you."
"Well, expecting it or not, I am planning to ask my parents for permission for it," Aidan said, standing, followed by Zane.
Zane raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised but impressed.
"You're really going to ask them for permission? You think they'll let you go?" he asked, his tone half-amused, half-curious. "I mean, it's not exactly a small request, especially with all the risks involved."
Aidan's gaze lingered on the inner castle, his voice distant as he murmured,
"I'm not sure, Zane, but I have to ask for permission... and get it."
The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of his resolve.
Zane, watching him closely, caught the undercurrent of determination in his voice—something deeper than the usual uncertainty that usually surrounded Aidan.
For some reason, Zane couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than just getting permission, but he shrugged off the thought.
With a casual grin, he clapped Aidan on the shoulder.
"All the best, Aidan. I believe your parents will understand you."
Aidan's lips curled into a smile, his eyes flicking to Zane for a moment.
"Thanks, Zane."
With that, both of them walked toward their rooms in silence, each wrapped in their own thoughts.
Aidan felt his heart pounding in his chest as he neared his parents' room. Each step felt heavier, as if the weight of his decision was pressing down on him with every inch closer he got.
His mind raced—what if they said no?