NOVGO.NET Chapter 1833: A Talk With Svana
Chapter 1833: A Talk With Svana
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There were more reasons why Aquarina liked Sylphy beyond her beauty. Though Aquarina had to admit Sylphy was still the prettiest girl she had ever seen, it was also her beautiful heart, gentleness, kindness, and relentless personality that drew her in.
Aquarina knew she was not perfect. Sylphy sometimes felt down too, but when that happened, everyone she had cheered up would come to her aid, Aquarina included.
Lost in thought, Aquarina and her friends walked forward and landed in front of the Inheritance Building. The gigantic temple was built from ancient brown stone, its mighty pillars and statues of muscular men and women holding axes and hammers towering over them.
“Hey, hey! Welcome, welcome! You’re a little late, but I’m glad you made it in time anyway! How have you all been lately? A lot of things have happened, huh?”
Svana stood there, the tallest, biggest, and strongest member of Everstone. She was their chief and guardian, the one who made the rules and regulated everything.
After learning about the prejudices that had tormented Justicio’s family, Aquarina couldn’t help but want to voice her complaints about Svana’s negligence over generations.
She had always seen Svana as rational, strong, and kind above all. To let others do and say those things to Justicio’s family disappointed her.
The old Aquarina might not have bothered, but after everything she had endured, and after learning from her friends and Sylphy, she wanted to be a little like her.
Instead of staying silent and going with the flow, letting people do as they pleased, she wanted change. At the very least, she wanted to ask why things were the way they were.
“Yeah, we’re here. The kids are ready, Svana!” Nepheline nodded.
“I’m glad! Alright, kids, come—”
“Wait!”
Before Svana could speak another word, Aquarina stopped her. She walked toward Svana, looking up at the mountain of a woman as Svana tilted her head curiously.
“What’s wrong, Aquarina?”
“Svana… I wanted to ask you something.”
“Yes, dear? What is it?”
“I… You know what has been happening to Justicio’s family, right?”
“…”
“About his father being born the way he is, and about his mother… what they went through and why they’re discriminated against…”
“Oh, that…”
“I always thought you were kindhearted and wouldn’t let something like that happen! My first impressions of this village were good, a place where everyone accepted everyone, but… why?! Why haven’t you stepped up and spoken on their behalf? Why did you let them endure all that abuse and discrimination? You’re the chief and yet you didn’t protect your people! You let them fight over petty things like appearance… You disappoint me!”
“A-Aquarina…!” Justicio gasped, realizing Aquarina was confronting the chief, the greatest authority figure… and speaking up for him and his family. “Y-You don’t have to do this…”
“Wow… she really said all that!” Silvia giggled. “Amazing! She’s so brave!”
“…”
“…”
Aquarina faced Svana as the chief’s eyebrows furrowed. Nepheline and Shade stayed silent, remaining vigilant…
Then Svana’s serious face softened. Her powerful aura dissipated, and she sighed, looking down with regretful eyes.
“I know… I’ve been trying my best to make this village a good place all these years since taking over from my father,” she said. “I’ve seen my share of things… the good and the bad… and despite how I could call you a child for not knowing how the world works… I can’t. Because deep down, you’re completely right.”
“Eh?” Aquarina was surprised. She expected an angry slap and was ready for it, yet Svana did none of that.
“I’m sorry…” Svana looked at Justicio. “I’ve done my best to protect this village, but I’ve lacked in many ways, letting people do as they wanted because I thought it was right… Discrimination and prejudice are not too common here. We are kinder than out there, I assure you. Even discriminated people like Justicio’s parents have houses near everyone else. They have everything they need, and though some say bad things, others accept them…”
“Ah…” Aquarina muttered.
“I thought that was enough. I believed the difficulties made them stronger, and it seems that way. They raised a wonderful boy,” Svana smiled at Justicio, shocking him. “But… maybe I was wrong too. Though there’s good and bad in my teachings, I thought my father’s way was correct. Those who struggle prove discriminators wrong by growing stronger from the pressure, while the complacent fail and learn a lesson…”
“I mean, that’s not wrong either…” Aquarina said. “But… at least when they were kids…”
“Yes… I know…” Svana closed her eyes. “I’ll do better from now on to help them fit in. I’ll ask others to include them in hunting groups and aid Justicio’s father with magic equipment to even the field.”
“Wow… I didn’t think you would agree… Thank you!” Aquarina smiled happily.
“I needed that rude awakening. I was growing complacent too. A perspective from the outside was just what I needed, hahah,” Svana giggled, patting Aquarina’s head. “Alright, come here, you two! It’s about time.”
After that emotional conversation and opening Svana’s eyes, Aquarina, Silvia, and Justicio walked toward the Inheritance entrance, leaving Nepheline and Shade behind as Svana led them.
“So what do we do inside?” Silvia asked. “Will you guide us?”
“No, I cannot enter,” Svana said. “I completed the trial myself, which is why I’m so strong. Since then, nobody else has succeeded except your mother, Aquarina.”
“Only Mom?” Aquarina asked.
“Yeah, but that’s about to change, right?” Svana smiled. “Though your mother did it alone… you’ve got two friends, so it should be easier.”
“Eh, I hope so. I’m still tired from battling a literal evil god,” Aquarina sighed.
“Ha ha ha ha! Yeah, that was not what I expected before the trial! Compared to that, this might seem like child’s play,” Svana said, then grew serious. “But don’t lower your guard. You can fail and walk out alive, but death is possible if you’re careless. All three of you must watch each other’s backs, understand? The same applies to your Spirits and Familiars.”
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