CHAPTER 256: CHAPTER 256: AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

The charm of Nisk cannot be separated from "water"—winding water alleys, flowing clear waves, and bridges of varying heights. The entire city resembles a silent and affectionate maiden, with a gentle warmth flowing deep in her eyes.

The architecture, painting, sculpture, and opera in this city hold extremely important positions and influence across the entire "Tulip Alliance" and even the whole continent.

Additionally, due to its unique geographical location, it is also a commercial hub.

The residents live in abundance, peace, and harmony, naturally possessing a spirit and artistic cultivation that other places lack.

Today marks the seventh day since the "Storm Horn" arrived at Nisk Water City.

Uncertain when a possible attack might occur, to avoid the soldiers’ spirits being continuously tense, the near-sea patrol missions were divided into three batches, with six days being just enough for one round trip from the offshore boundary to the port.

Each time they port, they can rest for one day, ensuring the continuity of the patrol missions.

Meanwhile, Knight Ambrose and his team joined the six-nation United Mobile Forces. They mainly divided into two groups, stationed respectively at the City of Wealth "Golden Lion City" located mid-valley and Brandenburg, the political capital of Salt Lake County in the east.

Nisk, Golden Lion City, and Brandenburg are the three largest and most important cities along the river valley, and naturally, their defense levels are also the highest.

It is even said that each city has a powerful Tier 3 Extraordinary stationed, combined with the Extraordinary forces, making it impossible for the Octopus Ghost to come or go as they please!

In this rare return-to-port rest time for the "Storm Horn,"

the soldiers seized the time to recuperate and resupply.

Aiven, making his first trip abroad, felt the urge to explore after a period of calm.

He didn’t go to call on Milan, who was continually studying his talent witchcraft, or Gary, who was taking every opportunity to improve his swordsmanship, instead wandering alone in this beautiful city.

One must not undervalue themselves, nor consider oneself destined as a savior.

Although the mission’s deadline was still uncertain, Aiven felt little pressure on his mind.

Aligned with the strong official alliance, it’s impossible to maintain a long-term passive stance.

Being terrified day and night over a mere pirate—even if Aiven didn’t mind, the higher-ups of various nations wouldn’t stand for that shame.

It’s said that the alliance has already dispatched a hunting team led by a Great Knight to delve into the Black Sea, pursuing Hawkins and his hideout.

On the bright side, perhaps before even starting the fight here, the hunting team might already return carrying Hawkins’ "Octopus Head."

Tap... tap... tap...

Aiven, in a snow-white shirt, tailored pants, and round-toed shoes, wandered through the unique scenery of the Water City like an ordinary tourist.

Beside a small plaza half extending into the water, Aiven stopped, leaning against the stone railing to gaze at the distant "gentle" views of the water town, savoring the rare solitude.

In a warm, golden sunshine.

With numerous stone bridges connecting the city, boats of tourists passed through the clear waterways. Artists from around the world, coming for academic travel, performed various shows on this stage-filled place.

This city possesses the best audience in the world. Even a layperson can easily discern the level of the artists from the number of people gathered around them.

As Aiven stopped to watch, he witnessed the ordinary yet colorful lives that belong to ordinary people in this extraordinary world.

At this time, someone was playing an instrument in the plaza.

The melodious sound of the violin attracted passersby, clearly demonstrating the artist’s superb skill.

Aiven was no exception.

Although Aiven didn’t know the name of the piece, he could tell the performer’s emotions were full.

Emotion conveyed emotion, unconsciously stirring the listeners’ feelings of profound "longing" for their loved ones....

Involuntarily attracted, Aiven gently closed his eyes and listened attentively.

’Under the azure sky, clouds floated by, a free wind blew across the autumn fields, the scent of mature barley with the flavor of sunlight lingered in the nose...

It was the taste lingering in memories, the true taste of home.

A taste from long ago...

An adorable girl in a long dress with chestnut hair, bounding like a lively deer to his side, spread open her snow-white palm as if showing off a treasure...

Caught off guard, she popped a green grape hidden in her palm into his mouth.

Ugh, so sour!

This deflated act of mine made the tall man and kind elder not far away burst into laughter together.

The girl laughed like silver bells as she darted away....’

"Hehehe..."

Her silver-bell-like voice pierced through the memory, ringing in Aiven’s ears.

Aiven suddenly opened his eyes to see a smiling, beautiful yet unfamiliar face before him.

He then realized that the piece had ended long ago, and he had been standing there, lost in his memories for a very long time.

"Massenet’s ’Meditation,’ a wonderful piece, a wonderful musician, isn’t it? Here you go!"

Standing in front of Aiven was a young girl with light golden long hair, wearing a violet gown, who handed him a white handkerchief.

Subconsciously taking it, Aiven realized that his eyes were already a bit blurry.

"Oh, th-thank you!"

He gently wiped his eyes and was about to return the handkerchief to the girl when he got a clear look at her and was slightly stunned.

A face as exquisite as a painting, long hair cascading over her shoulders, the thin fabric of her dress outlining a beautiful figure, and a pair of silver slender high heels on her feet, accentuating her tall stature.

A light lady’s lace hat adorned with a pale pink rose, lace trimming on the sleeves and dress hem, and bows on the shoes, all exuding elegance and sophistication.

Standing there with grace, she had an extraordinary unique aura — ethereal, elegant, and noble, forming a harmonious unity of qualities that might seem contradictory on others.

Like an elf who had leapt into the human world, clearly an exceptionally beautiful maiden!

Noticing Aiven dumbfoundedly staring at her, the girl giggled, lightly covering her pink lips with her small hand, an indescribable elegance in her tiny gesture.

"Sorry to interrupt your ’meditation,’ I’m Vinya, can we be friends?"

Perhaps too accustomed to receiving such gazes, the beautiful girl named Vinya didn’t mind but instead confidently extended her fair, delicate right hand.

"Oh, oh, alright, alright."

Aiven, unable to return the handkerchief, somewhat stiffly extended his right hand and lightly shook hands with the girl.

"I’m Aiven, Aiven Galliot, nice to meet you!"

At this point, taking a deep breath, Aiven finally regained the composure of a Navy Captain and formally introduced himself to the young girl.

"Oh, Mr. Galliot?"

A trace of peculiarity flashed in the girl’s expression, but she masked it well.

At this time, the violinist had switched to a lively tune, yet it no longer resonated with Aiven.

Listening with a mindset of appreciation, he leaned against the railing and began conversing with his new friend.

During the conversation, Aiven learned.

Though she spoke the common tongue fluently, the girl was not of the Tyrone people, nor from any member country of the Tulip Alliance.

She was currently in Nisk Water City for academic purposes, with dreams of becoming a great artist and scholar.

While Aiven only mentioned that he was a military man from Phaletis, visiting Tyrone for a short-term work duty.

On other topics unrelated to their identities and backgrounds, the two chatted effortlessly.

From recent news to ancient anecdotes, from the landscapes of various countries to political situations, from literature and art to the present-day gathering of the continent’s top institutions at the Red Maple Academy Alliance...

Despite not having traveled extensively, Aiven had broad horizons and advanced knowledge, and even possessed a Golden Finger that collected half a library.

Chatting with this new friend who obviously had visited many places, he was not at a disadvantage, and every word was insightful, drawing the girl’s keen attention.

Unconsciously, as they spoke, their conversation became more solemn, shifting from casual chat to somewhat like seeking advice.

As the conversation grew enthusiastic.

The girl’s sky-blue eyes flashed with anticipation, lightly biting her lower lip, she posed a question she had roamed the continent seeking an answer for, yet found unsatisfactory.

"My homeland lies across the ocean, and it’s still very underdeveloped, far from comparing to this continent’s splendor.

Um, Aiven, may I ask you a question?"

"Across the ocean?"

Inexplicably, Aiven found the expression familiar, hesitant to let his mind wander in front of the lady.

He didn’t think too deeply, simply smiled warmly and said gentlemanly:

"Sure, go ahead; I’ll answer if I can."

"Thank you!

I’ve been to many places on the continent, in those civilized lands, I’ve seen neat clothing, exquisite food, magnificent art, ingeniously crafted architecture, great steam engines, and robust ironclads and cannons.

What I want to ask is, is this the reason why the civilized world can triumph over the barbaric aboriginals, continuously expanding and colonizing the entire known world?"

The girl’s gaze at this moment was not like a literary youth’s normal inquisitiveness but more like a wise person worried about her clan’s future.

Though it was odd, her appearance clearly presented her as a perfectly standard continental person, yet she posed the question as if from an aboriginal perspective.

But Aiven himself was not a pure "continental person" either; if not for all his family and friends being here, he felt there was no essential difference between continentals and aboriginals.

Therefore, hearing the girl’s confusion, Aiven laughed heartily.

"Victory in global colonization? Hahaha, what distinction is there between civilization and barbarism, only between barbarism and even greater barbarism!"

All talk of culture, faith, and innate nobility are nothing but disguises made by the victors; so-called colonization is merely the process of using formidable power to break down underdeveloped nations’ doors, enforcing blatant plunder and enslavement, and conducting comprehensive actual occupation in economic, political, and cultural aspects.

All that the girl mentioned is true, but she’s reversing cause and effect!